Part 74

Learn about Bonus Barrels, DK Coins, DK Stars, and Levers in Donkey Kong 64. Get Golden Bananas and progress through levels.

Bonus Barrels

Bonus Barrels are floating barrels marked with a banana symbol. Jumping into one initiates a bonus stage. These stages are varied but repeat, with later instances being more difficult. Some require survival for a set time, while most demand a specific score before the time limit expires. While many mini-games are manageable, some can be extremely frustrating.

Successfully completing a bonus stage results in your Kong reappearing below the barrel, which then explodes. A Golden Banana is awarded for victory. If you fail, you can choose to retry or quit. You have an unlimited number of retries, so it is advisable to keep trying until you succeed, unless you become overly frustrated.

DK Coin

In specific areas, you must complete a race to earn a Golden Banana. During these races, you will find coins bearing the DK logo. To obtain all the associated Golden Bananas, you need to collect a certain number of these coins. Be aware that being hit by an enemy or obstacle will cause you to lose three coins. Therefore, it is recommended to continue collecting coins even after reaching the required amount.

DK Star

DK Stars are found in a few locations, including Gloomy Galleon and Crystal Caves. They also appear at the end of most of DK's barrel blasting courses. Shooting or passing through these stars, sometimes requiring multiple hits, will trigger an event that allows you to progress within the level.

Lever

The first type of lever can be found anywhere. After learning the Gorilla Grab move from Cranky Kong, stand on a lever's footplate and press B. DK will pull the lever, causing an event that allows progression. Levers are also present on the sides of the tracks in the three mine cart courses. Moving the control stick left or right pulls the lever, closing one track and opening another. This can be beneficial, but not always. Sometimes the newly opened track may contain fewer coins than the previous one, so avoid pulling all levers unnecessarily.

Basic Moves

These are the moves you begin the game with. Although they do not require purchase, each utilizes a specific button combination.

Jump Attack

To perform this move, start running, then jump and press B. Donkey Kong will execute a kick. These controls are consistent across all five Kongs, though the resulting action may vary slightly. This is an efficient attack method, allowing continuous movement and typically defeating most enemies in a single hit. It also provides a small amount of airtime, which can be useful for crossing gaps, although the long jump is generally better suited for this purpose. Regularly using the jump attack is recommended due to its convenience and relative power.

Roll

This move is exclusive to DK and Tiny Kong due to control limitations. While moving, quickly press Z then B, and DK will perform a roll. Tiny executes a slide. This can be used to defeat enemies or gain a slight speed boost. Rolling has no significant strategic purpose but can be useful for increasing speed. To stop rolling, press A, and your Kong will jump and land on their feet. Due to the Z and B button requirement, Lanky, Chunky, and Diddy Kong cannot perform this move as they have other actions that utilize these same controls.

Backflip

The backflip is a crucial move. Hold Z and press A, and your Kong will perform a high jump, enabling access to higher ledges. This move offers limited horizontal distance, so you must be close to the ledge you intend to reach. Due to the minimal distance covered, do not attempt to use this move for crossing gaps, as you will likely fall.

Long Jump

The long jump is a very useful move, familiar to players of Super Mario 64. While running, quickly press Z then A. If performed correctly, your Kong will leap forward a significant distance.