@coolboymew TBH, I don't really disagree with Miyamoto (whether he actually said that as such or not; the quote is unproven, out of character for Miyamoto and he contradicts a lot of other evidence).

But that said, DKC without the art isn't much. Cookie cutter platformer gameplay, very often frustrating and unfun level design. The art is S tier though, and makes up for a lot.