Xmas RetroVision – Merry Donkey Kong Christmas

Christmas is upon us, and at Rings & Coins we’re going to celebrate this event in the best way possible, by gaming.  Over the course of December, interspersed between the standard news, features, and other events, such as that little old film Star Wars, we’ll have a healthy array of festive content.  So, to kick things off, we’ve got a great secret that’ll turn one of the all-time Super Nintendo classics, into a Christmas-themed Winter Wonderland.

If you grew up in the 90s, then there’s a chance that you may have found a copy of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! under the Christmas Tree in 1996.  Donkey Kong Country 3 was one of the last big blockbusters for the Super Nintendo, and despite the Nintendo 64’s Japanese and American releases coming earlier in the year, the game continued to showcase the pedigree of development that Rare had established within the series.  It was also released in the build up to Christmas, and as such Rare hid a bit of seasonal spirit deep within the game.

So what does this super hidden secret do?  Well, it may not be a massive change, but it’s enough to feel all festive.  Essentially, by accessing this secret, players will find that the game’s hidden Bonus Stages have had something of a makeover.  This includes the stars being replaced with Christmas Tree decorations, bananas replaced by presents, and an altered soundtrack that has enough bells and chimes to make you want to chug some Eggnog.  Combine this with the game’s snowy levels, and you’ll wonder if you were ever playing a non-Christmas title.

So if you’re feeling all Christmassy, then grab yourself a copy of Donkey Kong Country 3 and prepare to enter to following code:

• When on the “Select Game” screen enter: L, R, R, L, R, R, L, R, L, R.
• Then input “MERRY” as your name.

This will then turn all of the Bonus Stages, into Christmas Bonus Stages.

Given that Donkey Kong Country is a series that many return to time and time again, especially at Christmas, this really is a welcome find.  So, you can officially count Donkey Kong Country 3 as a bonafide Christmas title now.  It’s always nice to have an excuse to play a classic isn’t it?

However, what other retro games should you be considering when thinking of Christmas and gaming?  Also, what other Christmas cameos are there within our favourite games from the 8 & 16-Bit days of gaming?  Well, keep your eyes peeled to Rings & Coins over the course of December to find you more.