Donkey Kong 3 (NES) Playthrough
4Playthrough of Nintendo's 1986 shoot 'em up arcade port for the NES, Donkey Kong 3.
Nintendo's 1986 release of Donkey Kong 3 for the NES is a shoot 'em up arcade port that takes a unique approach within the Donkey Kong series. Departing from the traditional platforming gameplay of its predecessors, this installment puts players in the role of Stanley, an exterminator tasked with protecting his greenhouse from Donkey Kong and a swarm of aggressive insects.
The gameplay revolves around Stanley using a bug spray to fend off waves of bees, butterflies, and other pests while also pushing Donkey Kong higher up the screen. The goal is to either repel Donkey Kong completely off the stage or eliminate all the insects in each level. Players must manage their spray can’s positioning carefully, as enemies attack from multiple angles, creating a fast-paced and frantic experience.
The visuals are colorful and retain the charm of the original arcade game, though the NES port simplifies some of the graphics due to hardware limitations. The levels are structured in single-screen arenas with distinct layouts that add variety to the challenge. The sound design, featuring energetic chiptunes and classic arcade effects, enhances the nostalgic atmosphere.
While Donkey Kong 3 offers an entertaining twist on the series, its gameplay can feel repetitive over time, and it lacks the iconic platforming elements that defined earlier entries. Nonetheless, it provides a fun, fast-paced arcade experience, particularly for fans of classic shoot 'em ups and Nintendo’s early arcade games.