Donkey Kong 64 is exactly that- an okay game.  It's nothing compared to the Donkey Kong Country series because of several problems.  Granted the final 30% of the game is an improvement admittedly.  It's sort of baffling to me that Nintendo would get rid of a successful winning formula (straightforward 2D-style platforming, staggering enemy variety and several dangerous encounters with them) in exchange for an incomplete open world exploration adventure.  That in itself is just a slight problem however.  I could live and possibly even love an open 3D adventure if it had been executed properly.  Sadly this game is just all over the place and never settles into a permanent entertaining groove.