With his primary mission revolving around the salvage of missing bananas, it’s no surprise there are plenty of monkeys keen to help Donkey Kong along. Grabbing Helibird will give DK the power to travel skyward for as long as he can avoid being hit by an enemy or crashing into the scenery – literally taking him to new heights. While Flurl lets Donkey Kong down gently, Helibird helps him go up in the world. This helpful killer whale enables Donkey Kong to glide underwater with ease by smashing barriers that bar the way, and can even jump out of the sea and over obstacles that can’t be passed by other means. Not all monkeys like going for a swim, but then again, they don’t all have a friend like Orco. Is it a cat, is it a squirrel? It doesn’t really matter, Flurl offers Donkey Kong a safe landing by assuming the shape of a parachute and letting him glide easily over otherwise impassable dangers below. Hoofer is also known to love a bit of ski jumping, ensuring there’s a high-flying end to any level where he appears.

This bullish beast can be ridden at speed through certain stages – shattering obstacles (and enemies) that might be blocking the path. Donkey Kong is strong, but Hoofer gives new meaning to the term “brute strength”.

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