Feb 21, 2008. I loved this game so much. Do you remember the excitement of playing Donkey Kong 64 on Nintendo 64? Released in 1999 by Rare and published by Nintendo, Donkey Kong 64 was the only game in the series to feature 3D gameplay. As the gorilla Donkey Kong, players explored themed levels, collected items, and rescued kidnapped family members from the villainous King K. Rool. The game allowed players to switch between five playable Kong characters, each with unique abilities, to complete minigames and puzzles, collect bananas, and discover other hidden treasures.