Welcome to VC Weekly, N-Europe's guide to the wonderful world of Nintendo's download service. Written by Sam C Gittins.

Only one game this time, but oh what a game! Thats right the final entry in a truly superb platforming series which is highly regarded by anyone who has played even only one of the outings; thats right, all thee DKC games are now available through the VC. Anyway enough from me and on with the games!

Available for download this week we have...

• Donkey Kong Country 3

Points: 800
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Released: 1996
System: SNES

Adventures abound on Kong Island as we rejoin the Kong Klan for their third outrageous outing; this time around both Donkey and Diddy Kong have been kidnapped by an evil Kremlin by the name of Kaos and so it's up to Dixie and Kiddy Kong to rescue them. And so begins another glorious game full of exceptionally well designed levels which utilise the duo's unique and combined abilities to their fullest.

Indeed it's mostly a case of being more of the same for this installment but with the first two being such smash-hit successes this is certainly not bad thing. Almost everything from the marvelous map screens, vivid and varied levels which play as beautifully as they look and sound to the famous trademark humor and clever dialog is all here in it's present and correct form.

The big main addition this time around is a much larger map which acts more like an overworld as there are no set paths as such and you are free to roam this map as you see fit by doing this you will eventually get to the smaller integrated area maps which allow you to access the games levels. Smaller maps are just as they were in previous games but having the overworld map really gives a grander sense of scale this time around, sets the scene nicely and provides a central hub for the many secrets that can be discovered.

Other than that it's the same brilliant tried, tested and well loved formula that powered the originals working away silently in the background; you can complete each stage with either controllable character but in order to find everything you will need to utilise both apes abilities and their animal associates. Returning ridable animals include fan favorites Enguarde the Swordfish, Squitter the Spider and Squawks the Parrot with newcomers Ellie the Elephant and Parry the Parallel bird who prove themselves to be equally exceptional extras.

Essentially this is a shining example of one of the finest SNES platformers ever made and it's equally as deserving of it's high level of praise just as much as the two previous outings are. Whether it's the best of the trilogy however is entirely down to which one you like; personally I prefer the original but each has pushed the envelope that little bit further and for that reason DKC 3 is equally as good as it's primate prequels.

Verdict : A commendable climax for the Kong Klan.

Thats it for another installment of VC Weekly which will return again soon. So until then, enjoy the rest of the week and Game On!

Sam Gittins
[email protected]

Looking for reviews on other Virtual Console games? Or a full list of games available on the system? Then Check out our Virtual Console Index Page.