Damn the rendering in DKC3 is beautiful. It’s a shame that it’s in service to completely boring basic bitch environments.

In comparison to DKC2 especially, it’s incredibly weak. 2 has some of my favorite environments ever, it’s oozing with atmosphere. There’s nothing in 3 that even comes close to the foreboding atmosphere of the first two games, especially 2.

What especially damns it is the complete lack of memorable landmarks, it’s all the same Canadian wilderness, sawmills, factories. Nothing truly stands out.

1 has too many cave levels admittedly, but the variety that’s there stands out. The ruins, the treetop villages, the sunsets and rainfalls in the jungle, it’s all so iconic, and for good reason.

2 is on a whole other level. Crocodile Isle is not only memorable, it’s *threatening*. The entire game sells the idea that you’re knee deep in enemy territory, and everything wants you fucking dead.

Try to name an iconic location from 3 and you’ll see the problem fairly quick.