A number of previously unpublished early sketches and concept art for SNES classic Donkey Kong Country have recently been shared with the world by a veteran Rare developer.
Gregg Mayles, who has worked for the now Microsoft-owned studio since 1989, has been tweeting the images, taken from his personal vault, under the hashtag #DKCRevealed. As well as providing a fascinating insight into the development process for one of the most beloved platforming games of all time, they also reveal the game’s working title of Donkey Kong & The Golden Bananas, as well as the fact that Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto played a pivotal role in shaping the final design for the character of DK.
The mystery giant folder from a while ago is back. Here’s a preview. Anyone want to see what lurks within? pic.twitter.com/NawDavvX3I
— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) August 31, 2015
First out of the GMF are some early 1993 concept ideas for a reimagined Donkey Kong. pic.twitter.com/Gae85778oY
— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) August 31, 2015
Next to be #DKCrevealed from the folder is this faxed pic from Mr Miyamoto suggesting DK could have a tie. Good call. pic.twitter.com/2IN21icvrN
— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) September 1, 2015
Here’s a #DKCrevealed concept book before DKC was DKC. Look at that shininess still gleaming! pic.twitter.com/Moto5zn3pR
— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) September 3, 2015
In the #DKCrevealed Golden Bananas concept story there’s early Cranky as Grandpa and a Diddy / DK Junior hybrid. pic.twitter.com/5tSnP28aPW
— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) September 3, 2015
@BringBackKRool asks if #DKCrevealed has any early Kremling art. How about this pair, that pre-date K.Rool? pic.twitter.com/Vxys3eO8tX
— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) September 2, 2015