Best Hyle Russell Podcasts (2023)

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1142 - Spotlight: Mario Kart Double Dash!! 4:00:14

8d ago4:00:14

4:00:14

We were going to do a two-hour episode but then we realized we had to DOUBLE IT!! The Kongversation looks back at Mario Kart Double Dash!! and the GameCube racer's many triumphs, notorious frustrations, and unique place in Mario Kart history!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1141 - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass Wave 6 First Impressions 2:14:45

18d ago2:14:45

2:14:45

The moment we had given up on more than once has finally come to (Booster Course) pass: Diddy Kong is in Mario Kart 8! Along with Funky Kong's addition, the biggest hindrance towards DK fans embracing the most recent console iteration of the series has been resolved. Hyle and Cameron share their initial thoughts on finally getting to play a nine-an…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1140 - Diddy Kong Racing for Game Boy Color and Dino Island for Nintendo 64 2:17:33

24d ago2:17:33

2:17:33

Travel back to Rare's Manor House, circa early 1998, as a recently uncovered document reveals a previously unknown game and new details about the origins of another. Explore what could have been for the Diddy Kong Racing cast in the immediate aftermath of their hit N64 racing game!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1139 - 20 Years of Grabbed by the Ghoulies 2:49:03

30d ago2:49:03

2:49:03

Grabbed by the Ghoulies is a brilliant entry in Rare's shared universe and one of our favorite titles. But their Xbox debut has been dismissed and maligned by mainstream gamers since its release in 2003. What's the disconnect between the two sides? Altermentality returns to the podcast to discuss exactly why Ghoulies has grabbed true believers for …

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1138 - A New Era for DK Vine 2:00:46

1M ago2:00:46

2:00:46

DK Vine enters a new era! Broadcast live on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine, Hyle's joined by Josh from off of the Geek Critique to discuss what's ahead for DK Vine as the hub for Donkey Kong Universe fandom in the weeks, months, and hopefully years to come!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1137 - Sea of Thieves: Season Nine 2:51:33

1M ago2:51:33

2:51:33

Sea of Thieves' Season Nine was its longest yet. Stretched out over seven months, it was intended to be a lowkey series of updates focused on quality-of-life improvements that, due to delays for future content, bore the weight of much of Rare's 2023. However, it wasn't without its charms! Hyle and Jeff check in with Rare's ongoing pirate adventure!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1136 - Destination DKU: Autumn Heights 3:08:52

2M ago3:08:52

3:08:52

It's autumn! Crisp air, pumpkin-flavored beverages and desserts, and all the cider your supple little cheeks can swallow. And what better place to spend the fall than the island in the Rare Archipelago most associated with it? Hyle and Dustin celebrate Oktoberfest in Autumn Heights!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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Mini 027 - Mario Kart Tour's Last Vibes 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

Hyle and Cameron discuss the end of new content in Mario Kart Tour, the strange melancholy of it, and what it and the end of the Booster Course Pass could mean for the future of Mario Kart!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1135 - Why Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge Still Matters 3:12:41

2M ago3:12:41

3:12:41

Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge. Overlooked. Dismissed. Forgotten. And... vitally important to the history of Banjo-Kazooie? Hyle and Dustin honor the Game Boy Advance midquel in light of its 20th anniversary, examining why the underrated gem means so much to the hardcore Banjo-Kazooie and DKU fandoms!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1134 - Talk Like a Pirate Day 2023 1:21:12

2M ago1:21:12

1:21:12

Stinky Ape Summer comes to a close with our annual Talk Like a Pirate Day episode! This time, Hyle and Dustin pick up a discussion they started back in June about Rare, Rare's legacy, and how they could do a better job in honoring it. The answer? Put Captain Blackeye in Sea of Thieves!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1133 - September 2023 Nintendo Direct 2:41:29

2M ago2:41:29

2:41:29

Broadcasted live on DK Vine's Twitch channel at https://twitch.tv/dkvine, Hyle and Josh from off of the Geek Critique discuss the September 2023 Nintendo Direct! From a leak that unnecessarily raised expectations to a nine-year drama ending in victory, few Nintendo Directs ran the full gamut of emotions for Donkey Kong fans!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1132 - Making Peace with the Donkey Kong Country Cartoon 2:22:26

3M ago2:22:26

2:22:26

Having recently passed the 25th anniversary of the infamous Donkey Kong Country cartoon's premiere in his native United States, Hyle comes to terms with the adaptation that many fans love and that he's historically loathed. The Cartoon Gamer joins the show to discuss with him how his feelings have softened over the years and why he now respects its…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1131 - Charles Martinet's Last Laugh 1:10:04

3M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

The Kongversation reflects on Charles Martinet's surprise retirement from voice acting in Mario games. What's the hardcore Donkey Kong fanatic perspective on the loss of his frienemy's familiar mouth sounds?By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1130 - Everything We Know about the Donkey Kong Country Theme Park 2:23:12

3M ago2:23:12

2:23:12

An entire episode of the Kongversation centered on the upcoming Donkey Kong Country section of Super Nintendo World in Osaka and Orlando! Hyle and Dustin break down everything that's known and leaked about the little slice of Kongo Jungle, including all the twists and turns of the minecart coaster!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1129 - Spotlight: Mario Golf Toadstool Tour 2:16:41

4M ago2:16:41

2:16:41

Why is Camelot's second console Mario Golf game so beloved by a subset of Donkey Kong Universe fans? Hyle and David discuss the legacy of Toadstool Tour in light of its 20th anniversary, including Diddy's playable debut in a game not developed by Rare. We also delve into the history of DK Vine's infamous "prosthetic golfing fingers" rationale, pinp…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1128 - LEGO Super Mario: Donkey Kong Expansion Sets First Impressions 1:51:23

4M ago1:51:23

1:51:23

The Donkey Kong sub-series for LEGO Super Mario has arrived! Hyle shares his first impressions with Dustin, full of amusing anecdotes about building the characters and playsets, navigating the LEGO Super Mario app, and trying to figure out the all-important question: IS IT CANON?By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1127 - The Romance of the Video Game Hype Cycle 4:02:34

4M ago4:02:34

4:02:34

The Geek Critique is back on the Kongversation for a lengthy discussion about the most magical time for a fan of a video game series. No, not when you're playing a new game. Before that. The time between the official reveal and release, when your brain centers on this one monumental target of upcoming excitement. Being that it's now been a decade s…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1126 - How Would You Revive Conker? 2:05:11

4M ago2:05:11

2:05:11

Everyone has ideas for a new Donkey Kong or Banjo-Kazooie game, but what about the third pillar of the DKU? Being a more auteur-driven series, most people have written Conker off as a dead franchise. But what if it indeed got a new full-length game? In a unique Kongversation, three DK Vine staffers with wildly contrasting opinions on where to take …

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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Mini 026 - Donkey Kong's Dokan Holiday 29:04

4M ago29:04

29:04

A reconciling of the drama surrounding the "mob_dk" nonsense for Mario Kart Tour and, by extension, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! The hope brought about by the data-mining of a new Donkey Kong track earlier this year affirmed the belief that Diddy Kong was coming to the Booster Course Pass... and now it's turned out to be something completely different. Whe…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1125 - Character Witness: Squawks 3:21:41

5M ago3:21:41

3:21:41

Squawk! How did the most minor regular character in Donkey Kong Country become one of the most beloved and essential characters in the entire Donkey Kong Universe? It's a fascinating tale of Rare's development philosophies and never letting a character go to waste. It's the tale of Squawks the parrot! Bwark!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1124 - Indiana Jones and the DKU 1:15:41

5M ago1:15:41

1:15:41

In honor of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the Kongversation looks at the very real impact the original trilogy had on the development of the DKU, specifically in how Rare reconceptualized the Kongs for Donkey Kong Country. Anything goes when it comes to lifting traits and set pieces from the classic films!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1123 - 25 Years of Banjo-Kazooie 3:57:01

5M ago3:57:01

3:57:01

Banjo-Kazooie has Beak Bombed the quarter-century mark! The Kongversation celebrates with a massive chat about the game's enduring legacy, how the series continues to make new fans despite the lack of new titles, how it's maintained its sibling relationship with Donkey Kong, and, of course, our hopes for its future!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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Mini 025 - Donkey Kong's Roman Holiday 50:39

5M ago50:39

50:39

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Apparently, that means swinging a sharp sword around while driving a go-kart. Hyle and Cameron have a Kongversation about the new costumed Donkey Kong variant in Mario Kart Tour while also discussing some dispiriting rumors about what may (or may not) be ahead for the Kong cast in both Tour and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1122 - Spotlight: Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance) 3:23:23

5M ago3:23:23

3:23:23

The Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country has turned 20 years old in June of 2023! But why does an "inferior" version of DKC deserve a long Spotlight episode and the respect of Donkey Kong fandom? Hyle and Dustin discuss why the GBA version might actually be the most crucial game in DK's history after Miyamoto's original arcade game and th…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1121 - "Not E3" 2023 Nintendo 2:11:13

5M ago2:11:13

2:11:13

Broadcast LIVE on https://twitch.tv/dkvine, Hyle is joined by Josh Wallen from off of the Geek Critique to discuss Nintendo's big June 2023 Direct! Did we get the new Donkey Kong game? Nope! Was Diddy announced for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Nope! Were there any cool DKU Nintendo Switch Online titles revealed? Nope! So why is Hyle feeling so good about D…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1120 - Interview: The Krew Of "Return to Krocodile Isle" 1:50:28

5M ago1:50:28

1:50:28

A discussion about the Donkey Kong Country cartoon on DK Vine's Kongversation? Hold your loved ones tight and say goodbye to all you hold dear! Hyle and Cameron sit down with the key creative minds behind the surprise animated short that reunited the cast of the classic animated series. How did they recruit them? What was it like blending them into…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1119 - "Not E3" 2023 Xbox 1:33:12

6M ago1:33:12

1:33:12

Broadcast LIVE on https://twitch.tv/dkvine, Hyle and Dustin are back with thoughts on the 2023 Xbox Showcase! What did we think about Rare's announcement for the big green digital presentation? We also pause to acknowledge the fact that it's been ten years since Tropical Freeze's reveal, reflecting on the heaviness that comes with being a Rare and …

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1118 - "Not E3" 2023 Preview 2:02:06

6M ago2:02:06

2:02:06

Broadcast LIVE on https://twitch.tv/dkvine, Hyle and Dustin kick off Stinky Ape Summer and the game announcement season with a look at the Donkey Kong Universe's chances over the next three months. Less blind predictions and more a State of the Union of our fandom, we speak our concerns and express our hopes on everything Yooka-Laylee and Playtonic…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1117 - Spotlight: Mario Kart Super Circuit 2:24:35

6M ago2:24:35

2:24:35

The most overlooked Mario Kart? The most underrated Mario Kart? Or a middling compromise between Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64? The Kongversation looks back at the first handheld Mario Kart game that bridged the divide between the Nintendo 64 and GameCube eras and also launched the Game Boy Advance!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1116 - Bestia-Rare-y: Merfolk 1:48:12

6M ago1:48:12

1:48:12

Hey, remember that time Tiny Kong encountered a mermaid in Donkey Kong 64? That was kind of stupid. It didn't fit the Donkey Kong Universe. OR DID IT? Historic folklore intertwined with further in-game mythology over the next 24 years says otherwise! DK Vine sells out to Disney by analyzing the little mermaids (and little mermen and oh-so-precious …

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1115 - It's All Relative: Cranky Kong and Donkey Kong 2:33:54

6M ago2:33:54

2:33:54

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has reignited a debate for the ages (and a debate about the aged). Is Cranky Kong the father or grandfather of the current Donkey Kong? And does that make the current Donkey Kong an adult Donkey Kong Jr. or his son? And where does Baby Donkey Kong fit into this mess? The Kongversation recounts the complicated, sometimes …

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1114 - 25 Years of Rarewhere 3:33:32

7M ago3:33:32

3:33:32

Rare's beloved classic website, Rarewhere, has turned 25! The Kongversation takes a look back at what made this particular corporate website so special for the fandom, why it continues to influence us today, and all the ways it influenced the lore and our understanding of the shared Rare universe!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1113 - Here Comes LEGO Donkey Kong! 2:34:37

7M ago2:34:37

2:34:37

The Kongversation discusses the four new Donkey Kong sets coming to LEGO Super Mario! The surprises, the references, and even the hidden lore of the upcoming expansion to the sprawling toy series!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1112 - Call Sack: The Super Mario Bros. Movie 1:58:21

7M ago1:58:21

1:58:21

It's another spoiler-filled episode on the Super Mario Bros. Movie as Hyle is joined by The Cartoon Gamer himself, MALIK! They're opening the show up to our listeners, who have called in to ask for our opinions on the role of the Kongs in the movie, the potential possibilities for the Donkey Kong film, and much more!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1111 - Destination DKU: Kongo Jungle 2:02:40

7M ago2:02:40

2:02:40

Go back to World 1 for episode 1111 and learn all about the home of Donkey Kong and most of his friends and family: the Kongo Jungle! The Kongversation gets into the weeds on this audio expedition, discussing the real-world influences of the iconic locale and uncovering inane minutiae like where the tennis courts in Mario Tennis games are located a…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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Mini 024 - Funky Kong on Saturday Night Live 30:57

7M ago30:57

30:57

What's up, Colin? What's up, LADIES? Hyle and Jeff discuss the surreal experience of Funky Kong appearing on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1110 - Character Witness: Swanky Kong 2:38:44

8M ago2:38:44

2:38:44

With a renewed interest in every Kong both famous and obscure, the public wants to know everything there is to know about Swanky Kong! Luckily, DK Vine indeed knows everything there is to know about the gaudy gorilla game show host. Hyle and Dustin welcome Swanky to our own version of "This Is Your Life"... Character Witness!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1109 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie: A Film Critique 4:07:32

8M ago4:07:32

4:07:32

Broadcast live on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine, it's our massive four-person, four-hour roundtable discussion of the Super Mario Bros. Movie! We spoil everything by getting into all of the film's triumphs and flaws... and all of that Donkey Kong content.By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1108 - Stop 'N' Swop: A Summation 1:27:50

8M ago1:27:50

1:27:50

In our third episode on the legendary scrapped Stop 'N' Swop feature, Steve from off of Rare Gamer returns to discuss even more details that have recently been unearthed! What do Banjo-Kazooie cartridges emit in their search for compatible games? How would Banjo-Kazooie have connected to Donkey Kong 64, and what does it have to do with Crystal Cave…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1107 - Donkey Kong: The Lost Years 2:34:46

8M ago2:34:46

2:34:46

Very specific rumors have begun spreading across the Internet about the abandoned Donkey Kong game from 2016 that DK Vine and the Kongversation have alluded to in the past. In this episode, we finally divulge everything we know about the missing link in DK history!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1106 - 5 Years of Sea of Thieves 2:00:39

8M ago2:00:39

2:00:39

Sea of Thieves pulled a beloved game developer from the abyss and went on to become their biggest success in over 35 years. On this episode of the Kongversation, Hyle is joined by Rare community stalwart Jeph Pérez to discuss how the legendary studio's make-or-break reinvention overcame critical odds to find a massive worldwide audience, the transf…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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Mini 023 - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's New Vibes 34:17

9M ago34:17

34:17

A brief chat about this suddenly exciting era of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Donkey Kong Universe fans, where Wave 4 of the Booster Course Pass has brought us two Kong-related tracks with the possibility of a brand new one on the horizon... and the inclusion of at least one more Kong.By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1105 - Sea of Thieves: Season Eight 1:30:26

9M ago1:30:26

1:30:26

Hyle and Jeff chat about the most recent Sea of Thieves season, which introduced the on-demand ship-to-ship battles as part of the Battle for the Sea of Thieves. They also detail all of the DKU connections from the past four months (great for Hyle!), as well as Rare completely kneecapping the name of Jeff's blog (sucks for Jeff!).…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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Mini 022 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie Final Trailer 39:49

9M ago39:49

39:49

Broadcast LIVE earlier tonight on Twitch (https://twitch.tv/dkvine), Hyle and Cameron give their thoughts on the final trailer for the Super Mario Bros. Movie, as well as some surprising reveals from the Japanese website! Hear the exact moment we found out that another Kong has surfaced!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1104 - Clive 'N' Wrench First Impressions 2:33:04

9M ago2:33:04

2:33:04

CLIVE! WRENCH! Come on over and hear our first full post-game discussion on Clive 'N' Wrench! The new indie 3D platformer has gotten a somewhat mixed reaction, yet it's already picked up a devoted following among aficionados of the genre. Hyle and Cameron share their thoughts on the first four worlds (and the DKU connections therein)!…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1103 - Super Mario Bros. Movie Miscellany 1:39:11

9M ago1:39:11

1:39:11

In this brief time betwixt the full-length and final trailer for the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Hyle and Jeff have a Kongversation about all of the little bits of news relating to Donkey and Cranky Kong's appearance in the film. Their voices! DK Island's portrayal! Leaked merchandise! We also take a detour to Brooklyn to discuss the film's nostalgia-…

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1102 - February 2023 Nintendo Direct 1:55:21

9M ago1:55:21

1:55:21

A Nintendo Direct lacking significant Donkey Kong Universe news is usually not a reason for DK Vine to celebrate, but Hyle and Dustin explain how the February 2023 presentation sneakily laid out several promising developments for the future of the Kongs!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1101 - Interview: Rob Wass of Clive 'N' Wrench 53:33

10M ago53:33

53:33

The Kongversation kicks off its second decade by talking with someone who knows a thing or two about time: Rob Wass, the architect behind the upcoming 3D platformer (and certified DKU adventure) Clive 'N' Wrench!By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1045 - New Year's Forecast 2023 1:22:04

11M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

DK Vine rings out 2022 for the birthplace of the Donkey Kong Universe while ringing in the new of 2023. What will the year ahead look like for Donkey Kong, Rare, and Playtonic?By www.DKVine.com

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The Kongversation: Donkey Kong Universe Discussion

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1044 - DKU Tribunal Special Session: Kameo: Elements of Power 1:49:58

11M ago1:49:58

1:49:58

In the final DKU Tribunal Special Session of the season, Hyle and Dustin relitigate the case for Kameo: Element of Power's inclusion in the Donkey Kong Universe! Has Rare's 2005 Xbox 360 launch title been hiding a firm character-based connection to the DKU all along?By www.DKVine.com

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