Donkey Kong Series Japanese Packaging / Box Art Translations (1983-1996)

Donkey Kong (7.15.83), Donkey Kong Jr. (7.15.83), Donkey Kong Jr. Math (12.12.83), Donkey Kong 3 (7.4.84)

The quartet of Famicom Donkey Kong titles had some charming box art, but being early to mid-80s Famicom titles, the description on the back were limited to instructions on handling the cartridge.

      

Donkey Kong '94 / Game Boy Donkey Kong (11.14.94)

Depicted with his tie makeover for the first time, this title, which helped to launch the Super Game Boy peripheral was famous for it's epic fake out. After the first three stages from the original arcade version are completed...a massive new world opens up. The game is also notable for Mario's expansive move set which he would bring into the revolutionary Super Mario 64.

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by GameBoyJames.)

This time, Mario is an acrobat!

The heroine, Pauline, has been captured by the escaping Donkey Kong. In the face of danger, Mario is in pursuit! This nostalgic title has been brought to the Game Boy. Handstands, back flips, wire spins, etc... Learn how to play as an all new Mario with so many magnificent actions. Gymnast? Circus Star? This time, Mario sure is an acrobat!

Donkey Kong Country / Super Donkey Kong (11.26.94)

The Japanese DKC gets a different, appropriate render for the packages' vertical orientation. Under the same general theme of Donkey and Diddy exploring the jungle, you get a better look at the sky and some different enemies and supporting characters. The green, jungle trim of the outer box looks wonderful and lively. Reminds me of the VHS tape box which I watched a hundred times in anticipation over this game!

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

In a new release for the Super Famicom, Donkey Kong shows up with amazing graphics!

Donkey Kong has been reincarnated! With his new partner Diddy Kong, they're going berserk on the beautiful jungle island! Your foes are the gang of banana thieves, the Kremlins. Overcome various terrain and enemies to get your banana horde back!!

Thanks to the use of the latest computer graphics techniques, the Super Famicom has gained the ability to produce these amazing graphics.

*40 courses, each with their own unique features.
* Track down secret areas and go for a 100% clear!
* Plan with and leverage the abilities of both Donkey and Diddy!

Donkey Kong Land / Super Donkey Kong GB (7.27.95)

I enjoyed the touch of how the viewpoint is a little more close and packed in to match the experience of trying to take in the game's visuals on the tiny GB screen. I was a huge fan of the SNES game but never got much time with this. Hoping it shows up on the Switch NSO service soon...

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by Guard_Master, odino, and RFH.)

Front:
Super Donkey Kong GB
With a banana colored cartridge!!
*With the Super Game Boy, play in vibrant color.

Action Game
Back-up ability included

Back:
Donkey and Diddy Kong's adventure finally appears on the Game Boy!

Donkey Kong and his partner Diddy Kong head off towards a world filled with new adventure. Flying pigs take to the air, deadly poisonous Zingers, alligator monsters, the Kremling army and even more enemies are here for the Kongs to once again run roughshod on!

A mysterious pirate ship, blizzardy mountains, undersea ruins, mid-air mazes ...these make up some of the new areas awaiting the Kongs. Well then, grab on to those vines and leap off to Donkey and Diddy's world of adventure!

Donkey Kong Country 2 / Super Donkey Kong 2 (11.21.95)

Similar to the US and JP covers of the first game, the same scene is reimagined with a different camera angle, character layout and sky color. In this case, I prefer the American cover which better conveys the game's overbearing mood.

(Images taken from GameFaqs.)

Ehh~!!

Donkey Kong has been captured!?

In order to help out the captured Donkey Kong, Diddy and his girlfriend Dixie are off on a huge adventure! Delivering the latest CG (Computer Graphics) techniques and sounds, it's the second 'Digital Animation Game'!

Donkey Kong Country 3/ Super Donkey Kong 3: Mysterious Kremis Island (11.18.96)

Released just months after the monumental Super Mario 64 and making some controversial choices in everything from the character choices to the soundtrack production, DKC3 is the black sheep of the legendary SNES trilogy but still wildly popular.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by RFH and DeadsideSerpent.)

*The adventure this time, is filled with mystery!?*

* What are Donkey and Diddy's whereabouts?

* Who is Chaos, the new boss of the Kremlin Army?

* What are the special skills of the new character, Dinky?

The latest game in the [Super Donkey Kong] series, has returned even more scaled up than the previous adventure! The incredible graphics seen throughout the series have been powered up for even more fun!!

(How to approach the game)

*Team Up*

This time with team play, characters can climb on to one another to change up the action! If you don't use your head, it'll be really tough to get an 'All Clear'!!

(Upper Caption) Throw Dinky directly overhead

(Lower Caption) If you fall into the crack on the floor.

(Left Caption) The baby kong, Dinky, makes his debut.

(Center Caption) Converse with the island's inhabitants to solve mysteries.

(Right Caption) The attacks of the bosses have been further powered up!!

Donkey Kong Land 2 / Donkey Kong Land (11.23.96)

In a slightly confusing turn, the Japanese Game Boy port of DKC2 is given the same name as the American prequel. The beautiful moodiness of DKC2's world is wonderfully conveyed through the cover with Diddy and Dixie smiling and smirking within such treacherous depths.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by Gazlover and Guard_Master.)

This time, Diddy and Dixie star in an eventful adventure!

Captain K. Rool and his gang of Kremlins have kidnapped Donkey Kong!

Therefore, Diddy and Dixie have headed off to rescue Donkey Kong. At their destination, the Kremlins are all awaiting them. The pair will have to deal with various traps and tricks in this big adventure.

So, are you about ready?