Your allies are the characters in the game that are either playable or will be interacted with in some way during your journey through Donkey Kong Country. While some may be laid-back and easy-going beach bums, others are high-strung and tough but supportive characters. However, as in every adventure with the Kongs, you decide who your favorite primate is.
Donkey Kong
The alpha male in the animal kingdom is none other than Donkey Kong himself. This giant brute is stronger than most any opponent you come across and will not waver in the presence of any enemy. While he may not be an intellectual heavyweight, this primate is strong, loyal, and loves bananas more than anyone you have ever met. His controls are a bit sluggish, but his power is unparalleled. Just Ground Pound and hop on top of just about anyone’s head to create the most pleasant concussion.
Diddy Kong
Donkey Kong’s most trusted and best friend throughout the country, Diddy has had DK’s back since their duo was conceptualized. Diddy has been along on just about every adventure and is a very dependable, supportive character. While he may lack the brute strength that DK shows, he more than makes up for with his ingenuity and mechanical prowess, as well as his tight controls and fast movements. This little guy sports a jetpack and dual Peanut Popguns as well. Did I mention he has a jetpack? That has to account for something.
Dixie Kong
Do not judge this Kong by the blonde hair or pink clothes. This character exudes girl power with every wave of those golden locks. While Dixie was a latecomer in the series, she has been in every adventure other than the first Donkey Kong Country, and there is a reason for that. Like Diddy, Dixie has tight controls and makes getting to that area just out of reach easy. She uses her hair as a propeller, adding an extra few feet to DK’s jump in order to get that Puzzle Piece or bananas that are too high for any other character to grasp. This female also packs heat in the form of a Gumball Popgun, so don’t take any lip from those men in your troop.
Cranky Kong
Introducing Cranky Kong as a playable character was a great decision, which will become apparent when you use this crotchety old coot. In the past, Cranky has seemed withered and frail, as he shouted negative criticism from the safety of his rocking chair. Surprisingly, there is some fight in this old boy still. Instead of using his words, Cranky lets his fists—or cane, rather—do the talking. Cranky uses his cane as a pogo stick, allowing him and DK to reach platforms up high as well as to obtain items along a spiked floor. Cranky uses his cane to whack enemies upside the head and can shoot his dentures with his—you guessed it—Denture Popgun to stun opponents. And you thought you couldn’t teach an old monkey new tricks.
Funky Kong
Radical! Tubular! Excellent! Bodacious! Anyone else remember those good ol’ sayings from the 1980s? Well, all are sure to be in Funky’s repertoire of sayings. This Kong sells you the most useful items in the country. Although his goodies are not available on a newly unlocked island, once you complete a few levels, you can be sure he and his white plane of commerce will arrive in no time. If you are frugal, and you hoard as many banana coins as possible, his price per item should not be an issue, so stock up as much as you can for those dodgy temple levels!
Rambi the Rhinoceros
When the going gets tough, the tough grow horns and thick leathery skin, while simultaneously turning into the fastest and strongest ally in the game! Rambi is everyone’s favorite rhinoceros and has been since the beginning of Donkey Kong Country. This powerful mammal will plow through just about any obstacle, including spikes, and outrun anything you can encounter. Relief comes in the form of a Rambi box, so once you see one, break it free and keep Rambi from harm. You don’t want to go through a rhino level without Rambi.
Professor Chops
This somewhat husky pig makes a return visit from the previous title as the checkpoint guide and instruction guru. In the beginning and throughout some later levels, Professor Chops will explain and reiterate control maneuvers from basic to complicated. Be sure to heed his advice, as it may be the only way through to the next section of the level. This guy will also grant you checkpoint status once, twice, and, sometimes, three times in a level. Once he waves his flag as you pass, you will return to this point if misfortune occurs and you are defeated.