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{{species-infobox
{{rewrite-expand|include more information on ''Donkey Konga'' and ''DK: Jungle Climber'' appearances}}
|image=[[Image: DKCJZinger.jpg|200px]]<br>A '''Zinger''' from ''[[DK Jungle Climber]]''.
{{species infobox
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[1994]])
|image=[[File:DKCJZinger.jpg|200px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]''
|affiliation=[[Kremling Krew]]
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[List of games by date#1994|1994]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' ([[2008]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' ([[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]] cameo) ([[List of games by date#2018|2018]])
|species_origin=[[Bee]]s
|variants=[[Mechanical Zinger]]
|sub_species=[[Mecha-Zinger]]
|derived_subjects=[[Buzz (enemy)|Buzz]]<br>[[Tiki Zing]]
|related=[[Buzz (species)|Buzz]]
|comparable=[[Mincer]]
|notable=[[Queen B.]]<br>[[King Zing]]
|notable=[[King Zing]]<br>[[Queen B.]]<br>[[Snow Kong]]
|expand=expandable
}}
}}
{{LLQuote|Avoid touching the stinging spikes on Zinger's back!|Donkey Kong Country Manual, Page 29}}
'''Zingers''', also shortened '''Zings''',<ref>[[:File:Toxic Tower concept.jpg]]</ref> are large wasps<ref name="Mayles"/> (erroneously identified as bees<ref>{{cite|quote=These bees are usually quite busy protecting their assigned area!|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' Player's Guide|page=15|date=1994|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref>) with protective spikes on their back. Zingers are usually colored yellow with black stripes. Zingers first appear in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. Zingers were designed by [[Steve Mayles]], who dislikes wasps in real life, and was scared while designing the Zingers.<ref name="naming">{{file link|DKC general naming.jpg|Early DKC general naming sheet}}</ref><ref name=Mayles>{{cite|author=WinkySteve|date=September 28, 2016|url=x.com/WinkySteve/status/781238831693561856|title=Wasps. I don't like wasps. Making Zingers scared me.|publisher=X ([[Media:Twitterpost Zinger.jpeg|Screen capture]])|accessdate=May 16, 2024}}</ref>


'''Zingers''' are large wasp-like creatures and [[Donkey Kong]]'s most persistent foes, next to the [[Kremling]]s.
There are some entities similar to Zingers. In ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Land III]]'', they were replaced with the robotic [[Buzz (enemy)|Buzzes]]. In ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]''{{'}}s [[Tiki Zing]]s have some similarities to Zingers in that they are usually used as indestructible obstacles against the Kongs; however, [[Flaming Tiki Buzz]]es are functionally closer in that they can be defeated in special ways, with [[Blue Hootz]]es continuing that role in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''.
==History==
===''Donkey Kong Country'' series===
====''Donkey Kong Country''====
[[File:Zinger.png|thumb|left|150px|A Zinger's original design in ''Donkey Kong Country'']]
Zingers are common enemies in ''Donkey Kong Country''. The spikes on their back protect them from being stomped by the player characters unless they are riding [[Winky]].<ref>{{cite|author=[[Cranky Kong]]|date=1994|title=''Donkey Kong Country''|quote=Zingers sport spikes on their backs! You can't jump on them unless you're riding Winky!|language=en|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> Zingers have to be avoided, such as in [[Forest Frenzy]], where most of the level involves moving around Zingers as they move across abysses on a vertical rope. Zingers have four color variations: yellow, orange, pink, and green. Their flight pattern is determined by their color; yellow Zingers fly vertically, orange Zingers fly horizontally, pink Zingers fly in a circular path, and green Zingers fly in a U-shape formation. There is a large Zinger boss named [[Queen B.]] who is fought in [[Vine Valley (world)|Vine Valley]], in [[Bumble B. Rumble]]. In the [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|second remake]], she can summon Zingers in battle.
 
The game data features [[tcrf:Donkey Kong Country (SNES)#Zinger|unused silver and blue palettes]] of Zingers.
 
Zinger palettes differ in later versions. In the [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|first remake]], due to technical limitations, there are only yellow Zingers for every behavior. In the [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|second remake]], the pink ones now use the previously unused silver coloration, with one of every color including pink and purple appearing during the ending cast roll. Compared to the original unused palettes, the silver and purple ones have swapped wing colors.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''====
[[File:Zinger DKC2.png|thumb|A Zinger's updated design for ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'']]
Zingers are enemies in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''. They appear in yellow and red varieties. Zingers behave similarly as in ''Donkey Kong Country'', once again having varying flight patterns, and Zingers can now be defeated from more [[Animal Friends]] than in ''Donkey Kong Country'', including from [[Squawks]]' nuts, [[Squitter]]'s web projectiles, or being bounced onto by [[Rattly]]. In addition, Diddy and Dixie can defeat them directly if under the effect of an [[Invincibility Barrel]]. Zingers appear in most levels, some of which take place inside of a Zinger hive, with larval and pupal Zingers visible in the background. Most Zinger hives appear in [[Krazy Kremland]], reflected by how Zingers fly around the world on the [[Crocodile Isle]] map. A Zinger boss named [[King Zing]] is even fought at the end of Krazy Kremland, and late into his battle, King Zing shrinks to the size of a Zinger and summons several other small ones to guard him. Although Zingers are often described as wasps, a lot of honey appears in their hives. In the ending, Zingers are categorized within the [[Lazy Landlubbers]] enemy class.
 
===''Donkey Kong Country'' novel===
A single Zinger appears as an antagonist in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (novel)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' novel. Upon entering the Kremling's factory, [[Donkey Kong]], [[Diddy Kong]] and [[Cranky Kong]] eavesdrop on Zinger complaining to his co-worker [[Klap Trap]] about [[King K. Rool]]'s absence. Klap Trap then notices the group and Zinger lunges at Donkey Kong, only to be defeated by being hand slapped (which is not possible in the games).
 
===''Club Nintendo''===
A Zinger appears in the ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comic "[[Donkey Kong Country (comic)|Donkey Kong Country]]" as an enemy of Donkey and Diddy Kong. However, it does not attack the pair until Donkey Kong swears at the wasp. Ultimately, DK defeats the Zinger (which, like every enemy in the comic, is able to speak) by doing a special rolling move and then kicking the enemy. When defeated, the Zinger claims that its stinger is deformed.
 
===''Donkey Kong Land'' series===
{{multiframe|[[File:Zinger DKL.PNG]] [[File:Zinger DKL2.png]]|size=150|align=left|A comparison between a Zinger's design in ''Donkey Kong Land'' and ''Donkey Kong Land 2''}}
Zingers appear in the first two games of the [[Donkey Kong Land (series)|''Donkey Kong Land'' series]], ''[[Donkey Kong Land]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''. In both games, they are aerial enemies appearing in most levels. Unlike in the [[Donkey Kong Country (series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' series]], Zingers do not have distinguishable colors due to the [[Game Boy]]'s monochrome screen, but they behave exactly like the yellow types.
 
Uniquely to ''Donkey Kong Land'', Zingers had their sprite changed to vertically oriented instead of horizontal, and their stinger more outwardly faces the Kongs. [[Expresso]] can now jump on them without taking damage.
 
In ''Donkey Kong Land 2'', Zingers are classified under "The Baddies" during the ending cast roll.
{{br|left}}
 
===''Donkey Kong 64''===
Zingers are enemies in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. They have one of two ways of attacking: In [[DK Isles]] and some of the earlier levels, Zingers dive-bomb at the active Kong on sight, while other Zingers instead drop unripe green [[Orange]]s upon noticing them. Zingers can be defeated from either being hit with ammo from a Kong's weapon, from the effects of a musical instrument move, or by throwing an Orange at it. Aside from DK Isles, Zingers also appear in [[Jungle Japes]], [[Angry Aztec]], [[Fungi Forest]] during the daytime (being replaced by [[Flipflap|Bat]]s at night), and [[Crystal Caves]]. [[Gloomy Galleon]] has only one Zinger, located inside of a mechanical fish. In Angry Aztec, if the player defeats a Zinger and its body falls into the sand, the body disappears in a burst of flames without releasing any [[watermelon]] slice. Unlike the dive-bombing Zingers, the orange-dropping ones will generally respawn after defeating them.
 
Zingers have a robotic variety named [[Mechanical Zinger]]s, which appear in [[Frantic Factory]], although regular Zingers do not.
 
===''DK'' series===
Zingers are enemies in ''[[DK: King of Swing]]'' (appearing in three levels: [[Cactus Woods]], [[Lockjaw Falls]], and [[Booster Barrel Skyway]]) and ''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]''. Zingers behave identically in both games. They move by continuously flying back and forth in a set horizontal or vertical pattern. They have spikes on their back and a stinger, which protect them from [[Donkey Kong]] or [[Diddy Kong]]'s charge attack. If either [[Kong]] touches or performs a charge attack into a Zinger's spikes or stinger, they take one [[heart]] of damage. A Zinger can be defeated by either a charge attack into the front or from the [[Going Bananas]] move.
 
===''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast''===
[[File:Zinger DKBB.png|thumb|A Zinger in ''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast'']]
Zingers in ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]'' are depicted larger than before. They are enemies on the racetracks [[DK Jungle (Donkey Kong Barrel Blast)|DK Jungle]], [[DK Jungle Falls]], [[DK Jungle Sunset]], [[Scorching Canyon]] and [[Cranky's Temple]]. They fly around in a set pattern and can be defeated from one hit. They also appear in two of [[Candy's Challenges]], where [[Donkey Kong]] needs to beat a set amount of Zingers on the [[Practice Course]] before time expires.
 
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', a Zinger is featured as a [[Sticker (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|sticker]] that can be equipped by any character in [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary|The Subspace Emissary]], and doing so raises their resistance to slashing attacks (such as [[Link]]'s sword) by five points.


==History==
====''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''====
The first appearance of Zingers is in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. In this game, Zingers, along with [[Necky]]s, [[Gnawty]]s and [[Slippa]]s were one of the most common enemies in the game. Zingers often acted as obstacles in this game, blocking the path of [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]] and [[Donkey Kong]]. Since the wasp has spikes covering all of its body, a Zinger could not be [[jump]]ed on. The [[Kong]]s would need to throw an object at a Zinger (such as a [[barrel]]) or employ the use of an [[Animal Buddy]] to defeat the baddie. The color of a Zinger is a clue to its flight pattern; they'll either fly vertically, horizontally, in a circular path, or in a U-shaped path. In the game, an apparent 'queen' Zinger is fought as a boss, [[Queen B.]] Zingers are also in ''Donkey Kong Country''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s pseudo-sequel ''[[Donkey Kong Land]]''.
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', there is an unlockable Zinger [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]], randomly obtainable in one of the game's modes. The trophy description generalizes that yellow Zingers fly up and down while red Zingers fly in circles based on their behavior in ''Donkey Kong Country'', although ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' depicts some exceptions, such as those in [[Bramble Scramble (Donkey Kong Country 2)|Bramble Scramble]] and [[Screech's Sprint (Donkey Kong Country 2)|Screech's Sprint]].


[[Image:ZingerCN.jpg|thumb|left|The Zinger in the ''[[Club Nintendo]]'' comic.]]
====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====
A Zinger appears in the ''[[Club Nintendo]]'' comic "[[Donkey Kong Country (comic)|Donkey Kong Country]]" as an enemy of [[Donkey Kong|Donkey]] and [[Diddy Kong]]. However, it does not attack the pair until Donkey Kong swears at the wasp. Ultimately Donkey defeats the Zinger (which, like every enemy in the comic, is able to speak) by doing a special rolling move and then kicking the enemy. When defeated, the Zinger claims that its stinger is deformed.
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', there is a Novice-class Shield-type {{iw|smashwiki|primary spirit}} of Zinger with no support slots; when used, it simply raises a fighter's power without granting any special effects. In the game's [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: World of Light|World of Light]] mode, a Zinger is shown in the opening cutscene, being consumed by one of Galeem's beams of light; later, its [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]] can be encountered on the {{iw|smashwiki|DK Island (World of Light)|DK Island}} sub-world of the {{iw|smashwiki|Light Realm}} map, on the [[Reptile Rumble]] spot. The spirit's [[smashwiki:False character|puppet fighter]], [[smashwiki:Pikachu (SSBU)|Pikachu]], has increased throw power, and he is fought on the omega form of {{iw|smashwiki|The Great Cave Offensive}} stage, with [[Unira]] being the only items that spawn during the battle. A Zinger's core can be combined with a [[Princess Shroob]] core to summon a spirit of {{iw|wikirby|Queen Sectonia}}.


Zingers also appear in ''Donkey Kong Country''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "true" sequel ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''. They are found in a majority of the levels in this game, except those taking place underwater. This time Zingers only came in two colors, the standard yellow variety, and the red variety (which were completely invincible). Also in this game, Diddy and [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]] meet an apparent 'king' Zinger, [[King Zing]]. Also of note, [[Crocodile Isle]], the location where the events of ''Donkey Kong Country 2'' takes place, has several Zinger hives on it, mostly in the region known as [[Krazy Kremland]]. This indicates that Crocodile Isle may be the ancestral home of the Zingers, and explains the large amount of Zingers in the game. Zingers also appear in ''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''.
===''WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase''===
In [[DK Country]], one of [[18-Volt]]'s [[microgame]]s from ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase]]'', a red Zinger must be avoided when the player shoots Diddy Kong out of a [[Bonus Barrel]].


Zingers did not appear in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble]]'' or ''[[Donkey Kong Land III]]''. They were replaced by a similar enemy, the robotic bees named [[Buzz (species)|Buzz]]es. Zingers returned in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. In this game they are less common than in previous titles and are easier to defeat. In DK Isles and the earlier levels, they would usually dive-bomb on sight, but they are easy to avoid. Later on, they will shoot lime bombs on sight, making them somewhat harder to avoid. The Kongs can simply blast the wasp with one of the weapons they can purchase from [[Funky Kong]]. Additionally, a new type of Zinger appears, a robotic variety. These "[[Mecha-Zinger]]s" are found prominently in the level [[Frantic Factory]]. They are also more difficult to defeat, presumably due to being made of metal.
===Unused appearances===
====''Donkey Kong Racing''====
[[File:Taj and DK Zingers - Donkey Kong Racing.jpg|thumb|Taj and Donkey Kong racing on Zingers in the trailer for the canceled ''Donkey Kong Racing'']]
In the canceled ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]'', part of the trailer showed Donkey Kong and [[Taj]] racing each other on Zingers in a forest area. This suggests that Zingers would have been rideable vehicles. At the end of the trailer, Taj moves past the slogan "Let's Ride" as he rides a Zinger.


Zingers also appear in ''[[Donkey Konga]]'' and as enemies in ''[[DK: King of Swing]]''. Furthermore, Zingers appear as enemies in ''DK: King of Swing''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sequel ''[[DK Jungle Climber]]''. Some early promotional material showed that Zingers were going to be ride-able in the now canceled game ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]''. In ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]'' Zingers appear as obstacles. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', a Zinger appears as a [[sticker]]. It raises resistance to slashing attacks (such as [[Link]]'s sword) by five points.
====''Diddy Kong Pilot'' (2003)====
Zingers are defensive items in the 2003 build of ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot (2003)|Diddy Kong Pilot]]''. If a racer has a Zinger, they can drop it behind to protect them from an incoming Buzz. If a racer flies into the Zinger, their plane briefly crashes onto the ground. A Zinger breaks if a character or object crashes into it. Like Buzzes, it is possible for racers to pick up three Zingers at once. Zingers were replaced by [[jiggywikki:Ice Egg|Ice Egg]]s in the final game, ''[[jiggywikki:Banjo-Pilot|Banjo-Pilot]]''.
{{br|left}}


==Levels==
==Profiles and statistics==
===''Donkey Kong Country===
{{main|List of Zinger profiles and statistics}}
===''Donkey Kong Country''===
{{DKC GBA enemy
|name=Zinger
|image=[[File:Zinger DKCGBA sprite.png]] [[File:DKCGBA Zinger orange.png]] [[File:DKCGBA Zinger silver.png]] [[File:DKCGBA Zinger green.png]] [[File:DKCGBA Zinger pink.png]] [[File:DKCGBA Zinger purple.png]]
|worlds=[[Kongo Jungle]]<br>[[Monkey Mines]]<br>[[Vine Valley (world)|Vine Valley]]<br>[[Gorilla Glacier]]<br>[[Kremkroc Industries, Inc.]]<br>[[Chimp Caverns]]
|levels={{columns|count=3|
*[[Ropey Rampage]] (yellow)
*[[Ropey Rampage]] (yellow)
*[[Reptile Rumble]] (yellow and orange)
*[[Reptile Rumble]] (yellow, orange)
*[[Barrel Cannon Canyon]] (yellow and orange)
*[[Barrel Cannon Canyon]] (yellow, orange)
*[[Winky's Walkway]] (pink)
*[[Winky's Walkway]] ({{hover|silver|This variation is colored pink in the original version}})
*[[Bouncy Bonanza]] (green and yellow)
*[[Bouncy Bonanza]] (green, yellow)
*[[Millstone Mayhem]] (orange)
*[[Millstone Mayhem]] (orange)
*[[Vulture Culture]] (orange, yellow and pink)
*[[Vulture Culture]] (orange, yellow, silver)
*[[Tree Top Town]] (orange)
*[[Tree Top Town]] (orange)
*[[Forest Frenzy]] (orange, yellow and pink)
*[[Forest Frenzy]] (orange, yellow, silver)
*[[Temple Tempest]] (orange and yellow)
*[[Temple Tempest]] (orange, yellow)
*[[Orang-utan Gang]] (pink)
*[[Orang-utan Gang]] (silver)
*[[Snow Barrel Blast]] (green, yellow, orange and pink)
*[[Snow Barrel Blast]] (green, yellow, orange, silver)
*[[Slipslide Ride]] (orange)
*[[Slipslide Ride]] (orange)
*[[Rope Bridge Rumble]] (pink and orange)
*[[Rope Bridge Rumble]] (silver, orange)
*[[Trick Track Trek]] (orange, yellow and pink)
*[[Trick Track Trek]] (orange, yellow, silver)
*[[Elevator Antics]] (yellow and orange)
*[[Elevator Antics]] (yellow, orange)
*[[Mine Cart Madness]] (orange, pink and yellow)
*[[Mine Cart Madness]] (orange, silver, yellow)
*[[Tanked Up Trouble]] (orange, pink and yellow)
*[[Tanked Up Trouble]] (orange, silver, yellow)
*[[Loopy Lights]] (orange and yellow)
*[[Loopy Lights]] (orange, yellow)
*[[Platform Perils]] (orange, yellow and pink)
*[[Platform Perils]] (orange, yellow, silver)
}}
|page=3
|photo_location=In [[Bumble B. Rumble]], by [[Hand Slap]]ping the center of the arena
|dk_attack=5000
}}


===''Donkey Kong Land===
===''DK: Jungle Climber''===
*[[Freezing Fun]]
;Level appearances
*[[Simian Swing]]
*[[Little Sun Sun Island]]
*[[Deck Trek]]
*[[Tropical Treetops]]
*[[Tire Trail]]
*[[Road to Ruins]]
*[[Rope Ravine]]
*[[Toybox]]
*[[Riggin' Rumble]]
*[[Little Lost Island]]
*[[Congo Carnage]]
*[[Toybox 2]]
*[[Arctic Barrel Arsenal]]
*[[Panic Factory]]
*[[Snake Charmer's Challenge]]
*[[Little Ghost Island]]
*[[Swirlwind Storm]]
*[[Falling Falls]]
*[[Pot Hole Panic (Donkey Kong Land)|Pot Hole Panic]]
*[[Snowful Slope]]
*[[Mountain Mayhem]]
*[[Space A Go-Go]]
*[[Track Attack]]
*[[Toybox 3]]
*[[Sky High Caper]]
*[[Planet Plantaen]]
*[[Landslide Leap]]
*[[Collapsing Clouds]]
*[[Balloon Barrage]]
*[[Kong Krazy]]
*[[Construction Site Fight]]
*[[Fast Barrel Blast]]
*[[Skyscraper Caper]]
*[[Oil Drum Slum]]


===''Donkey Kong 64===
===''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''===
*[[DK Isle]]  
{{Spirit
*[[Jungle Japes]]
|no=160
*[[Angry Aztec]]
|name=Zinger
*[[Gloomy Galleon]] (only one; in an underwater submarine)
|image=[[File:DKCJZinger.jpg|100px]]
*[[Fungi Forest]]
|series=''Donkey Kong'' Series
*[[Crystal Caves]]
|type={{iw|smashwiki|Primary spirit|Primary}}
|slots=0
|class=Novice
|effects='''{{color|deepskyblue|Shield}}'''
|obtain={{iw|smashwiki|Adventure Mode: World of Light|World of Light}} ({{iw|smashwiki|DK Island (World of Light)|DK Island}}); {{iw|smashwiki|Spirit Board}}
|opponents={{iw|smashwiki|Pikachu (SSBU)|Pikachu}}
|conditions='''Rule:''' Item: {{iw|smashwiki|Unira}}
*The enemy's throwing-type items have increased power
|stage=[[The Great Cave Offensive]] ({{iw|smashwiki|Battlefield form|Ω}})
|song=Stickerbush Symphony
}}


==Notable Zingers==
==Gallery==
*[[Queen B.]] &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''
{{main-gallery}}
*[[King Zing]] &ndash;  ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''
<gallery>
Zinger DKC.png|''Donkey Kong Country''
ZingerCN.jpg|''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]''
Zinger DK64.png|''Donkey Kong 64''
Zinger DKKoS artwork.jpg|''DK: King of Swing''
Zinger DKJC.png|''DK: Jungle Climber''
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Names in other languages==
*According to the game's credits, Zingers belong to the "[[Lazy Landlubbers]]" enemy class.
{{foreign names
*Zingers slightly resemble the conjecturally named [[Bee'zerk]]s, a bee species from the [[Mario (series)|''Mario'' series]], who in turn resemble [[Stinger]]s.
|Jap=ジンガー
*In the [[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' television series]], there are bees in the episode "[[Buried Treasure (Donkey Kong Country episode)|Buried Treasure]]" that resemble Zingers.
|JapR=Jingā
*[[Tiki Zing]]s of ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' have some similarities to Zingers in that they're usually used as indestructible obstacles against the Kongs.
|JapN=''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', ''Donkey Kong Country'' (remake)
|JapM=Zinger<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/FEi0ydEqjZY?feature=shared&t=153|title=【ドンキーコングランド】エンディング|timestamp=02:33|date=July 7, 2020|author=ピンカーのゲーム動画館_実況無しVideo game_Japanese|publisher=YouTube|language=ja|accessdate=November 19, 2024}}</ref>
|JapC=<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/CjrGgAs2Rmg?feature=shared&t=38|timestamp=00:38|title=スタッフロール 【スーパードンキーコング2】Donkey Kong Country 2 - end credits|date=February 16, 2021|author=くぱべる|publisher=YouTube|language=ja|accessdate=November 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/ODRlySiD6ic?feature=shared&t=1189|timestamp=19:49|title=GBA版スーパードンキーコングをナメてはいけない #10()|date=March 2, 2023|author=レトロゲー・叫ばないホラゲー実況 けーたいぷ|publisher=YouTube|language=ja|accessdate=November 19, 2024}}</ref>
|Fre=Zinger
|Ger=Zinger
|Ita=Zinger
|Rus=Жужа
|RusN=''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
|RusR=Zhuzha
|Rus2=Зингер
|Rus2C=<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20150326052520/https://www.nintendo.ru/-/Game-Boy/Donkey-Kong-Land-925102.html|title=Donkey Kong Land {{!}} Game Boy {{!}} Игры {{!}} Nintendo|publisher=Nintendo of Russia|language=ru|accessdate=May 16, 2024}}</ref>
|Rus2R=Zinger
|RusM=Derived from ''жужжание'' (''zhuzhzhanie'', Russian onomatopoeia for buzzing)
|Rus2M=Zinger
|Spa=Zinger
}}
 
==References==
<references/>


==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Image:kingzing.jpg|<center>''Donkey Kong Country''</center>
Image:Zinger.jpg|<center>''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''</center>
Image:zinger2.jpg|<center>''DK: King of Swing''
Image:DKCJZinger.jpg|<center>''DK: Jungle Climber''
</center></gallery>
<br clear=all>
{{NIWA|DKWiki=1}}
{{Bee}}
{{DKC}}
{{DKC}}
{{DKC2}}
{{DKC2}}
{{DKL}}
{{DKL}}
{{DKL2}}
{{DKL2}}
[[Category:Insects]]
{{DK64}}
[[Category:Kremling Krew]]
{{DKKOS}}
[[Category:Donkey Kong Species]]
{{DKJC}}
[[Category:Donkey Kong Enemies]]
[[Category:Wasps]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Stickers]]
[[Category:DK: Jungle Climber enemies]]
[[Category:Lazy Landlubbers]]
[[Category:DK: King of Swing enemies]]
[[category:Donkey Kong Land]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong 64 enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land 2]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Barrel Blast enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land enemies]]
[[Category:DK: Jungle Climber]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land 2 enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong 64]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate spirits]]
[[de:Zinger]]
[[it:Zinger]]

Latest revision as of 02:27, December 1, 2024

It has been requested that this article be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: include more information on Donkey Konga and DK: Jungle Climber appearances

Zinger
Zinger
Artwork from DK: Jungle Climber
First appearance Donkey Kong Country (1994)
Latest appearance Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (spirit cameo) (2018)
Variants
Derived subjects
Comparable
Notable members

Zingers, also shortened Zings,[1] are large wasps[2] (erroneously identified as bees[3]) with protective spikes on their back. Zingers are usually colored yellow with black stripes. Zingers first appear in Donkey Kong Country. Zingers were designed by Steve Mayles, who dislikes wasps in real life, and was scared while designing the Zingers.[4][2]

There are some entities similar to Zingers. In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! and Donkey Kong Land III, they were replaced with the robotic Buzzes. In Donkey Kong Country Returns's Tiki Zings have some similarities to Zingers in that they are usually used as indestructible obstacles against the Kongs; however, Flaming Tiki Buzzes are functionally closer in that they can be defeated in special ways, with Blue Hootzes continuing that role in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

History[edit]

Donkey Kong Country series[edit]

Donkey Kong Country[edit]

Artwork of a Zinger flying in Donkey Kong Country
A Zinger's original design in Donkey Kong Country

Zingers are common enemies in Donkey Kong Country. The spikes on their back protect them from being stomped by the player characters unless they are riding Winky.[5] Zingers have to be avoided, such as in Forest Frenzy, where most of the level involves moving around Zingers as they move across abysses on a vertical rope. Zingers have four color variations: yellow, orange, pink, and green. Their flight pattern is determined by their color; yellow Zingers fly vertically, orange Zingers fly horizontally, pink Zingers fly in a circular path, and green Zingers fly in a U-shape formation. There is a large Zinger boss named Queen B. who is fought in Vine Valley, in Bumble B. Rumble. In the second remake, she can summon Zingers in battle.

The game data features unused silver and blue palettes of Zingers.

Zinger palettes differ in later versions. In the first remake, due to technical limitations, there are only yellow Zingers for every behavior. In the second remake, the pink ones now use the previously unused silver coloration, with one of every color including pink and purple appearing during the ending cast roll. Compared to the original unused palettes, the silver and purple ones have swapped wing colors.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[edit]

A Zinger in Donkey Kong Country 2.
A Zinger's updated design for Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Zingers are enemies in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. They appear in yellow and red varieties. Zingers behave similarly as in Donkey Kong Country, once again having varying flight patterns, and Zingers can now be defeated from more Animal Friends than in Donkey Kong Country, including from Squawks' nuts, Squitter's web projectiles, or being bounced onto by Rattly. In addition, Diddy and Dixie can defeat them directly if under the effect of an Invincibility Barrel. Zingers appear in most levels, some of which take place inside of a Zinger hive, with larval and pupal Zingers visible in the background. Most Zinger hives appear in Krazy Kremland, reflected by how Zingers fly around the world on the Crocodile Isle map. A Zinger boss named King Zing is even fought at the end of Krazy Kremland, and late into his battle, King Zing shrinks to the size of a Zinger and summons several other small ones to guard him. Although Zingers are often described as wasps, a lot of honey appears in their hives. In the ending, Zingers are categorized within the Lazy Landlubbers enemy class.

Donkey Kong Country novel[edit]

A single Zinger appears as an antagonist in the Donkey Kong Country novel. Upon entering the Kremling's factory, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and Cranky Kong eavesdrop on Zinger complaining to his co-worker Klap Trap about King K. Rool's absence. Klap Trap then notices the group and Zinger lunges at Donkey Kong, only to be defeated by being hand slapped (which is not possible in the games).

Club Nintendo[edit]

A Zinger appears in the Club Nintendo comic "Donkey Kong Country" as an enemy of Donkey and Diddy Kong. However, it does not attack the pair until Donkey Kong swears at the wasp. Ultimately, DK defeats the Zinger (which, like every enemy in the comic, is able to speak) by doing a special rolling move and then kicking the enemy. When defeated, the Zinger claims that its stinger is deformed.

Donkey Kong Land series[edit]

Zinger the wasp in Donkey Kong Land. The omnipresent Zinger, a wasp-like enemy from the game Donkey Kong Land 2.
A comparison between a Zinger's design in Donkey Kong Land and Donkey Kong Land 2

Zingers appear in the first two games of the Donkey Kong Land series, Donkey Kong Land and Donkey Kong Land 2. In both games, they are aerial enemies appearing in most levels. Unlike in the Donkey Kong Country series, Zingers do not have distinguishable colors due to the Game Boy's monochrome screen, but they behave exactly like the yellow types.

Uniquely to Donkey Kong Land, Zingers had their sprite changed to vertically oriented instead of horizontal, and their stinger more outwardly faces the Kongs. Expresso can now jump on them without taking damage.

In Donkey Kong Land 2, Zingers are classified under "The Baddies" during the ending cast roll.

Donkey Kong 64[edit]

Zingers are enemies in Donkey Kong 64. They have one of two ways of attacking: In DK Isles and some of the earlier levels, Zingers dive-bomb at the active Kong on sight, while other Zingers instead drop unripe green Oranges upon noticing them. Zingers can be defeated from either being hit with ammo from a Kong's weapon, from the effects of a musical instrument move, or by throwing an Orange at it. Aside from DK Isles, Zingers also appear in Jungle Japes, Angry Aztec, Fungi Forest during the daytime (being replaced by Bats at night), and Crystal Caves. Gloomy Galleon has only one Zinger, located inside of a mechanical fish. In Angry Aztec, if the player defeats a Zinger and its body falls into the sand, the body disappears in a burst of flames without releasing any watermelon slice. Unlike the dive-bombing Zingers, the orange-dropping ones will generally respawn after defeating them.

Zingers have a robotic variety named Mechanical Zingers, which appear in Frantic Factory, although regular Zingers do not.

DK series[edit]

Zingers are enemies in DK: King of Swing (appearing in three levels: Cactus Woods, Lockjaw Falls, and Booster Barrel Skyway) and DK: Jungle Climber. Zingers behave identically in both games. They move by continuously flying back and forth in a set horizontal or vertical pattern. They have spikes on their back and a stinger, which protect them from Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong's charge attack. If either Kong touches or performs a charge attack into a Zinger's spikes or stinger, they take one heart of damage. A Zinger can be defeated by either a charge attack into the front or from the Going Bananas move.

Donkey Kong Barrel Blast[edit]

A Zinger in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Zingers in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast are depicted larger than before. They are enemies on the racetracks DK Jungle, DK Jungle Falls, DK Jungle Sunset, Scorching Canyon and Cranky's Temple. They fly around in a set pattern and can be defeated from one hit. They also appear in two of Candy's Challenges, where Donkey Kong needs to beat a set amount of Zingers on the Practice Course before time expires.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a Zinger is featured as a sticker that can be equipped by any character in The Subspace Emissary, and doing so raises their resistance to slashing attacks (such as Link's sword) by five points.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, there is an unlockable Zinger trophy, randomly obtainable in one of the game's modes. The trophy description generalizes that yellow Zingers fly up and down while red Zingers fly in circles based on their behavior in Donkey Kong Country, although Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest depicts some exceptions, such as those in Bramble Scramble and Screech's Sprint.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, there is a Novice-class Shield-type primary spirit of Zinger with no support slots; when used, it simply raises a fighter's power without granting any special effects. In the game's World of Light mode, a Zinger is shown in the opening cutscene, being consumed by one of Galeem's beams of light; later, its spirit can be encountered on the DK Island sub-world of the Light Realm map, on the Reptile Rumble spot. The spirit's puppet fighter, Pikachu, has increased throw power, and he is fought on the omega form of The Great Cave Offensive stage, with Unira being the only items that spawn during the battle. A Zinger's core can be combined with a Princess Shroob core to summon a spirit of Queen Sectonia.

WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase[edit]

In DK Country, one of 18-Volt's microgames from WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, a red Zinger must be avoided when the player shoots Diddy Kong out of a Bonus Barrel.

Unused appearances[edit]

Donkey Kong Racing[edit]

Donkey Kong Racing beta screenshot: Taj and Donkey Kong on some Zingers.
Taj and Donkey Kong racing on Zingers in the trailer for the canceled Donkey Kong Racing

In the canceled Donkey Kong Racing, part of the trailer showed Donkey Kong and Taj racing each other on Zingers in a forest area. This suggests that Zingers would have been rideable vehicles. At the end of the trailer, Taj moves past the slogan "Let's Ride" as he rides a Zinger.

Diddy Kong Pilot (2003)[edit]

Zingers are defensive items in the 2003 build of Diddy Kong Pilot. If a racer has a Zinger, they can drop it behind to protect them from an incoming Buzz. If a racer flies into the Zinger, their plane briefly crashes onto the ground. A Zinger breaks if a character or object crashes into it. Like Buzzes, it is possible for racers to pick up three Zingers at once. Zingers were replaced by Ice Eggs in the final game, Banjo-Pilot.

Profiles and statistics[edit]

Main article: List of Zinger profiles and statistics

Donkey Kong Country[edit]

Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance) enemy
Zinger
Zinger in Donkey Kong Country for Game Boy Advance. Sprite of an orange Zinger from Donkey Kong Country for Game Boy Advance Sprite of a silver Zinger from Donkey Kong Country for Game Boy Advance Sprite of a green Zinger from Donkey Kong Country for Game Boy Advance Sprite of a pink Zinger (cast roll-only) from Donkey Kong Country for Game Boy Advance Sprite of a purple Zinger (cast roll-only) from Donkey Kong Country for Game Boy Advance
Worlds Kongo Jungle
Monkey Mines
Vine Valley
Gorilla Glacier
Kremkroc Industries, Inc.
Chimp Caverns
Levels
Scrapbook page 3
Photograph location In Bumble B. Rumble, by Hand Slapping the center of the arena DK Attack point value 5000

DK: Jungle Climber[edit]

Level appearances

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

Spirit
#160 Zinger
Zinger Series/game Donkey Kong Series
Type Primary
Slots 0
Class Novice
Strength / effect(s) Shield
How to obtain World of Light (DK Island); Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Pikachu
Conditions

Rule: Item: Unira

  • The enemy's throwing-type items have increased power
Stage The Great Cave Offensive (Ω)
Song Stickerbush Symphony

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Zinger.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ジンガー[7][8]
Jingā
Zinger[6] Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Donkey Kong Country (remake)
French Zinger[?] -
German Zinger[?] -
Italian Zinger[?] -
Russian Жужа[?]
Zhuzha
Derived from жужжание (zhuzhzhanie, Russian onomatopoeia for buzzing) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Зингер[9]
Zinger
Zinger
Spanish Zinger[?] -

References[edit]

  1. ^ File:Toxic Tower concept.jpg
  2. ^ a b WinkySteve (September 28, 2016). Wasps. I don't like wasps. Making Zingers scared me.. X (Screen capture). Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  3. ^ "These bees are usually quite busy protecting their assigned area!" – 1994. Donkey Kong Country Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 15.
  4. ^ Early DKC general naming sheetMedia:DKC general naming.jpg
  5. ^ "Zingers sport spikes on their backs! You can't jump on them unless you're riding Winky!" – Cranky Kong (1994). Donkey Kong Country. Nintendo (English).
  6. ^ ピンカーのゲーム動画館_実況無しVideo game_Japanese (July 7, 2020). 【ドンキーコングランド】エンディング (02:33). YouTube (Japanese). Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  7. ^ くぱべる (February 16, 2021). スタッフロール 【スーパードンキーコング2】Donkey Kong Country 2 - end credits (00:38). YouTube (Japanese). Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  8. ^ レトロゲー・叫ばないホラゲー実況 けーたいぷ (March 2, 2023). GBA版スーパードンキーコングをナメてはいけない #10(終) (19:49). YouTube (Japanese). Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  9. ^ Donkey Kong Land | Game Boy | Игры | Nintendo. Nintendo of Russia (Russian). Archived March 26, 2015, 05:25:20 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 16, 2024.