Donkey Kong 64/Walkthrough

Donkey Kong 64 has a reputation among gamers as a 'collectathon.' With many different collectables scattered through this huge game, this section focuses on the main ones: The golden bananas. There are over 200 of these in the game, and they vary in difficulty quite a lot, so let's find out how to track down these elusive things!

Jungle Japes

 * 1. Outside the Cage
 * Character: Donkey
 * Difficulty: Easy

On your first visit to Jungle Japes, you will have to rescue Diddy Kong while you're there. Just outside his cage is a golden banana, free for the picking.

From the level entrance, climb the nearby palm tree and from the top, use the vines to swing to the far end of the path. At the far end, hit the switch: It will open a gate below. Jump down, and make your way through the newly opened tunnel.

At the far end of the tunnel is the main body of the Jungle level, where Diddy will call over during a cutscene on your first visit. He is somewhere on the mountain, and Donkey is the man (ape?) to climb it and bust him out! The foot of the mountain is surrounded by a pool of water. If you head anti-clockwise around it a little, you should be able to see a beanstalk running up the hillside. Jump into the water and swim over, climbing up the beanstalk.

Donkey will be just outside Funky's store, situated on the side of the mountain. Buying a weapon is necessary to free Diddy Kong, but not to collect this golden banana, so we will bypass this for now. Turn to face away from Funky's armoury, and look out for a set of vines. Use these to swing across to another ledge, this one featuring a cannon. Walk right into the cannon, and Donkey will automatically be launched up, landing just outside Diddy's cage. That banana is right in front of you!


 * 2. Rescue Diddy
 * Character: Donkey
 * Difficulty: Easy

This golden banana is inside Diddy Kong's cage on top of the mountain in Jungle Japes, and it ain't coming out until the cage is opened. Follow these steps to unlock Diddy Kong, as well as another golden banana.

First, make sure you have obtained the 'Outside the Cage' banana -- you can't get this one without it. Once Donkey grabs the bounty, three switches will appear throughout the level. These switches must be shot using a coconut gun, available for purchase at Funky's armoury for 3 coins. Backtrack to his store (see 'Outside the Cage') and pick it up. If you do not have the coins, they can be found in the tunnel near the entrance of the level.

Once left Funky's with your new weapon, walk over to the edge with the vines again (see 'Outside the Cage'). Stand at the very edge of the cliff, as close as you can without risking falling off the edge. Now, pull out your shooter, and use C^ to aim it.

Point the crosshair at the side of the mountain, and move down a bit. The switch is on the side of the mountain here. If you cannot shoot it from your current location, exit aiming mode and try again from a different spot. Shoot the switch.

With one down, come down from the mountain and return to the ground level. There are two switches left, and it is not important which order they are done.

On the left hand side of the level is a closed gate, with a coconut switch above it. This can be shot very easily if you are close enough to see it. However, there are Zingers flying around the area, and you will lose your aim if hit. It is recommended you dispatch them before attempting to activate the switch. Another alternative is to climb up a nearby tree and shoot the switch from there. Either way works.

The right hand side of the level is set out in a very similar way to the left. It even has a similar switch, which can be taken care of the same way you dealt with its brother on the left end.

Once all three switches are hit, Diddy's cage will open up. You can now play as Diddy Kong, (just jump into a tag barrel to change) and he left that golden banana in his cage for you to collect.