Donkey Kong

"Donkey Kong Barrels Through!"

Donkey Kong is a name used by two characters in the eponymous franchise - While the name first appeared in 1981's Donkey Kong, the Donkey Kong seen in that game is said to have aged into Cranky Kong, with the title being passed down to a different Kong who debuts in Donkey Kong Country.

He is also a playable character in Nexed.

Real-World History
Donkey Kong was created as the eponymous antagonist of 1981's Donkey Kong, an arcade game created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo after plans for a game based off of Popeye fell through. Miyamoto had concieved a "love triangle" within the game's cast, protagonist Mario (then known as Jumpman), his love interest Lady (later referred to as Pauline), Donkey Kong.

It was initally Donkey Kong's name was decided by Miyamoto because he believed the word "donkey" was a synonym for idiot in English, while "Kong" was a generic term for large apes in Japan, essentially making Donkey Kong mean "idiotic ape". While Nintendo later informed him that "donkey" was not a synonym for idiot, Miyamoto kept the name because he liked it. However, in a subsequent lawsuit from Universal Studios, a contradicting story was given, with Miyamoto claiming not to know who decided on the Kong name.

While Donkey Kong's appearance has remained consistent since his debut, he was given a red tie in 1994's Donkey Kong for the Game Boy. In addition, the Donkey Kong Country series, beginning in 1994, depicts the Donkey Kong seen in previous games as older and more frail, being given the name Cranky Kong, with the Donkey Kong title being given to a Kong who more closely resembles Cranky's youthful appearance as seen in the arcade games. This Kong would go on to be known as the Donkey Kong seen in subsequent games and media.

Gameplay Information
"He may be the leader of the bunch, but don’t get Donkey Kong confused with Mario’s first rival; That was his grandfather, Cranky Kong. This Kong would much rather spend his days hanging out on Donkey Kong Island and eating bananas. However, this big ape values his family and island, and if they fall under threat, he won’t hesitate to kick some tail, whether it be Kremling, Tiki, or Snowmad!

Despite his carefree nature, Donkey Kong still loves a good fight every now and then - He even managed to get into a boxing tournament one time. As such, once word of the Nexed Tournament reached DK Isle, he rushed off to take part and claim the Winner’s Wish for himself. …Wait, if he’s out there, who’s guarding the Kongs’ banana hoard?!"

Donkey Kong is a heavyweight grappler, being one of the heaviest fighters on the roster. Despite his size, though, he manages to have suprising amounts of mobility, having a fairly quick run speed. This, combined with his immense attack power, makes him a lightning bruiser, able to dash into opponents to deal powerful blows.

However, Donkey Kong is not without his weaknesses. While he may be quick, his attacks tend to be somewhat laggy and require high commitment. In addition, his large size and weight makes him suspectible to combos. Most damning of all, however, Donkey Kong lacks a projectile, making it hard for him to contest against zoners and other fighters who excel at long-range combat. All in all, Donkey Kong is a fighter who wants to get up close with his opponents rather than keeping them away.

Moveset

 * Wall Jump: Donkey Kong is able to jump off of walls.
 * Wall Cling: Donkey Kong is able to cling to walls for a short period of time.
 * Kong Carry: With his Forward Throw, Donkey Kong can enter a state where he is able to carry his opponent around, being able to perform one jump. The cargo throw state can also allow Donkey Kong to throw the opponent in one of four directions.

Grounded Attacks

 * Jab: Donkey Kong throws a hook punch.
 * Dash Attack: Donkey Kong rolls forwards, resembling his roll from Donkey Kong Country. Unlike most dash attacks, this can go off-stage.
 * Forward Light: Donkey Kong throws a slap.
 * Up Light: Donkey Kong throws an arching overhand swipe.
 * Down Light: Donkey Kong sweeps his arm across the ground, having a small chance to trip opponents.
 * Forward Strong: Donkey Kong claps his hands in front of himself, creating a sound wave in reference to Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. However, the sound wave is only cosmetic and has no hitbox. Despite this, this move is Donkey Kong's best kill move.
 * Up Strong: Donkey Kong claps his hands above himself, creating a sound wave in reference to Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. However, the sound wave is only cosmetic and has no hitbox.
 * Down Strong: Donkey Kong slams his hands into the ground, creating a shockwave around himself. This move resembles the Hand Slap from Donkey Kong Country.
 * Counter: Donkey Kong throws a haymaker punch.

Aerial Attacks

 * Neutral Air: Donkey Kong spins with his arms outstretched.
 * Forward Air: Donkey Kong throws a double axe handle, being able to spike opponents.
 * Back Air: Donkey Kong throws a back kick with one foot.
 * Up Air: Donkey Kong throws an arching headbutt.
 * Down Air: Donkey Kong stomps downwards with one foot, being able to spike opponents.

Grabs / Throws

 * Grab: Donkey Kong grabs the opponent with one hand.
 * Pummel: Donkey Kong jabs at the opponent’s gut.
 * Forward Throw: Donkey Kong lifts the opponent over his head and throws them forward, resembling his throwing animation from Donkey Kong Country.
 * Back Throw: Donkey Kong flings the opponent behind himself. This is his best kill throw outside of his cargo throws.
 * Up Throw: Donkey Kong tosses the opponent onto his shoulder, entering his cargo throw state.
 * Down Throw: Donkey Kong slams the opponent into the ground, burying them. This is his best combo throw.

Stage Intro
Donkey Kong leaps onto the stage before beating his chest and hollering.

Taunts

 * Donkey Kong playfully beats his chest, resembling his idle animation from Donkey Kong Country.
 * Donkey Kong gives the camera a thumbs-up, resembling his render from Mario Party Superstars.
 * Donkey Kong eats a banana.
 * Donkey Kong shrugs at the camera with a bewildered expression, resembling a taunt from Super Smash Bros..

Victory Animations
Donkey Kong's victory theme is the Kingdom Clear jingle from Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.
 * Donkey Kong beats his chest and hollers before posing for the camera.
 * Donkey Kong shakes his hands over his head, referencing his victory animation from Donkey Kong Country.
 * Donkey Kong plays a pair of DK Bongos from Donkey Konga before posing with a thumbs-up.

Colors / Costumes
  Donkey Kong's Boxer costume originates from Project M, being one of his alternate costumes. However, the original costume takes inspiration from Donkey Kong's appearance in 2009's Punch-Out!!, with his gloves stemming from that game.

As an alternate costume for Donkey Kong, the Boxer outfit has a few changes:
 * With the Boxer costume equipped, Donkey Kong's stage intro has him descend onto the stage with a rope, referencing his entrance animation from 2009's Punch-Out!!.
 * Only Donkey Kong's second taunt is changed with the Boxer costume; He pounds his fists together.
 * Only Donkey Kong's third victory animation is changed with the Boxer costume; He holds up a championship belt with a gleeful smile.

Trivia

 * Donkey Kong originally had different moves than his current incarnation; His Down Strong was originally the Super Simian Slam from Donkey Kong 64, Barrel Bash was originally his Side Special, and Hand Slap was originally his grounded Down Special. However, changes were made in a response to a video by Delzethin illustrating a theoretical Donkey Kong rework in Super Smash Bros., with many ideas being adopted from it.

Credits

 * Delzethin: Creator of a video which inspired elements of Donkey Kong's current moveset.