I can still remember when DKC released on the SNES, it was massive. There was a promotional video which Nintendo sent to Nintendo Power Subscribers, and that commercial still ranks as one of the best Nintendo ever created. The game itself propelled the SNES to victory over the Genesis and gave Nintendo its sense of 'cool' back. I loved the game, and to this day I still love it.

DKC2 Really upped the anti in a lot of ways, introuduced new play mechanics, new animal buddies, more content, and one of the best video game soundtracks ever. But was it superior in every way to the original? I'm not sure, This game was among the pioneers of 'collectathons' and I'm not a huge fan of that. But it really felt like a grand adventure, and better boss variety. Classic game.

Didn't play DKC3 (Next gen had started in full swing by that time) But to those who did maybe it ranks among your favs?

DKC Returns: Retros first attempt at reviving this classic series, They did a great job imo. The production values, put NSMB to shame, it was very challenging, overall a fantastic game. One aminal buddy (two if you count squawks) No swimming levels and put collectathon on steroids. Introduced background hazards that made the worlds feel very much alive. But a few gripes I had was one, you could not switch characters, ie, play with Diddy Kong instead of DK, Not a fan of Diddy's jet pack, however, because this was the first DKC game in over a decade, it was easy to overlook certain shortcomings. And no Kremlings? Bring them back.

DKC Tropical Freeze This game releases soon, and it looks fantastic. Introducing more characters (though again, only one animal buddy, and one player HAS to play as DK, C'mon Retro, patch that) What is the point of multiple characters if one can't choose? Why can't Dixie and Diddy play together of Cranky and Diddy etc. But the soundtrack sounds amazing, swimming is back, and overall, the game looks like its improving in every way to Returns. THIS is how you create a sequel, I don't have a Wii U, but games like this make Wii U's library that much more enticing.

If I were to pick my favorite DKC game I'd go with 1 barely over 2, simply because it was so fresh for its time, but 2 took things to another level. I don't think Retro's Returns is quite as good yet, but that might change with TF. I also liked Rares more grittier art style, but both look great. What do you guys think? 

I would go with DKCR3D as had same great levels and game play minus some of the motion control stuff that I was not a fan of.

DKCR

Jungle Beat, easily.

LoL.

DKC 1, since It's the only one I played.

Wow, that's interesting. I agree with everything else you said as well. Time flies!

I finished DKC and DKCR. Out of those two the clear winner is DKC, it's one of my favourite games of all time! I remember playing it on the Game Boy Color. I spent hours upon hours on that game. I found it was hard as fuck too!

Interesting choice, but you have played the SNES games as well? If you did, did you play them when they were first released or later on on the VC?

A true masterpiece, but this is for Donkey Kong Country games only.