Donkey Kong 3: The Great Counterattack (5.25″ disk version)

A rare entry in the Donkey Kong series

Donkey Kong 3: The Great Counterattack (5.25″ disk version) for the Sharp X1 Turbo is a rare and fascinating chapter in the Donkey Kong franchise. Released in 1985, this version was an exclusive release for the Sharp X1 Turbo home computer, showcasing an early effort to adapt arcade classics to Japan’s growing personal computer market. Unlike the arcade original, this version featured a unique take on the classic gameplay mechanics, offering a fresh experience with improved graphics and additional elements that took advantage of the X1 Turbo’s capabilities.

A different take on the arcade classic

The gameplay in Donkey Kong 3: The Great Counterattack follows the same basic concept as its arcade predecessor but introduces new features and challenges. Players take on the role of Stanley, the bug exterminator, as he tries to fend off Donkey Kong by shooting bugs away from the plants Donkey Kong is protecting. While the core mechanics remained familiar, the game’s presentation was adapted to suit the hardware of the Sharp X1 Turbo, offering a distinctive look compared to the original arcade version.

A collector’s item for early Nintendo enthusiasts

Due to its limited release and niche format, the 5.25″ disk version of Donkey Kong 3: The Great Counterattack is a highly coveted collector’s item. Few copies of this disk version have survived the test of time, making it an especially rare find for retro game collectors. Its historical significance as an adaptation of an arcade classic for the Sharp X1 Turbo, combined with its scarcity, has made this game an intriguing and valuable piece in the collection of anyone interested in the early days of Nintendo’s home computer era.

---