I was too scared by the zombie moaning to enter the crypt as a kid, until I eventually discovered: • There are no zombie enemies in DK64 • That sound is probably just Grant Kirkhope moaning about his knackers again or something
In the dungeon sections, I was always freaked out by the moaning sounds, but later knowing that its actually DK's voice just slowed down, I'm now freaked out even more lmao
The Lanky barrel isn’t required to beat the maze. It’s a beginner’s trap meant to waste your time. As long as you follow the banana bunches, you will never get lost or run out of time to get to the end.
“As a kid, did it creep you out?” The catacombs music at 8:22 creeps me out as an adult. But one of the most memorable worlds for sure, and no contest the best boss fight. Also Merry Christmas!
The Crypt section was always the scariest part for me as a kid because of the eerie music, the moans, and how dark it was. But boy, did it lead to an amazing Minecart game going against the Resident Demon. I STILL think he should have been the true boss of Creepy Castle. Also NEED to know the lore behind him and the level itself. Such a good one!
By far the best level design in the game. Progression and banana collecting doesn't feel scattered like birdseed for pigeons, i.e. most of the other worlds. And as creepy as the world is, the theme does a fantastic job of being just as catchy. It wasn't a slog to explore, and the warp panels all being condensed at the moat felt very hub world-esque. Everything about Creepy Castle is peak. I appreciate how the developers saved us the best world for last.
the boss of this world is certainly weird, with no big baddie for the Kritters to had the key over to, they just end up panicking and throw together a giant carboard cutout of K. Rool named "King Kut-out" just to try and do something to stop the Kongs. The world itself is nice, but the final phase against the boss can be frustrating as you need to be very fast with your timing to hit it or else you lose a Kong since you only have 5 tries before you have to restart the fight
I don’t know if this would be a missed opportunity but this live could had a cameo from Wrinkly Kong just chilling out vibing to the interior of the castle having a grand only time in the after life
Hey thanks for making this series! Was a blast to watch And agree....never understood why 2 beaver bothers...I guess the devs knew the quality of THIS world, so they have to level it :/ I want to think this is a version of the incomplete Banjo Tooie Castle world (yes, Cauldron Keep was meant to be a full Castle-themed level with jiggies and all) Gonna watch again lol
My ranking of the worlds are as follows: 7 - Gloomy Galleon: Water world that isn't actually half bad, it's just the weakest level in my opinion. 6 - Crystal Caves: As you said, the layout leaves a lot to be desired. I did like the cabin & igloo challenges though. 5 - Jungle Japes: The first world to ease the player in. Does a fantastic job, but the other worlds offer a lot more. 4 - Angry Aztec: Huge step up in size from Jungle Japes, which can be quite daunting the first time you play it. This is where the game starts to let go of your hand, which I appreciate. 3 - Fungi Forest: My god, the music in both night and day are absolutely masterful. Theme is appropriate, and the Day and Night gimmick was a good way to shake things up. 2 - Creepy Castle: Objectively the best DK64 had to offer. Undeniably a fantastic finish for the game, fitting to be the player's last stop before hideout helm. 1 - Frantic Factory: One of Video Games' most original factory levels. I've always loved the Evil Toy aesthetic, which was executed flawlessly here. Brain-twisting layout aside, this world can define DK64 itself. Mad Jack was incredibly fitting, and a great way to put a daunting challenge in front of the player before letting them proceed. Does he still haunt my nightmares? Absolutely. Does he still prove to be a great inspiration for Boss Design? Undeniably. Does he carry Frantic Factory to the top? You better believe it.
Subbed, happy holidays! This level is so dark for a Donkey Kong game. Zombie moans in the dungeons and the LITERAL DEMON FROM HELL! Also that blaring alarm at the start of the ride too, shiver.
Fun fact, spook was originally a dutch term meaning "apparition" and became an english noun for ghosts before it became a slur in America, and now it largely reverted back to its original ghost meaning. Funny how language evolution reverted a word back to its original meaning for once.
Strange thing I recently learned about the boss of this world is that speedrunners can use it to unlock all the kongs. Either it has to do with some bug or something in the game code interpreting that you have all the kongs freed when you enter the boss arena. Here's the thing though, I think this quirk can be done through playing the game the way it was meant to be played, hypothetically. Let me explain... Donkey is required to free Diddy (its also mandatory to get enough bananas for Angry Aztec's Entry) Diddy is required to get the key in Angry Aztec opening the way to Frantic Factory and Gloomy Galleon Diddy is required to free Tiny Donkey is required to free Lanky Lanky is required to free Chunky Lanky is required to get the key in Gloomy Galleon opening the way to Fungi Forest. Chunky is required to get the key in Fungi Forest opening the way to Crystal Caves and Creepy Castle Lanky is required to get the key in Creepy Castle Notice the pattern Diddy is needed to get to Creepy Castle Lanky is needed to get to Creepy Castle Chunky is needed to get to Creepy Castle Tiny isn't Tiny is required to get the key in Frantic Factory which opens nothing but is needed for the Final Boss Tiny is required to get to the lobby of Hideout Helm For first time players Tiny is a little tricky to unlock in Angry Aztec due to the camera and platforming, falling off the bridge is a pain. I can imagine someone skipping tiny and coming back for her later but eventually gets all the way to Creepy Castle's Boss only to be surprised that after they miss the boss a couple of times and see they are controlling tiny somehow. Sounds like something if it was made today that would consider a Hidden Achievement that's named "What took you so long?" with the description "Unlock Tiny in Creepy Castle instead". Unless I'm wrong and there actually is a brick wall the designers did somewhere in the game that restricts the other kongs from progressing without Tiny, I don't know what it is.
The stand out in the level for me was the boss at the end, so random and goofy, yet unique in that when the kong is out of the arena they’re out of the match changing things up from previous ones!
Hands down one of the best levels in this game! It did scare me as a kid. And that’s how you know they did a good job. That moaning in the Catacombs. I was convinced as a kid that there was some super secret rare mini zombie boss or something in the game. That had a super small chance of spawning everytime you went in the level.
Definitely my favorite level in DK64. Rare always does an amazing job with cartoonish horror themed levels and it doesn't disappoint here. DK64 is a very atmospheric game and it's theming and settings really speak to that. Everything about this level from the music, the environments, theming, locations and golden banana challenges really stand out in this stage (with the exception to the 2 worst beaver bother challenges in the game). I love the mine cart challenge, the race against the car and overall just exploring the area really feels like you are walking through Dracula's castle (or something similar from the classic horror genre especially when the museum OST takes part of its theme from Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Phantom of the Opera)). This level, Fungi Forest and Frantic Factory are definitely my favorite levels in the game. I love the others as well (even Crystal Caves and Gloomy Galleon again with the atmosphere they all create). DK64 will always be a childhood favorite for the adventure and fond memories I have of it. I really hope this comes to switch online.
The tone setting doesn’t end with the lobby. Even the pre-level cutscene is quite scary, as we see that Kasplat that’s trying to escape punishment for the Kongs taking the blueprint pieces, and he gets jumpscared by a giant red Klaptrap right when he thinks he’s gotten out of Hideout Helm.
I haven't watched any of the visuals for the last couple videos because I've only played up until frantic factory and haven't seen what the other worlds look like yet (I can avoid spoilers crazy good, especially if I haven't seen 3 whole levels of a game in over 20 years.) so I'm just listening to the enthusiastic descriptions of each and it really is pushing me to want to go back to this game. This level and fungi forest in description sound exactly like the level types i love haha
I have 101% this game, beat it many times, watched countless lets plays on it, and listen to the soundtrack. How am I just now realizing that the music to this world uses the same motif as the original arcade game?
I love Creepy Castle! I enjoy the creepy atmosphere it brings. I enjoy exploring the tree and the other areas. The moaning used to creep me out as a kid. I always thought that the Resident Demon should have been the boss for the level, would have been more interesting in my opinion.
i love the mysteries of this level as well. does frantic factory take place inside of Creepy Castle? what is that pillar with the single banana balloon? is the toxic waste the same as stuff in Toxic Tower?
I never actually encountered the Resident Demon mine cart challenge during my initial playthrough as a kid. I was too scared of the zombie noises in the crypt. I don’t know if I would’ve thought the demon was awesome, or terrifying.
Ahhhh yes!! Creepy Castle being one of my favorite worlds in the game! So much to explore, so many jump scares, so many beavers 😂but most importantly, I love the world design. It brings big boos haunt vibes from sm64!! I love the book enemies! Quite frankly though, the lobby of this world has so so much to do! Lankys minigame, the rainbow coin, using donkey to unlock the gate for Diddy to get his kasplat!! I just love it all!
With the Museum section in Tiny, there's the small barn area housing the Race minigame, and then another little section with a pedestal; that pedestal always bewildered me because the lighting made it look so important, that it beckons something must be done. Pedestal did absolutely nothing, which was kinda disappointing.
The level is fantastic, only held back by one flaw: you need Funky's Sniper upgrade in the crypt to do everything in the tower, but you have to climb the tower to get Cranky's Super Duper Simian Slam to access everything in the crypt. Small bit of backtracking, but still annoying.
I never noticed but for the cart events the difficulty ramps hard. And each of the carts are at the beginning middle and end. And on top of that it goes from industrial to more natural to supernatural. Considering in DKC games it goes from the opposite
Really liked the entire level, but the boss was always a letdown to me even as a kid. Happy to find out what was supposed to be on that mysterious pillar in the museum after all these years!
Should’ve been spelled Kreepy Kastle to not have it match with starting letters of Crystal Caves and to further symbolize the K. Rool monarchy that resided in that haunted palace
Whenever I enter the Museum, I always think it's soundtrack sounds SO similar to the Church in Mad Monster Mansion from Banjo Kazooie, and I love it. Also, I've been thinking alot, and I have made a top 5 list of MY personal favorite levels where Creepy Castle comes in 2nd place. The biggest reason for that is not only because of the two "Bieber Brothers", but also to be honest, I'm not a big fan of the boss. The fight itself is not bad, but I've never liked to fight a K.Rool-shaped Papercut-doll. That Resident Demon (Kackle?) would be a MUCH better choice imo. Anyway, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ❤😍❤
That damn ghost during DKs Mine Cart session shoulda been the boss of this world fits the theme better thena damn giant cut out of K.Rool.. I remember being dissappointed about the boss design when I first played this but the concept of the fight is fun though
And here we go, the best map, 1st of the 9, 10/10! The music, the theme, the setting, the somewhat appropriate spike in difficulty along with the small handful of unique challenges, the minecart challenge, and overall the creepy yet odd simplicity compared to all the other worlds. And the oddly durable and unique cardboard boss where all the Kong's can fight, just... yes. I think the only knock is the odd metallic red switches that requres a new potion (that isnt used anywhere else, not even in the endgame) but hey, its what gives it that extra feel of iron age medieval. Oh, and Tiny's race; liked the concept, didnt much like the execution. Still, i wouldn't change a thing!
It was so much fun, I miss how games would build in scope and graphical design as you played further into them. Not that never happens anymore, but not like this; I hope you know what I mean by that. This level was so much fun, it felt like getting a reward before the ending as a great way to keep the player invested IMO.
For sure one of the best worlds in Donkey Kong 64. Being a huge Halloween lover I always found myself drawn into it and the music used to creep me out so much. Plus the overall design is great as well. Only thing I really don't like is the two Beaver Bother mini games.
I'll just say it. As a horror Halloween lover, I absolutely love Creepy Castle! The music amazing. The visuals spectacular. The areas awesome. The challenges.... mostly good. (Stupid beaver bother mini games). The boss King kut out is a love it or hate it boss but honestly I love it. I always laugh out loud with the over the top screams it makes. Creepy Castle is my favorite world by far.
It's a little weird how the rematch against the car is clearly in Frantic Factory, yet the entrance to the race is in Creepy Castle. I'd like an explanation on how this works.
This level, especially the music, really fits the spooky atmosphere, unlike Gloomy Gulch from DKC2. Don't get me wrong. I really like this level and the music, but it feels calm and mystical rather than giving you the heebie-jeebies. Also, those books remind me of Cheato from Banjo-Kazooie.
Hands down my favorite level. I loved everything (except Beaver bother 😒) about it. The awesome music (including the catacombs ⚰️), the atmosphere, the level layout, etc. I don’t think this was intentionally to be Halloween themed, but it NAILED it.
I honestly didn't like the Kart race in the mini Factory model. Plus I don't think I ever found that one can with all the flies in it. Thanks for sharing. I absolutely love this world and its aesthetics and design. It was always fun to explore as a kid, though I was sometimes a bit too afraid to explore it.
Mesmerizing world that vies with Fungi forest or Frantic Factory for peak vibes of this nutty jaunt. No level trails bananas better. All of the areas are thematically significant and traversal can be admittedly bone chilling. So few games make me feel things and this level knocks it out of the park. It feels like Grant went beyond his normal depth of musical magic here. Maybe it's his groans in the dungeon lol. Diddy's candlelighting sequence in the ghastly ghoul carousing ballroom is peak vibes. Sensational boss fight (krools phantom ganon as it were) just behind Mad Jack for me. Best minecart section in the series to boot? The two beaver bothers are a mildly annoying afterthought. Methinks this world is creme de la creme
I remembre this from my childhood being very spooked and afraid that k rool could jump out around the corner. also i really am disappointed with the boss personally i would have liked a zombie mad jack more xD but i still like beaver bother :) overall a good world. though personally its still frantic factory for me
Best world in the game and enjoyed the video as per usual. Will you end up doing the same for banjo kazooie levels since you recently played through it ?
NGL the sheeted Kremlin is wholeheartedly THE funniest thing in this game. The only thing that brings it down to me is king kutout. But I know it's a personal preference, same as King K Rool showdown.
This world wasn't creepy at all to me as a kid, but that's probably because OoT ruined my sense of fear with those redeads and deadhands, what was nintendo thinking? omg that was terrifying! Ahem, well regardless, this world was indeed one of the best, beaver minigame aside this world was a blast from start to finish.
Why couldn’t all levels be like this? With it being streamlined. Have sections for each Kong which Jungle Japes kind of did but this level did it the best.
Creepy Castle was a great way to end the game as far as normal stages go. The linear rise was nice, it was definitely the most organized, except for the 2 differing crypt tunnels that you could potentially confuse for one another. The Kong switching was the least egregious here. Funny enough nothing here every really scared me, I thought the Resident Demon was funny. No what scared me was the Get Out guy in Crystal Caves, since I didn't know about the 5 door temple back then for some reason, I guess I just didn't go there thinking I already had enough GBs. But yeah, the double Beaver Bother is hands down the worst part of the level, and the only part I don't look forward to.
I played this game on release, renting it, back when you shared rented cartridges so keeping progress was almost impossible so the fact I managed to get to this level, was amazing I couldn't defeat the boss and the next time I rented the game someone deleted my save because of course they did To this day I still wait for the game to be added to NSO to finally subscribe to the damned thing And yes I emulated it years ago but KB sucks ass for this type of platformer so I made it to fungi forest before giving up
Ok so im gonna disagree with you saying the book 3nmi3s hold a resemblance to a banjo kazoooe baddy cause they actually remind me of cheato who is an ally
It's not super memorable for me other than the really annoying boss. The theme is cool, but I do remember being annoyed from falling all the way down the castle on more than one occasion.
Unfortunately, I’m not as big of a fan of creepy castle. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great final main world. I just have too many criticisms with it. Why are there two Beaver bother challenges? That really takes a few points away in my opinion. Like I get, this is supposed to be the hardest world in the game, technically… But that’s just overkill. I cannot overlook that glaring flaw. Those two challenges with Lanky and chunky are completely ruined for me now. I will never forget about those. On top of that. The ballroom music really scared me as a kid. I still have nightmares from that laughter. I do not like that room at all. Even though the bonus barrel itself is fun. I don’t know honestly. Some of these challenges are either super boring or way too difficult to the point that it’s not even fun anymore. Maybe that’s just me. That’s why I’m so mixed on this world. Its not the worst world in the game. Just not one that I particularly look forward to replying again. If I have to give any highlights, it would be the library with DK, the museum with chunky and the Demon kart ride. I still like the world, but it has too many problems with it to be of my favorites. The final world… I’ll leave my comment for that on Friday. I’m excited for that one.
i love creepy castle but i hate the beaver bother mini game definitely one of the mini games i don't like i don't know why they made this mini game so dang hard even when i was a kid i had are hard time beating that mini game
Great level, great boss. Gets you ready for helm. Loved the ballroom diddy challenge with the crazy laughing. Castle, aztec, and caves are at the top for me. One of their lighter songs, but also goes so hard th-cam.com/video/W1I9GIMTVRM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=asgsJfX1hNTVAbt8
Thanks to Snide the Kongs blast themselves up to K Rool's Creepy Castle This is it the Last location filled with Golden Bananas but The King himself is unaware of the intrusion so The Kremlings take it upon themselves to stop the Long by using their secret weapon a Robotic Cardboard cutout of K Rool! But that too falls to the Kongs and With the Last Golden Bananas in hand the Kongs make one last plan to storm the Kremling King's Stronghold and shut down the Blast-O-Matic for good!
??? I literally made a trailer for this series stating that I've been working on this series for 2 years. Everything is 100% legitimate and my hard work.
There's not really much I dislike about Creepy Castle, though there are some annoying collectables that require hanging off the edge of the world map, and maybe getting a little lost having to climb up to the top of the castle, and occasionally falling down to a lower half of the world because of missed jumps on platforms.
Easily one of my favorite worlds! Even with 2 Beaver Bother! What are your thoughts on Creepy Castle?
At least BB is optional (unless you care about 201 Bananas).
Do Ocarina of Time dungeons next
I was too scared by the zombie moaning to enter the crypt as a kid, until I eventually discovered:
• There are no zombie enemies in DK64
• That sound is probably just Grant Kirkhope moaning about his knackers again or something
It is Grant’s voice. Since he voiced DK it does sound like him.
That freaked me out as well.
This game's obsession with time limits is crazy
In the dungeon sections, I was always freaked out by the moaning sounds, but later knowing that its actually DK's voice just slowed down, I'm now freaked out even more lmao
The Lanky barrel isn’t required to beat the maze. It’s a beginner’s trap meant to waste your time. As long as you follow the banana bunches, you will never get lost or run out of time to get to the end.
Indeed I've done this many times without Sprint and I still had around 10 to 20 seconds left. They give you plenty of time lol
Still, does this game really need so many timers?
“As a kid, did it creep you out?” The catacombs music at 8:22 creeps me out as an adult. But one of the most memorable worlds for sure, and no contest the best boss fight.
Also Merry Christmas!
The Crypt section was always the scariest part for me as a kid because of the eerie music, the moans, and how dark it was. But boy, did it lead to an amazing Minecart game going against the Resident Demon. I STILL think he should have been the true boss of Creepy Castle. Also NEED to know the lore behind him and the level itself. Such a good one!
By far the best level design in the game. Progression and banana collecting doesn't feel scattered like birdseed for pigeons, i.e. most of the other worlds. And as creepy as the world is, the theme does a fantastic job of being just as catchy. It wasn't a slog to explore, and the warp panels all being condensed at the moat felt very hub world-esque. Everything about Creepy Castle is peak. I appreciate how the developers saved us the best world for last.
the boss of this world is certainly weird, with no big baddie for the Kritters to had the key over to, they just end up panicking and throw together a giant carboard cutout of K. Rool named "King Kut-out" just to try and do something to stop the Kongs.
The world itself is nice, but the final phase against the boss can be frustrating as you need to be very fast with your timing to hit it or else you lose a Kong since you only have 5 tries before you have to restart the fight
I don’t know if this would be a missed opportunity but this live could had a cameo from Wrinkly Kong just chilling out vibing to the interior of the castle having a grand only time in the after life
I played the ballroom music in a haunted house for Halloween and multiple people looked around cause of all the laughing 😂
I Literally remember nothing from this stage besides it being cool and the...
HAHA! HAHA! HAHA! HAHA!
boss
Hey thanks for making this series! Was a blast to watch
And agree....never understood why 2 beaver bothers...I guess the devs knew the quality of THIS world, so they have to level it :/
I want to think this is a version of the incomplete Banjo Tooie Castle world (yes, Cauldron Keep was meant to be a full Castle-themed level with jiggies and all)
Gonna watch again lol
They missed such an opportunity with the ghosts to actually encounter and do something with wrinkly Kong as an NPC
They do meet Wrinkly Kong as a ghost NPC, remember the Wrinkly Doors on the hub?
It took a lot of guts for me as a kid to go through some parts of the world.
My ranking of the worlds are as follows:
7 - Gloomy Galleon: Water world that isn't actually half bad, it's just the weakest level in my opinion.
6 - Crystal Caves: As you said, the layout leaves a lot to be desired. I did like the cabin & igloo challenges though.
5 - Jungle Japes: The first world to ease the player in. Does a fantastic job, but the other worlds offer a lot more.
4 - Angry Aztec: Huge step up in size from Jungle Japes, which can be quite daunting the first time you play it. This is where the game starts to let go of your hand, which I appreciate.
3 - Fungi Forest: My god, the music in both night and day are absolutely masterful. Theme is appropriate, and the Day and Night gimmick was a good way to shake things up.
2 - Creepy Castle: Objectively the best DK64 had to offer. Undeniably a fantastic finish for the game, fitting to be the player's last stop before hideout helm.
1 - Frantic Factory: One of Video Games' most original factory levels. I've always loved the Evil Toy aesthetic, which was executed flawlessly here. Brain-twisting layout aside, this world can define DK64 itself. Mad Jack was incredibly fitting, and a great way to put a daunting challenge in front of the player before letting them proceed. Does he still haunt my nightmares? Absolutely. Does he still prove to be a great inspiration for Boss Design? Undeniably. Does he carry Frantic Factory to the top? You better believe it.
I actually loved the Mad Jack boss battle so much that I kept redoing it. Also to hear the music.
Subbed, happy holidays! This level is so dark for a Donkey Kong game. Zombie moans in the dungeons and the LITERAL DEMON FROM HELL! Also that blaring alarm at the start of the ride too, shiver.
2:05 you’ve got WHAT to see?!?
Fun fact, spook was originally a dutch term meaning "apparition" and became an english noun for ghosts before it became a slur in America, and now it largely reverted back to its original ghost meaning.
Funny how language evolution reverted a word back to its original meaning for once.
I already find something about DK64 unnerving, something about the colour grading, so of course this is the best executed level in my view.
Strange thing I recently learned about the boss of this world is that speedrunners can use it to unlock all the kongs. Either it has to do with some bug or something in the game code interpreting that you have all the kongs freed when you enter the boss arena. Here's the thing though, I think this quirk can be done through playing the game the way it was meant to be played, hypothetically.
Let me explain...
Donkey is required to free Diddy (its also mandatory to get enough bananas for Angry Aztec's Entry)
Diddy is required to get the key in Angry Aztec opening the way to Frantic Factory and Gloomy Galleon
Diddy is required to free Tiny
Donkey is required to free Lanky
Lanky is required to free Chunky
Lanky is required to get the key in Gloomy Galleon opening the way to Fungi Forest.
Chunky is required to get the key in Fungi Forest opening the way to Crystal Caves and Creepy Castle
Lanky is required to get the key in Creepy Castle
Notice the pattern
Diddy is needed to get to Creepy Castle
Lanky is needed to get to Creepy Castle
Chunky is needed to get to Creepy Castle
Tiny isn't
Tiny is required to get the key in Frantic Factory which opens nothing but is needed for the Final Boss
Tiny is required to get to the lobby of Hideout Helm
For first time players Tiny is a little tricky to unlock in Angry Aztec due to the camera and platforming, falling off the bridge is a pain. I can imagine someone skipping tiny and coming back for her later but eventually gets all the way to Creepy Castle's Boss only to be surprised that after they miss the boss a couple of times and see they are controlling tiny somehow. Sounds like something if it was made today that would consider a Hidden Achievement that's named "What took you so long?" with the description "Unlock Tiny in Creepy Castle instead". Unless I'm wrong and there actually is a brick wall the designers did somewhere in the game that restricts the other kongs from progressing without Tiny, I don't know what it is.
The stand out in the level for me was the boss at the end, so random and goofy, yet unique in that when the kong is out of the arena they’re out of the match changing things up from previous ones!
Hands down one of the best levels in this game! It did scare me as a kid. And that’s how you know they did a good job. That moaning in the Catacombs. I was convinced as a kid that there was some super secret rare mini zombie boss or something in the game. That had a super small chance of spawning everytime you went in the level.
I love how CC's music references the Donkey Kong arcade jingle
I honestly never noticed that. Wow. But yeah, it really does. At least for that intro jingle.
Definitely my favorite level in DK64. Rare always does an amazing job with cartoonish horror themed levels and it doesn't disappoint here. DK64 is a very atmospheric game and it's theming and settings really speak to that. Everything about this level from the music, the environments, theming, locations and golden banana challenges really stand out in this stage (with the exception to the 2 worst beaver bother challenges in the game). I love the mine cart challenge, the race against the car and overall just exploring the area really feels like you are walking through Dracula's castle (or something similar from the classic horror genre especially when the museum OST takes part of its theme from Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Phantom of the Opera)).
This level, Fungi Forest and Frantic Factory are definitely my favorite levels in the game. I love the others as well (even Crystal Caves and Gloomy Galleon again with the atmosphere they all create). DK64 will always be a childhood favorite for the adventure and fond memories I have of it. I really hope this comes to switch online.
The tone setting doesn’t end with the lobby. Even the pre-level cutscene is quite scary, as we see that Kasplat that’s trying to escape punishment for the Kongs taking the blueprint pieces, and he gets jumpscared by a giant red Klaptrap right when he thinks he’s gotten out of Hideout Helm.
Was waiting for this for the last few days!!!!! :D
Peak level design. Not just atmosphere but the layout is by far the best in the game.
I haven't watched any of the visuals for the last couple videos because I've only played up until frantic factory and haven't seen what the other worlds look like yet (I can avoid spoilers crazy good, especially if I haven't seen 3 whole levels of a game in over 20 years.) so I'm just listening to the enthusiastic descriptions of each and it really is pushing me to want to go back to this game.
This level and fungi forest in description sound exactly like the level types i love haha
Creepy Castle just in time for Christmas 🎃 best level in the game! Not just the level design but the atmosphere too! 🦇
That final boss was insane in this map with the cardboard K Rool's
I have 101% this game, beat it many times, watched countless lets plays on it, and listen to the soundtrack.
How am I just now realizing that the music to this world uses the same motif as the original arcade game?
Another of my favorite worlds. Something about the whole night time, dark themed levels, always were the best.
I love Creepy Castle! I enjoy the creepy atmosphere it brings. I enjoy exploring the tree and the other areas. The moaning used to creep me out as a kid. I always thought that the Resident Demon should have been the boss for the level, would have been more interesting in my opinion.
i love the mysteries of this level as well. does frantic factory take place inside of Creepy Castle? what is that pillar with the single banana balloon? is the toxic waste the same as stuff in Toxic Tower?
I remember that the Ballroom’s music scared me so much as a kid, I stopped playing and took a mini hiatus from the game lol.
I never actually encountered the Resident Demon mine cart challenge during my initial playthrough as a kid. I was too scared of the zombie noises in the crypt. I don’t know if I would’ve thought the demon was awesome, or terrifying.
Ahhhh yes!! Creepy Castle being one of my favorite worlds in the game! So much to explore, so many jump scares, so many beavers 😂but most importantly, I love the world design. It brings big boos haunt vibes from sm64!! I love the book enemies! Quite frankly though, the lobby of this world has so so much to do! Lankys minigame, the rainbow coin, using donkey to unlock the gate for Diddy to get his kasplat!! I just love it all!
Happy Holidays!
With the Museum section in Tiny, there's the small barn area housing the Race minigame, and then another little section with a pedestal;
that pedestal always bewildered me because the lighting made it look so important, that it beckons something must be done.
Pedestal did absolutely nothing, which was kinda disappointing.
Definitely my favorite "regular level" in Donkey Kong 64. Not my favorite, because that would be Hideout Helm, but that level isn't like the others.
A world of immense fun and two Beaver Bothers.
If there's one thing I've come to learn about you over Donkey Kong month, it's that you like Frogger(TM)
The level is fantastic, only held back by one flaw: you need Funky's Sniper upgrade in the crypt to do everything in the tower, but you have to climb the tower to get Cranky's Super Duper Simian Slam to access everything in the crypt. Small bit of backtracking, but still annoying.
I never noticed but for the cart events the difficulty ramps hard. And each of the carts are at the beginning middle and end. And on top of that it goes from industrial to more natural to supernatural. Considering in DKC games it goes from the opposite
Really liked the entire level, but the boss was always a letdown to me even as a kid. Happy to find out what was supposed to be on that mysterious pillar in the museum after all these years!
Best level in the game and the boss fight is tricky. I always get hyped after beating this game countless times
Should’ve been spelled Kreepy Kastle to not have it match with starting letters of Crystal Caves and to further symbolize the K. Rool monarchy that resided in that haunted palace
Creepy Castle's theme has the DK Arcade Leitmotif as bass line 🦧 In a genius subversion, this time it's the ape who's gotta climb up the tower! 🧱
Absolutely brilliant!! We love this kind of detail! 🍌🐒
Thanks Escopeto!
Dude don't forget that Frogger 2 and Luigi's Mansion came out after this.
Whenever I enter the Museum, I always think it's soundtrack sounds SO similar to the Church in Mad Monster Mansion from Banjo Kazooie, and I love it. Also, I've been thinking alot, and I have made a top 5 list of MY personal favorite levels where Creepy Castle comes in 2nd place. The biggest reason for that is not only because of the two "Bieber Brothers", but also to be honest, I'm not a big fan of the boss. The fight itself is not bad, but I've never liked to fight a K.Rool-shaped Papercut-doll. That Resident Demon (Kackle?) would be a MUCH better choice imo.
Anyway, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ❤😍❤
That damn ghost during DKs Mine Cart session shoulda been the boss of this world fits the theme better thena damn giant cut out of K.Rool.. I remember being dissappointed about the boss design when I first played this but the concept of the fight is fun though
The king kut out fight scared me so much as a kid
"I am Painis Cupcake. I will eat you."
My favorite world
And here we go, the best map, 1st of the 9, 10/10!
The music, the theme, the setting, the somewhat appropriate spike in difficulty along with the small handful of unique challenges, the minecart challenge, and overall the creepy yet odd simplicity compared to all the other worlds. And the oddly durable and unique cardboard boss where all the Kong's can fight, just... yes.
I think the only knock is the odd metallic red switches that requres a new potion (that isnt used anywhere else, not even in the endgame) but hey, its what gives it that extra feel of iron age medieval. Oh, and Tiny's race; liked the concept, didnt much like the execution.
Still, i wouldn't change a thing!
It was so much fun, I miss how games would build in scope and graphical design as you played further into them. Not that never happens anymore, but not like this; I hope you know what I mean by that. This level was so much fun, it felt like getting a reward before the ending as a great way to keep the player invested IMO.
For sure one of the best worlds in Donkey Kong 64. Being a huge Halloween lover I always found myself drawn into it and the music used to creep me out so much. Plus the overall design is great as well. Only thing I really don't like is the two Beaver Bother mini games.
The books likes lot like Cheat-o in Banjo-Kazooie.
I'll just say it. As a horror Halloween lover, I absolutely love Creepy Castle! The music amazing. The visuals spectacular. The areas awesome. The challenges.... mostly good. (Stupid beaver bother mini games). The boss King kut out is a love it or hate it boss but honestly I love it. I always laugh out loud with the over the top screams it makes. Creepy Castle is my favorite world by far.
It's a little weird how the rematch against the car is clearly in Frantic Factory, yet the entrance to the race is in Creepy Castle. I'd like an explanation on how this works.
Clearly all of Frantic Factory takes place inside of the little factory model in the museum you enter to get there.
Ghosts. That's why.
This level, especially the music, really fits the spooky atmosphere, unlike Gloomy Gulch from DKC2. Don't get me wrong. I really like this level and the music, but it feels calm and mystical rather than giving you the heebie-jeebies. Also, those books remind me of Cheato from Banjo-Kazooie.
Hands down my favorite level. I loved everything (except Beaver bother 😒) about it. The awesome music (including the catacombs ⚰️), the atmosphere, the level layout, etc.
I don’t think this was intentionally to be Halloween themed, but it NAILED it.
I honestly didn't like the Kart race in the mini Factory model. Plus I don't think I ever found that one can with all the flies in it. Thanks for sharing. I absolutely love this world and its aesthetics and design. It was always fun to explore as a kid, though I was sometimes a bit too afraid to explore it.
Easily a top three world
Not every banana is great mainly the two beaver bothers but I always look forward to it
I also love this world a lot! But I only watched a let's play of this game and didn't play it myself.
Nice review, this did indeed scare me as a kid 😁 Also, that was toxic sludge? I always thought it was green lava 😅
Mesmerizing world that vies with Fungi forest or Frantic Factory for peak vibes of this nutty jaunt. No level trails bananas better. All of the areas are thematically significant and traversal can be admittedly bone chilling. So few games make me feel things and this level knocks it out of the park. It feels like Grant went beyond his normal depth of musical magic here. Maybe it's his groans in the dungeon lol. Diddy's candlelighting sequence in the ghastly ghoul carousing ballroom is peak vibes. Sensational boss fight (krools phantom ganon as it were) just behind Mad Jack for me. Best minecart section in the series to boot? The two beaver bothers are a mildly annoying afterthought. Methinks this world is creme de la creme
I’ve said it in another video but the Resident Demon dungeon is the creepiest dungeon in the game. Grant didn’t play around….
This is the best word my bat pink hair bow works here
I remembre this from my childhood being very spooked and afraid that k rool could jump out around the corner. also i really am disappointed with the boss personally i would have liked a zombie mad jack more xD but i still like beaver bother :) overall a good world. though personally its still frantic factory for me
Best world in the game and enjoyed the video as per usual. Will you end up doing the same for banjo kazooie levels since you recently played through it ?
After from playing this and DKC 2, how can King K.Rool not be considered as Gothic or Macabre?
NGL the sheeted Kremlin is wholeheartedly THE funniest thing in this game. The only thing that brings it down to me is king kutout. But I know it's a personal preference, same as King K Rool showdown.
Your voice is reminiscent of the 90s DK games commercial narrator
Also from an editor's perspective, I like the audio balance in the videos
A Halloween video? On Christmas Eve????
A very Creepy Castle Christmas
This world wasn't creepy at all to me as a kid, but that's probably because OoT ruined my sense of fear with those redeads and deadhands, what was nintendo thinking? omg that was terrifying!
Ahem, well regardless, this world was indeed one of the best, beaver minigame aside this world was a blast from start to finish.
Why couldn’t all levels be like this? With it being streamlined. Have sections for each Kong which Jungle Japes kind of did but this level did it the best.
I think the stage is awesome just feel like the two beaver bothers are it’s only flaw just one needed a change I feel
Only thing bad about Creepy Castle 🏰 Bonus Barrel Beaver Bother nuff Said
Hideout helem next???
Creepy Castle was a great way to end the game as far as normal stages go. The linear rise was nice, it was definitely the most organized, except for the 2 differing crypt tunnels that you could potentially confuse for one another. The Kong switching was the least egregious here. Funny enough nothing here every really scared me, I thought the Resident Demon was funny. No what scared me was the Get Out guy in Crystal Caves, since I didn't know about the 5 door temple back then for some reason, I guess I just didn't go there thinking I already had enough GBs. But yeah, the double Beaver Bother is hands down the worst part of the level, and the only part I don't look forward to.
I played this game on release, renting it, back when you shared rented cartridges so keeping progress was almost impossible so the fact I managed to get to this level, was amazing
I couldn't defeat the boss and the next time I rented the game someone deleted my save because of course they did
To this day I still wait for the game to be added to NSO to finally subscribe to the damned thing
And yes I emulated it years ago but KB sucks ass for this type of platformer so I made it to fungi forest before giving up
8:08 - and cheato!
Ok so im gonna disagree with you saying the book 3nmi3s hold a resemblance to a banjo kazoooe baddy cause they actually remind me of cheato who is an ally
My favorite level
It's not super memorable for me other than the really annoying boss. The theme is cool, but I do remember being annoyed from falling all the way down the castle on more than one occasion.
Unfortunately, I’m not as big of a fan of creepy castle. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great final main world. I just have too many criticisms with it.
Why are there two Beaver bother challenges? That really takes a few points away in my opinion. Like I get, this is supposed to be the hardest world in the game, technically… But that’s just overkill. I cannot overlook that glaring flaw. Those two challenges with Lanky and chunky are completely ruined for me now. I will never forget about those.
On top of that. The ballroom music really scared me as a kid. I still have nightmares from that laughter. I do not like that room at all. Even though the bonus barrel itself is fun.
I don’t know honestly. Some of these challenges are either super boring or way too difficult to the point that it’s not even fun anymore. Maybe that’s just me. That’s why I’m so mixed on this world.
Its not the worst world in the game. Just not one that I particularly look forward to replying again.
If I have to give any highlights, it would be the library with DK, the museum with chunky and the Demon kart ride. I still like the world, but it has too many problems with it to be of my favorites.
The final world… I’ll leave my comment for that on Friday. I’m excited for that one.
awesomes!
i love creepy castle but i hate the beaver bother mini game definitely one of the mini games i don't like i don't know why they made this mini game so dang hard even when i was a kid i had are hard time beating that mini game
Great level, great boss. Gets you ready for helm. Loved the ballroom diddy challenge with the crazy laughing. Castle, aztec, and caves are at the top for me.
One of their lighter songs, but also goes so hard
th-cam.com/video/W1I9GIMTVRM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=asgsJfX1hNTVAbt8
Play the game!
Thanks to Snide the Kongs blast themselves up to K Rool's Creepy Castle This is it the Last location filled with Golden Bananas but The King himself is unaware of the intrusion so The Kremlings take it upon themselves to stop the Long by using their secret weapon a Robotic Cardboard cutout of K Rool! But that too falls to the Kongs and With the Last Golden Bananas in hand the Kongs make one last plan to storm the Kremling King's Stronghold and shut down the Blast-O-Matic for good!
You using AI or something? Im sus now over this channel... Nobody suddenly worships DK like this... right?
??? I literally made a trailer for this series stating that I've been working on this series for 2 years. Everything is 100% legitimate and my hard work.
There's not really much I dislike about Creepy Castle, though there are some annoying collectables that require hanging off the edge of the world map, and maybe getting a little lost having to climb up to the top of the castle, and occasionally falling down to a lower half of the world because of missed jumps on platforms.