The Great Kong Confusion: Is Donkey Kong Jr. the Same as Diddy Kong?
No, Donkey Kong Jr. and Diddy Kong are not the same character, though their histories are intertwined in a fascinating tale of video game development. While Diddy Kong was originally conceived as a redesigned version of Donkey Kong Jr., Nintendo’s intervention led to the creation of a completely new character. This article delves into the complicated relationship between these two iconic figures, exploring their origins, differences, and place within the Donkey Kong universe.
The Genesis of Diddy Kong: A Redesign Gone Right
The story begins with Rare, the developer tasked with revitalizing the Donkey Kong franchise for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in the early 1990s. Rare’s initial concept for a playable character in what would become Donkey Kong Country was an updated version of Donkey Kong Jr., a character who had largely faded into obscurity after his initial appearances in the early 1980s.
Nintendo’s Intervention
Rare’s redesign of Donkey Kong Jr., however, didn’t sit well with Nintendo. The Japanese gaming giant felt the proposed character strayed too far from the original design of DK Jr., and they voiced concerns that it didn’t accurately represent the classic character. Nintendo suggested two options: either return the character to his classic look or scrap the concept entirely and create a new character from scratch. Rare, rather than abandoning their new design, chose the latter. This led to the birth of Diddy Kong, a new monkey character with a distinct visual design, personality and role.
Key Differences Between Donkey Kong Jr. and Diddy Kong
Though their origins are linked, Donkey Kong Jr. and Diddy Kong are vastly different characters. Here’s a breakdown of their key distinctions:
- Design: Donkey Kong Jr. is visually similar to his father, the original Donkey Kong (later established as Cranky Kong), but with a smaller build and a lighter color. Diddy Kong, on the other hand, is a smaller monkey with a long tail, noticeably different from the ape-like build of both Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. He typically sports a red Nintendo cap and a red tank top, further differentiating his design.
- Species: Donkey Kong Jr., like his father and son (the current Donkey Kong), is generally considered to be an ape, most likely a gorilla. Diddy Kong, is a monkey, this distinction is evident in his physical features, primarily the presence of a tail.
- Role in the Series: Donkey Kong Jr.’s primary role was as the protagonist of Donkey Kong Jr., where he rescued his father from Mario. He largely disappeared from the main series after that. Diddy Kong, became a central character in the Donkey Kong Country series, serving as the primary sidekick to the modern Donkey Kong and starring in his own games.
A Family Tree: Untangling the Kong Lineage
Understanding the relationship between these characters requires examining the Kong family tree:
- Cranky Kong is the original Donkey Kong from the 1981 arcade game. He is the father of Donkey Kong Jr.
- Donkey Kong Jr. is the father of the modern Donkey Kong, who is the protagonist of the Donkey Kong Country series.
- Diddy Kong is often described as Donkey Kong’s nephew or at least a close friend.
While Diddy’s exact relation to the main Kong line is not explicitly defined in all canons, he is generally considered to be more distantly related than DK Jr. and certainly of different species.
The Significance of Diddy Kong
The decision to create Diddy Kong was pivotal for the Donkey Kong Country series. He brought a fresh dynamic to the gameplay and allowed for more varied levels and mechanics. The fact that he is a smaller, more nimble character, is a key part of his gameplay role. Diddy is also a fan favorite, known for his upbeat personality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Donkey Kong Jr. and Diddy Kong, and expand on the lore of the Donkey Kong universe.
1. Was Diddy Kong initially designed to be a new Donkey Kong?
No, Diddy Kong was not initially designed as a new Donkey Kong. He was originally conceived as a redesigned Donkey Kong Jr. for the game Donkey Kong Country, however, Nintendo disapproved of the changes and had him made into his own character.
2. Is Diddy Kong related to Donkey Kong Jr.?
Yes, Diddy Kong is related to Donkey Kong Jr., although the exact relationship is not fully defined. Diddy is commonly understood to be either a nephew or a close family friend. However, he’s not a direct descendant in the same way as the modern Donkey Kong.
3. Why did Nintendo object to Rare’s redesign of Donkey Kong Jr.?
Nintendo felt that Rare’s proposed design strayed too far from the original look of Donkey Kong Jr. and didn’t want to lose the classic look of the character. They wanted a character closer to the traditional design of the Donkey Kong Jr. that had appeared previously.
4. What role did Donkey Kong Jr. play in the franchise?
Donkey Kong Jr. was the protagonist of the game Donkey Kong Jr., where he rescued his father from Mario. After that game, he had sporadic appearances but was eventually replaced by Diddy Kong in many roles.
5. Is Diddy Kong Donkey Kong’s son?
No, Diddy Kong is not Donkey Kong’s son. Donkey Kong, in the Donkey Kong Country series, is generally considered the grandson of Cranky Kong (the original Donkey Kong) and son of Donkey Kong Jr., making Diddy his nephew or a close family friend.
6. Who is Diddy Kong’s girlfriend?
Diddy Kong’s girlfriend is Dixie Kong, who first appeared in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. They are depicted as inseparable friends and a romantic couple.
7. What kind of primate is Diddy Kong?
Diddy Kong is a monkey, characterized by his smaller size, agility, and the presence of a tail. Donkey Kong is an ape (most likely a gorilla).
8. Why is Donkey Kong called Donkey Kong?
The name “Donkey Kong” was chosen by Shigeru Miyamoto. He used “Donkey” to mean “stubborn” in English, and “Kong” was simply to denote a large ape, thus, Donkey Kong is a “stubborn ape.”
9. Who is the main antagonist of the Donkey Kong Country games?
The main antagonist of the Donkey Kong Country series is King K. Rool, a Kremling who is a recurring enemy of both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong.
10. Is Cranky Kong the same as the original Donkey Kong?
Yes, Cranky Kong is indeed the original Donkey Kong from the 1981 arcade game. He was the villain in that game. He is the father of Donkey Kong Jr. and grandfather of the current Donkey Kong.
11. Who is the villain in Donkey Kong Jr.?
The villain in Donkey Kong Jr. is Mario, who at that time was named “Jumpman” in the original Donkey Kong game. The roles were reversed, with Mario now capturing Cranky Kong and DK Jr. having to save him.
12. Did Nintendo steal the concept for Donkey Kong?
Ikegami sued Nintendo for copyright infringement following the release of Donkey Kong Jr. The Tokyo High Court ruled in favor of Ikegami, and the companies reached a settlement. This was regarding programing code and not characters or concepts.
13. Is Donkey Kong stronger than Mario?
Yes, in terms of raw strength, Donkey Kong is depicted as being significantly stronger than Mario. In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it’s shown in their gladiator match. Mario can only win when he is empowered with the Cat Suit.
14. What happened to Donkey Kong Jr. after his initial game?
Donkey Kong Jr. had sporadic appearances in spinoff games, but he was eventually replaced by Diddy Kong as the playable character. He has largely disappeared from video game culture since then.
15. Is Candy Kong Donkey Kong’s girlfriend?
Candy Kong is often identified as Donkey Kong’s love interest. Although, their relationship is never firmly defined. She was the only female Kong character prior to the introduction of Dixie Kong.
In conclusion, while Diddy Kong owes his existence to a discarded redesign of Donkey Kong Jr., they are ultimately distinct and separate characters. Diddy Kong has carved out his own identity in the Donkey Kong universe, becoming an integral part of the franchise. Understanding the development history and the Kong family tree helps to appreciate the rich and complex world of Donkey Kong.