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{{about|the character from ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''|[[Villager]]'s down special move in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros. series]]|[[Villager#Timber|Villager § Timber]]}}
{{about|the character from ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''|[[Villager]]'s down special move in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros. series]]|[[Villager#Timber|Villager § Timber]]}}
{{character infobox
{{character infobox
|image=[[File:Timber DKRDS art.jpg|150px]]
|image=[[File:Timber DKRDS art.jpg|150px]]<br>Artwork from ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''
|full_name=Timber the Tiger
|species=Tiger
|species=Tiger
|first_appearance=''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' ([[List of games by date#1997|1997]])
|first_appearance=''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' ([[List of games by date#1997|1997]])
Line 8: Line 7:
|portrayed_by=Joe Stamper<ref>[[Media:DKR_various_characters_voice_confirmation_2.png|Twitter confirmation by former Rare employee Graeme Norgate]]</ref>
|portrayed_by=Joe Stamper<ref>[[Media:DKR_various_characters_voice_confirmation_2.png|Twitter confirmation by former Rare employee Graeme Norgate]]</ref>
}}
}}
{{quote|Why is it that people always run away when they hear my name?|Timber|Nintendo Power}} <ref>[https://twitter.com/dkvine/status/1479422567513395202/photo/1 @DKVine], ''Twitter''.</ref>
{{quote|Why is it that people always run away when they hear my name?|Timber<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 102|date=November 1997|page=29|language=American English|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref>}}
'''Timber''' is a young tiger cub playable character in ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', who returned for its remake, ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''. He is an old friend of [[Diddy Kong]], and son of a family dubbed "the Tigers", who seem to frequent visiting [[Donkey Kong Island|Kong Country]]. He is a [[Rare Ltd.]] creation, whose rights were sold over to {{wp|Microsoft}} during Microsoft's 2002 buyout of Rare Ltd.
'''Timber''' is a young tiger cub appearing mainly in ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' and its [[Diddy Kong Racing DS|remake]]. He is an old friend of [[Diddy Kong]], and son of a family dubbed "[[List of implied characters#The Tigers|the Tigers]]", who seem to frequent visiting [[Donkey Kong Island|Kong Country]]. He is a [[Rare Ltd.]] creation, whose rights were sold over to {{wp|Microsoft}} during their purchase of Rare Ltd. in 2002.
==History==
==Character creation==
===Character creation===
[[File:Pro-Am 64 Timber.jpg|thumb|200px|The cancelled ''Pro-Am 64'']]
{{multiple image
Inspired by his huge pet grey cat and the Cave of Wonders from {{wp|Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Disney's ''Aladdin''}}, [[Kevin Bayliss]] designed a tiger character as early as the development of what would become ''{{wp|Killer Instinct (1994 video game)|Killer Instinct}}'', but it did not appear in the final game, as it ended up having more focus on human characters. Some of the graphics for the head and body were recycled for Jago's temple stage and Orchid's fiery-cat attack. Later, programmer Chris Tilston wanted to create a platformer for the [[Nintendo 64]]. Bayliss repurposed the cat concept running on all fours, this time inspired by {{wp|Simba}} from ''{{wp|The Lion King}}'' and a tiger cub that he pet with his girlfriend at the time. The game project evolved into something else without the character.<ref>Christopher Niosi (November 16, 2021). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBul9Hf7Kz8&t=768s Interview with Kev Bayliss & Dave Wise PART 2 - Kirblog 11/16/21]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 28, 2023.</ref>
|width=200
|image1=Bayliss Kevin Timber early model.jpg
|caption1=Early model of Timber as a quadruped<ref>{{cite|author=Kev_Bayliss|date=February 22, 2024|url=x.com/Kev_Bayliss/status/1760728593271763453|title=It’s TIMBER! He was originally going to be in a platform game, climbing around on all fours like real tiger cub! I built a Nurbs model too, but this is all that remains of him now. I animated a lot of his moves, but then we stopped, & I put him in #DIDDYKONGRACING instead! It’s the first N64 model I made!|publisher=X|accessdate=February 23, 2024|archive=archive.today/2024.02.23-162346/https://twitter.com/Kev_Bayliss/status/1760728593271763453}}</ref>
|image2=Pro-Am 64 Timber.jpg
|caption2=Timber in the cancelled ''Pro-Am 64''
}}
Inspired by his huge pet grey cat and the Cave of Wonders from {{wp|Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Disney's ''Aladdin''}}, [[Kevin Bayliss]] designed a tiger character as early as the development of what would become ''{{wp|Killer Instinct (1994 video game)|Killer Instinct}}'', but it did not appear in the final game, as it ended up having more focus on human characters. Some of the graphics for the head and body were recycled for Jago's temple stage and Orchid's fiery-cat attack. Later, programmer Chris Tilston wanted to create a platformer for the [[Nintendo 64]]. Bayliss repurposed the cat concept running on all fours, this time inspired by {{wp|Simba}} from ''{{wp|The Lion King}}'' and a tiger cub that he pet with his girlfriend at the time. The game project evolved into something else without the character.<ref>{{cite|author=Christopher Niosi|date=November 16, 2021|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBul9Hf7Kz8&t=768s|timestamp=12:48|title = Interview with Kev Bayliss & Dave Wise PART 2 - Kirblog 11/16/21|publisher = YouTube|accessdate = May 30, 2024}}</ref>


Timber was then intended to be the main star of the fourth entry of the ''{{wp|R.C. Pro-Am}}'' series, titled ''Pro-Am 64''. After Rare presented ''Pro-Am 64'' to [[Nintendo]], [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] suggested adding Diddy Kong to the game, and making him the starring role. Development of the game naturally progressed over to what is now the finalized ''Diddy Kong Racing''.  
Timber was then intended to be the main star of the fourth entry of the ''{{wp|R.C. Pro-Am}}'' series, titled ''Pro-Am 64''. After Rare presented ''Pro-Am 64'' to [[Nintendo]], [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] suggested adding Diddy Kong to the game, and making him the starring role. Development of the game naturally progressed over to what is now the finalized ''Diddy Kong Racing''.{{ref needed}}


==History==
===''Diddy Kong Racing'' / ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===
===''Diddy Kong Racing'' series===
====''Diddy Kong Racing''====
[[File:Timber Plane DKR.png|thumb|150px|left|Timber in his debut, ''Diddy Kong Racing'']]
[[File:Timber Plane DKR.png|thumb|150px|left|Timber in his debut, ''Diddy Kong Racing'']]
During the events of ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', Timber's parents went on a vacation to Kong Country and left him in charge of [[Timber's Island]]. [[Wizpig]] later invades the island, prompting Timber to call upon the help of his friends who take on Wizpig's challenge to race for the island. He's a middleweight racer who rides green vehicles with average speed, acceleration, and handling. Despite those drawbacks, he controls very similar to [[Diddy Kong]], and is ideal for starter players. In the game's ending sequence, he can be seen riding [[Smokey the Dragon]] in celebration of defeating Wizpig.
In the events of ''Diddy Kong Racing'' and its remake, Timber's parents went on a vacation to Kong Country and left him in charge of [[Timber's Island]]. [[Wizpig]] later invades the island, prompting Timber to call upon the help of his friends who take on Wizpig's challenge to race for the island. He is a middleweight racer who rides green vehicles with average speed and acceleration but below-average handling. Despite those drawbacks, he controls very similar to [[Diddy Kong]] and is ideal for starter players. In the game's ending sequence, he can be seen riding [[Smokey]] in celebration of defeating Wizpig.


====''Diddy Kong Racing DS''====
Timber in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS'' has an Australian-like accent, not a British accent like in the original version. His appearance has slightly changed in this game, with Timber having more, darker stripes, and the Nintendo DS logo on his cap instead of a [[Rare Ltd.]] logo. All of his stats are average in this game, unlike with the original title. Timber's instrument theme is a harmonica. His top speed without bananas, shared with [[Bumper (character)|Bumper]] and [[Conker]], is 56.5 mph. Timber also stars in his own tie-in [[wikipedia:Adobe Flash|Flash]] game, ''[[Timber's Balloon Pop]]''.
Timber reappears in the [[Nintendo DS]] game ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''. He seems to have an Australian-like accent in this game, as opposed to the British accent in the N64 version. His appearance has slightly changed in this game, with Timber having more, darker stripes, and the Nintendo DS logo on his cap instead of a [[Rare Ltd.]] logo. All of his stats are average in this game, unlike with the original title. Timber's instrument theme is a harmonica. His top speed without bananas, shared with [[Bumper (character)|Bumper]] and [[Conker]], is 56.5 mph.
{{br|left}}
 
====''Timber's Balloon Pop''====
A [[Wikipedia:Adobe Flash|Flash]] game starring Timber, titled ''[[Timber's Balloon Pop]]'', was posted on Nintendo's official website to promote ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''.  


===''Mario no Bōken Land''===
===''Mario no Bōken Land''===
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Timber makes a small, non-speaking cameo in the ''Diddy Kong Racing'' story segment of ''[[Mario no Bōken Land]]'', titled "Go Go Diddy!". He is shown competing in a race in first place, though he is facing the wrong way. At the end of the segment, he is seen congratulating Diddy Kong on the crown he was awarded for defeating Wizpig.
Timber makes a small, non-speaking cameo in the ''Diddy Kong Racing'' story segment of ''[[Mario no Bōken Land]]'', titled "Go Go Diddy!". He is shown competing in a race in first place, though he is facing the wrong way. At the end of the segment, he is seen congratulating Diddy Kong on the crown he was awarded for defeating Wizpig.


===''4-koma Gag Battle''===
===''4koma Gag Battle''===
Timber appears throughout the ''[[4-koma Gag Battle]]'' manga adaptation of ''Diddy Kong Racing''.  
Timber appears throughout the ''[[4koma Gag Battle]]'' manga adaptation of ''Diddy Kong Racing''.


===''Mario Artist: Paint Studio''===
===''Mario Artist: Paint Studio''===
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**'''Top Speed:''' 3/5
**'''Top Speed:''' 3/5
**'''Vehicle Color:''' Green
**'''Vehicle Color:''' Green
*'''Instruction booklet bio''' (page 23): "''(Medium acceleration, medium weight, good handling, medium top speed) A playful young tiger, Timber has been left in charge of the island while his parents visit their old friends over in Kong Country. Desperate to get Wizpig out and everything else back to normal before they return, Timber rallies his friends up to join up with Taj’s resistance!''"
*'''Instruction booklet bio''': "''(Medium acceleration, medium weight, good handling, medium top speed) A playful young tiger, Timber has been left in charge of the island while his parents visit their old friends over in Kong Country. Desperate to get Wizpig out and everything else back to normal before they return, Timber rallies his friends up to join up with Taj’s resistance!''"<ref>{{cite|title=''Diddy Kong Racing'' instruction booklet|page=23|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|date=1997}}</ref>
*'''[[Nintendo Power#Player's Guides|Player's Guide]]''' (page 6): "''With his parents away visiting their old friends, the Kong clan, Timber figured that he could spend his days doing what he loves best: racing. Little did he know that he’d be racing for his life and the freedom of everyone on his island home. His distress call has been answered by allies near and far—and even by a suspiciously friendly Kremling. In any case, he’ll take whatever help he can if it means driving Wizpig off the island and out of their lives.''"
*'''[[Nintendo Power#Player's Guides|Player's Guide]]''': "''With his parents away visiting their old friends, the Kong clan, Timber figured that he could spend his days doing what he loves best: racing. Little did he know that he’d be racing for his life and the freedom of everyone on his island home. His distress call has been answered by allies near and far—and even by a suspiciously friendly Kremling. In any case, he’ll take whatever help he can if it means driving Wizpig off the island and out of their lives.''"<ref>{{cite|title=''Diddy Kong Racing'' Nintendo Player's Guide|author=Swan, Leslie|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=1997|page=6}}</ref>
*'''''[[Nintendo Power]]'' Volume 103''' (page 14): "''Timber’s family used to rule the island before the Wizpig began hogging all the race tracks. He’s determined to bring the big pig to justice. He’s well equipped to do it, too, with very solid handling. His acceleration, top speed and weight are all in the middle range.''"
*'''''[[Nintendo Power]]'' Volume 103''': "''Timber’s family used to rule the island before the Wizpig began hogging all the race tracks. He’s determined to bring the big pig to justice. He’s well equipped to do it, too, with very solid handling. His acceleration, top speed and weight are all in the middle range.''"<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 103|page=14|date=December 1997|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref>
*'''[https://web.archive.org/web/19981206065714/http://www.dkr.com/driversed.html Diddy's Drivers Ed]''': "''My good buddy Timber is almost my twin when it comes to racing styles. We both have great handling and acceleration, but sacrifice a little top speed.''"
*'''Diddy's Drivers Ed''': "''My good buddy Timber is almost my twin when it comes to racing styles. We both have great handling and acceleration, but sacrifice a little top speed.''"<ref>{{cite|archive=web.archive.org/web/19981206065714/http://www.dkr.com/driversed.html|title=Diddy's Drivers Ed|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|accessdate=March 28, 2023|deadlink=y}}</ref>
*'''''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition'' [[Prima Games|Prima]]'s Official Strategy Guide''' (page 33): "''Another good middle-of-the-pack animal, Timber’s top speed gives him a slight edge on his monkey friend. But he doesn’t handle quite as well or accelerate quite as fast as Diddy. That’s true throughout the cast: The heavier animals are less responsive, but once they get moving, their top speed is better. With Timber, our opinion is that a little extra speed is seldom worth is deficiencies, especially in handling.''"
*'''''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition:''''' "''Another good middle-of-the-pack animal, Timber’s top speed gives him a slight edge on his monkey friend. But he doesn’t handle quite as well or accelerate quite as fast as Diddy. That’s true throughout the cast: The heavier animals are less responsive, but once they get moving, their top speed is better. With Timber, our opinion is that a little extra speed is seldom worth is deficiencies, especially in handling.''"<ref>{{cite|date=April 7, 1999|title=''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition Prima's Official Strategy Guide''|language=en-us|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|isbn=0-7615-2103-7|page=33}}</ref>
*'''[https://web.archive.org/web/19990902231307/http://www.rareware.com/recent/games/racing/castlist/cast_timber.html Rarewhere]''': "''A playful young tiger, left in charge of the island while his parents go visiting their old friends over in Kong country. Desperate to get Wizpig out and everything else back to normal before they return, Timber rallies his friends and joins up with Taj’s resistance!''"
*'''Rarewhere''': "''A playful young tiger, left in charge of the island while his parents go visiting their old friends over in Kong country. Desperate to get Wizpig out and everything else back to normal before they return, Timber rallies his friends and joins up with Taj’s resistance!''"<ref>{{cite|archive=web.archive.org/web/19980705005250/http://www.rare.co.uk/recent/games/racing/castlist/cast_timber.html|title=Rarewhere: DKR Cast List|publisher=Rarewhere|language=en-gb|accessdate=March 28, 2023|deadlink=y}}</ref>


===''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===
===''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===
Line 61: Line 59:
**'''Acceleration:''' 3/5
**'''Acceleration:''' 3/5
**'''Handling:''' 3/5
**'''Handling:''' 3/5
==List of appearances==
{|class=wikitable style="width:100%"
!Title!!Role!!Release!!System
|-
|''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''
|Playable character
|1997
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|-
|''[[Mario Artist: Paint Studio]]''
|Stamp cameo
|1999
|[[Nintendo 64DD]]
|-
|''[[Timber's Balloon Pop]]''
|Playable character
|2007
|Internet browser
|-
|''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''
|Playable character
|2007
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Main-gallery}}
{{Main-gallery}}
===Artwork===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Timber.png|''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''
Timber.png|''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''
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Timber Hovercraft DKR.png|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Timber Hovercraft DKR.png|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Timber Plane DKR 2.png|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Timber Plane DKR 2.png|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Wizpig and racers DKR.jpg|''Diddy Kong Racing''
DKRBeachPromo.jpg|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Timberisland.jpg|''Diddy Kong Racing''
DKRScene12.jpg|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Timber in Plane DKRDS.jpg|''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''
Timber in Plane DKRDS.jpg|''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
TimberDKR.jpg|''Diddy Kong Racing''
TimberDKR.jpg|''Diddy Kong Racing''
DKRJPNC.png|Cast of ''Diddy Kong Racing'', Japanese commercial
KrunchTimberJPN.png|[[Krunch]] and Timber, ''Diddy Kong Racing'' Japanese commercial
KrunchTimberJPN.png|[[Krunch]] and Timber, ''Diddy Kong Racing'' Japanese commercial
DKRDSintro2.png|''Diddy Kong Racing DS'' cast
Timberballoon.jpg|''[[Timber's Balloon Pop]]''
Timberballoon5.jpg|''Timber's Balloon Pop''
</gallery>
===Sprites===
<gallery>
Timber-CSS-DKR.png|''Diddy Kong Racing'' mugshot
DKRDS icon Timber.png|''Diddy Kong Racing DS'' mugshot
</gallery>
===Scans===
<gallery>
DKRGag.jpg|''[[Mario no Bōken Land]]''
BoukenLand5.jpg|''Mario no Bōken Land''
</gallery>
===Merchandise===
<gallery>
RareRacers Spinning Pin Timber c.png|Timber [[Fangamer|RareRacers]] spinning pin
</gallery>
</gallery>


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|JapR=Tinbā
|JapR=Tinbā
|JapM=Timber
|JapM=Timber
|Fre=Timber<ref>[https://www.nintendo64ever.com/Scans-Magazine,52,Le-Magazine-Officiel-Nintendo-03.html Official Nintendo french magazine N3], page 25</ref>
|Fre=Timber<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo64ever.com/Scans-Magazine,52,Le-Magazine-Officiel-Nintendo-03.html|title=Official Nintendo french magazine N3|date=February-March 1998|language=French|page=25}}</ref>
|FreM=-
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*After the release of ''Diddy Kong Racing'', Timber was also planned to star in Rare's ''[[lylatwiki:Dinosaur Planet|Dinosaur Planet]]'' early in development.<ref>[https://twitter.com/kkgsarchive/status/1030986392921432064?s=20 Twitter]. "FUN FACT: Timber (from Diddy Kong Racing) was originally going to be the protagonist of Dinosaur Planet. several files in the SFA kiosk image have "Timber" instead of "Sabre" in their names. there's also concept art of a more tigerlike "Sabre" on Nick Southam's squarespace page." Posted August 18, 2018. Accessed August 30, 2020.</ref><ref>Bayliss, Kev. [https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/opinion/dinosaur-planet-leak I was a lead on Dinosaur Planet and this week’s leak brought back great memories]. ''Video Games Chronicle''. Retrieved February 23, 2021.</ref> The game would eventually see many changes before being released as ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox Adventures|Star Fox Adventures]]'', with no appearance from Timber.
*After the release of ''Diddy Kong Racing'', Timber was also planned to star in Rare's ''[[lylatwiki:Dinosaur Planet|Dinosaur Planet]]'' early in development.<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/kkgsarchive/status/1030986392921432064?s=20|quote=FUN FACT: Timber (from Diddy Kong Racing) was originally going to be the protagonist of Dinosaur Planet. several files in the SFA kiosk image have "Timber" instead of "Sabre" in their names. there's also concept art of a more tigerlike "Sabre" on Nick Southam's squarespace page.|publisher=X|date=August 18, 2018|accessdate=August 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Bayliss, Kevin|url=www.videogameschronicle.com/features/opinion/dinosaur-planet-leak|title=I was a lead on Dinosaur Planet and this week’s leak brought back great memories|publisher=Video Games Chronicle|language=en|accessdate=February 23, 2021}}</ref> The game would eventually see many changes before being released as ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox Adventures|Star Fox Adventures]]'', with no appearance from Timber.
*Timber was included in a failed gaming pitch by {{wp|Climax Group}} titled ''[[Diddy Kong Racing Adventure]]''. Plans for the game included Timber as a playable character, whose special attack would have him roar a sonic wave that slows down other racers. The game idea was rejected by Nintendo and never came into fruition.
*Timber was included in a failed gaming pitch by {{wp|Climax Group}} titled ''[[Diddy Kong Racing Adventure]]''. Plans for the game included Timber as a playable character, whose special attack would have him roar a sonic wave that slows down other racers. The game idea was rejected by Nintendo and never came into fruition.
*A tweet by Rare Ltd. posted on March 21, 2011 jokingly states that after starring in ''Diddy Kong Racing'', Timber grew a beard and went on to start a career in hip-hop music.<ref>[https://twitter.com/RareLtd/status/49831689865805824?s=20&t=dqyIylqEph783ZXxULPGDQ Timber got tired of waiting, went all Joaquin Phoenix on us, grew a scraggly beard and went off to make it big in hip-hop instead.]</ref> The said tweet compares this to {{wp|Joaquin Phoenix}}'s appearance in the 2010 film ''{{wp|I'm Still Here (2010 film)|I'm Still Here}}''.
*A tweet by Rare Ltd. jokingly states that after starring in ''Diddy Kong Racing'', Timber grew a beard and went on to start a career in hip-hop music.<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/RareLtd/status/49831689865805824|title=Timber got tired of waiting, went all Joaquin Phoenix on us, grew a scraggly beard and went off to make it big in hip-hop instead.|date=March 21, 2011|author=RareLtd|publisher=X|accessdate=May 7, 2024}}</ref> The said tweet compares this to {{wp|Joaquin Phoenix}}'s appearance in the 2010 film ''{{wp|I'm Still Here (2010 film)|I'm Still Here}}''.
 
==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


{{DKR}}
{{DKR}}
[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Felines]]
[[Category:Children]]
[[Category:Children]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Main characters]]
[[Category:Third-party characters]]
[[Category:Third-party characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong allies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong allies]]

Latest revision as of 22:11, October 24, 2024

This article is about the character from Diddy Kong Racing. For Villager's down special move in the Super Smash Bros. series, see Villager § Timber.
Timber
Artwork of Timber from Diddy Kong Racing DS
Artwork from Diddy Kong Racing DS
Species Tiger
First appearance Diddy Kong Racing (1997)
Latest appearance Diddy Kong Racing DS (2007)
Portrayed by Joe Stamper[1]
“Why is it that people always run away when they hear my name?”
—Timber[2]

Timber is a young tiger cub appearing mainly in Diddy Kong Racing and its remake. He is an old friend of Diddy Kong, and son of a family dubbed "the Tigers", who seem to frequent visiting Kong Country. He is a Rare Ltd. creation, whose rights were sold over to Microsoft during their purchase of Rare Ltd. in 2002.

History[edit]

Character creation[edit]

Early model of Timber, a character who went on to be playable in Diddy Kong Racing
Early model of Timber as a quadruped[3]
Artwork of Timber, from Pro-Am 64, before it became Diddy Kong Racing.
Timber in the cancelled Pro-Am 64

Inspired by his huge pet grey cat and the Cave of Wonders from Disney's Aladdin, Kevin Bayliss designed a tiger character as early as the development of what would become Killer Instinct, but it did not appear in the final game, as it ended up having more focus on human characters. Some of the graphics for the head and body were recycled for Jago's temple stage and Orchid's fiery-cat attack. Later, programmer Chris Tilston wanted to create a platformer for the Nintendo 64. Bayliss repurposed the cat concept running on all fours, this time inspired by Simba from The Lion King and a tiger cub that he pet with his girlfriend at the time. The game project evolved into something else without the character.[4]

Timber was then intended to be the main star of the fourth entry of the R.C. Pro-Am series, titled Pro-Am 64. After Rare presented Pro-Am 64 to Nintendo, Shigeru Miyamoto suggested adding Diddy Kong to the game, and making him the starring role. Development of the game naturally progressed over to what is now the finalized Diddy Kong Racing.[citation needed]

Diddy Kong Racing / Diddy Kong Racing DS[edit]

Artwork of Timber flying his plane for Diddy Kong Racing.
Timber in his debut, Diddy Kong Racing

In the events of Diddy Kong Racing and its remake, Timber's parents went on a vacation to Kong Country and left him in charge of Timber's Island. Wizpig later invades the island, prompting Timber to call upon the help of his friends who take on Wizpig's challenge to race for the island. He is a middleweight racer who rides green vehicles with average speed and acceleration but below-average handling. Despite those drawbacks, he controls very similar to Diddy Kong and is ideal for starter players. In the game's ending sequence, he can be seen riding Smokey in celebration of defeating Wizpig.

Timber in Diddy Kong Racing DS has an Australian-like accent, not a British accent like in the original version. His appearance has slightly changed in this game, with Timber having more, darker stripes, and the Nintendo DS logo on his cap instead of a Rare Ltd. logo. All of his stats are average in this game, unlike with the original title. Timber's instrument theme is a harmonica. His top speed without bananas, shared with Bumper and Conker, is 56.5 mph. Timber also stars in his own tie-in Flash game, Timber's Balloon Pop.

Mario no Bōken Land[edit]

Timber in Mario no Bōken Land
Timber in Mario no Bōken Land

Timber makes a small, non-speaking cameo in the Diddy Kong Racing story segment of Mario no Bōken Land, titled "Go Go Diddy!". He is shown competing in a race in first place, though he is facing the wrong way. At the end of the segment, he is seen congratulating Diddy Kong on the crown he was awarded for defeating Wizpig.

4koma Gag Battle[edit]

Timber appears throughout the 4koma Gag Battle manga adaptation of Diddy Kong Racing.

Mario Artist: Paint Studio[edit]

His Diddy Kong Racing artwork appears as a stamp in Mario Artist: Paint Studio.

Profiles and statistics[edit]

Diddy Kong Racing[edit]

  • Character stats
    • Weight: Middle
    • Acceleration: 3/5
    • Handling: 2.5/5
    • Top Speed: 3/5
    • Vehicle Color: Green
  • Instruction booklet bio: "(Medium acceleration, medium weight, good handling, medium top speed) A playful young tiger, Timber has been left in charge of the island while his parents visit their old friends over in Kong Country. Desperate to get Wizpig out and everything else back to normal before they return, Timber rallies his friends up to join up with Taj’s resistance!"[5]
  • Player's Guide: "With his parents away visiting their old friends, the Kong clan, Timber figured that he could spend his days doing what he loves best: racing. Little did he know that he’d be racing for his life and the freedom of everyone on his island home. His distress call has been answered by allies near and far—and even by a suspiciously friendly Kremling. In any case, he’ll take whatever help he can if it means driving Wizpig off the island and out of their lives."[6]
  • Nintendo Power Volume 103: "Timber’s family used to rule the island before the Wizpig began hogging all the race tracks. He’s determined to bring the big pig to justice. He’s well equipped to do it, too, with very solid handling. His acceleration, top speed and weight are all in the middle range."[7]
  • Diddy's Drivers Ed: "My good buddy Timber is almost my twin when it comes to racing styles. We both have great handling and acceleration, but sacrifice a little top speed."[8]
  • Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition: "Another good middle-of-the-pack animal, Timber’s top speed gives him a slight edge on his monkey friend. But he doesn’t handle quite as well or accelerate quite as fast as Diddy. That’s true throughout the cast: The heavier animals are less responsive, but once they get moving, their top speed is better. With Timber, our opinion is that a little extra speed is seldom worth is deficiencies, especially in handling."[9]
  • Rarewhere: "A playful young tiger, left in charge of the island while his parents go visiting their old friends over in Kong country. Desperate to get Wizpig out and everything else back to normal before they return, Timber rallies his friends and joins up with Taj’s resistance!"[10]

Diddy Kong Racing DS[edit]

  • Character stats
    • Speed: 3/5
    • Acceleration: 3/5
    • Handling: 3/5

List of appearances[edit]

Title Role Release System
Diddy Kong Racing Playable character 1997 Nintendo 64
Mario Artist: Paint Studio Stamp cameo 1999 Nintendo 64DD
Timber's Balloon Pop Playable character 2007 Internet browser
Diddy Kong Racing DS Playable character 2007 Nintendo DS

Gallery[edit]

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

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ティンバー[?]
Tinbā 		Timber
French Timber[11] -

Trivia[edit]

  • After the release of Diddy Kong Racing, Timber was also planned to star in Rare's Dinosaur Planet early in development.[12][13] The game would eventually see many changes before being released as Star Fox Adventures, with no appearance from Timber.
  • Timber was included in a failed gaming pitch by Climax Group titled Diddy Kong Racing Adventure. Plans for the game included Timber as a playable character, whose special attack would have him roar a sonic wave that slows down other racers. The game idea was rejected by Nintendo and never came into fruition.
  • A tweet by Rare Ltd. jokingly states that after starring in Diddy Kong Racing, Timber grew a beard and went on to start a career in hip-hop music.[14] The said tweet compares this to Joaquin Phoenix's appearance in the 2010 film I'm Still Here.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Twitter confirmation by former Rare employee Graeme Norgate
  2. ^ November 1997. Nintendo Power Volume 102. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 29.
  3. ^ Kev_Bayliss (February 22, 2024). It’s TIMBER! He was originally going to be in a platform game, climbing around on all fours like real tiger cub! I built a Nurbs model too, but this is all that remains of him now. I animated a lot of his moves, but then we stopped, & I put him in #DIDDYKONGRACING instead! It’s the first N64 model I made!. X. Retrieved February 23, 2024. (Archived February 23, 2024, 16:23:46 UTC via archive.today.)
  4. ^ Christopher Niosi (November 16, 2021). Interview with Kev Bayliss & Dave Wise PART 2 - Kirblog 11/16/21 (12:48). YouTube. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  5. ^ 1997. Diddy Kong Racing instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 23.
  6. ^ Swan, Leslie (1997). Diddy Kong Racing Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 6.
  7. ^ December 1997. Nintendo Power Volume 103. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 14.
  8. ^ Diddy's Drivers Ed. Nintendo of America (American English). Archived December 6, 1998, 06:57:14 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  9. ^ April 7, 1999. Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Prima Games (American English). ISBN 0-7615-2103-7. Page 33.
  10. ^ Rarewhere: DKR Cast List. Rarewhere (British English). Archived July 5, 1998, 00:52:50 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  11. ^ February-March 1998. Official Nintendo french magazine N3. Page 25.
  12. ^ "FUN FACT: Timber (from Diddy Kong Racing) was originally going to be the protagonist of Dinosaur Planet. several files in the SFA kiosk image have "Timber" instead of "Sabre" in their names. there's also concept art of a more tigerlike "Sabre" on Nick Southam's squarespace page." – August 18, 2018. X. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  13. ^ Bayliss, Kevin. I was a lead on Dinosaur Planet and this week’s leak brought back great memories. Video Games Chronicle (English). Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  14. ^ RareLtd (March 21, 2011). Timber got tired of waiting, went all Joaquin Phoenix on us, grew a scraggly beard and went off to make it big in hip-hop instead.. X. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
[Edit]
Diddy Kong Racing / Diddy Kong Racing DS
Playable characters Diddy Kong • Krunch • Drumstick • Bumper • Tiptup • T.T. • Pipsy • Timber • Banjoa • Conkera • Tiny Kongb • Dixie Kongb • Tajb • Wizpigb
Vehicles Car • Plane • Hovercraft
Bosses Tricky • Bluey • Bubbler • Smokey • Wizpig
Worlds Dino Domain • Snowflake Mountain • Sherbet Island • Dragon Forest • Future Fun Land • DK Islandb
Tracks Ancient Lake • Fossil Canyon • Jungle Falls • Hot Top Volcano • Everfrost Peak • Walrus Cove • Snowball Valley • Frosty Village • Whale Bay • Crescent Island • Pirate Lagoon • Treasure Caves • Windmill Plains • Greenwood Village • Boulder Canyon • Haunted Woods • Spacedust Alley • Darkmoon Caverns • Spaceport Alpha • Star City • Thunder Coveb • Meandering Mountb • Splashdown Passb • Strangled Shrineb
Boss tracks Tricky Challenge • Bluey Challenge • Bubbler Challenge • Smokey Challenge • Wizpig's First Strike • Wizpig Strikes Back
Challenge levels Fire Mountain • Icicle Pyramid • Darkwater Beach • Smokey Castle
Items & objects Bananaa • Coinb • Discovery Cardb • Golden Balloon • Power-Up Tokenb • Silver Coin • Taj Tokenb • Tree • T.T. amulet • Weapon Balloon • Wish Key • Wizpig amulet • Zipper
Other Gallery (N64 · DS) • Glitches • Media • Quotes • Timber's Balloon Pop • Trophy Race • Wish Race
a Exclusive to Diddy Kong Racing
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