Donkey Kong 3

About Donkey Kong 3 (NES)

Donkey Kong 3 is an arcade action game developed and published by Nintendo. First released in arcades in 1983 and later on the Nintendo Entertainment System, it takes a surprising turn for the series: instead of climbing ladders as Mario, you play as Stanley the Bugman, a greenhouse keeper armed with a spray can. Donkey Kong has settled into Stanley’s greenhouse and is stirring up the insects inside, so Stanley must spray him back out, plant by plant.

The change of hero and goal made Donkey Kong 3 the odd one out in the early Donkey Kong games, but it also gave it a unique charm. Its fast insect swarms, bright greenhouse setting, and push-Donkey-Kong-upward goal feel unlike anything else in the arcade era, and its NES version remains a fun curiosity for collectors and retro players.

Detailed Gameplay

Stanley moves along platforms and ladders at the bottom of the screen, spraying upward at Donkey Kong, who hangs from vines at the top.

Spraying Donkey Kong

• Aim your spray upward at Donkey Kong to push him higher, and keep spraying to stop him from dropping back down.
• Move along the platforms to find the best angle, since Donkey Kong shifts position and sometimes grabs vines out of easy reach.
• Grab the super spray power-up when it appears for a stronger burst that pushes Donkey Kong up much faster.
• Finish the stage by pushing Donkey Kong off the top before the insects overwhelm your greenhouse.

Insect Swarms

• Spray bees, butterflies, and other pests before they reach your flowers, since stolen flowers cost you bonus points and breathing room.
• Watch for fast insects that dive at Stanley, and move or spray them before they can sting you.
• Clear insects in waves, prioritizing the ones closest to your flowers or to Stanley himself.
• Learn each insect’s path, since predictable flight patterns let you intercept swarms before they split up.

Greenhouse Survival

• Use ladders to move between platforms quickly and reach insects before they steal flowers.
• Keep an eye on both Donkey Kong and the swarm at once, balancing attack and defense every few seconds.
• Protect your flowers for bonus points, but never let flower-guarding distract you from pushing Donkey Kong upward.
• Play for high scores by clearing insects efficiently and finishing stages with flowers intact.

Game Highlights

• A different Donkey Kong: Stanley the Bugman replaces Mario in a fresh, greenhouse-set twist.
• Push, do not climb: The goal is to spray Donkey Kong upward and out, not to reach the top yourself.
• Busy insect action: Swarms of bees and pests keep every stage fast and crowded.
• Arcade charm: Bright colors, simple controls, and score-chasing make it perfect for quick sessions.

Controls

On the Nintendo Entertainment System, Donkey Kong 3 uses the classic two-button layout for moving and spraying.

• D-Pad: Move Stanley left and right and climb ladders up and down.
• A Button: Spray insecticide upward at Donkey Kong and insects.
• B Button: Spray as an alternative, useful for players who prefer a different finger.
• Start Button: Start the game or pause.
• Select Button: Choose game options on the title screen.

Tips and Strategies to Win

The trick is to treat Donkey Kong as the main target and insects as a timed interruption, not the other way around.

• Spray Donkey Kong whenever the screen is quiet, since every second of spraying brings the stage closer to ending.
• Clear insects near your flowers first, then return to spraying Donkey Kong before the next wave arrives.
• Grab the super spray as soon as it appears, since its extra push can finish a stage quickly.
• Stay near the middle platforms when possible, so you can reach either side of the greenhouse fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is Stanley the Bugman? A: Stanley is the hero of Donkey Kong 3, a greenhouse keeper who uses a spray can to fight insects and push Donkey Kong out of his greenhouse.

Q: How do you win a stage in Donkey Kong 3? A: Spray Donkey Kong upward until he is pushed all the way off the top of the screen.

Q: Can I play Donkey Kong 3 online for free? A: Yes, you can play Donkey Kong 3 online for free on RiveGame.