Summary
Highlights
The challenge focuses on minimizing the use of Tag Barrels in Donkey Kong 64 due to complaints about frequent Kong switching. The goal is to beat the final boss with the fewest tags possible. A tag is defined as entering, switching Kongs, and exiting a Tag Barrel. Certain automatic Kong switches, such as in the King Kut Out fight or between rounds in the K. Rool battle, and save/quitting will not count as tags. The playthrough will be a casual one without glitches.
The game begins with Donkey Kong collecting initial Golden Bananas (GBs), Colored Bananas (CBs), a Banana Medal, and a Blueprint in Jungle Japes. Diddy is unlocked, and DK defeats Army Dillo for the first Boss Key. Progress is made in Angry Aztec, but a tag is required to switch to Diddy Kong.
Diddy collects GBs and Blueprints in Jungle Japes and further progresses in Angry Aztec, freeing Tiny Kong. However, a CB shortage necessitates another tag. Tiny then clears Jungle Japes, obtains the camera, and collects a Banana Fairy. Further progress is made in Aztec.
Diddy beats Dogadon for Key #2. The journey continues into Frantic Factory and Gloomy Galleon, collecting items and Golden Bananas, while strategically saving/quitting to switch to DK. DK completes Aztec and Factory. Tiny obtains Key #3. The current inventory: 78GBs and 5 tags
With half of the keys collected, the video breaks down the current item collection, The number of Colored Bananas collected will be the driving force for the rest of the playthrough, determining the vast majority of the tags.
The journey continues to Fungi Forest, Crystal Caves, and Creepy Castle, with strategic Kong switches to maximize collectible gathering and progress. Lanky and Chunky are utilized to unlock new areas and collect more items. The gameplay revolves around collecting everything possible as each Kong before tagging to the next.
Chunky cleans up several levels. Crystal Caves is entered. Progress is made with Diddy and Lanky, optimizing collectible gathering while minimizing tags. Save and quit is used to switch back to Donkey Kong and progress to different zones
The crew moves onto Creepy Castle. Each Kong is employed to progress through the level and collect items, including Golden Bananas, Blueprints, and Banana Medals. King Cut Out allows a free tag to bring in Tiny. With Tiny's new abilities, the zones finally get completed 100%.
The final push involves Hideout Helm, where a series of mandatory tags are required to progress through the level. The Kongs work together to shut off the Blast-o-Matic and collect the final items, culminating in the defeat of the final boss after using a mere 25 Tags.
The video explores what it takes to get a 101% completion. Ultimately, 101% completion was achieved in just 40 tags. Actively avoiding Tag Barrels made the game more awkward, creating an appreciation for the tag mechanic in balancing the 5 Kongs.