Does the look of the DKC series match the gameplay?

[recme]

while the water...shark thing (dunno its name)

I wouldn't count them as power-ups, though... I mean, unless we're considering SMW Yoshi a power-up.

power-ups are generally extensions to a characters abilities, so enguarde and yoshi would count as power-ups, since they give you extra abilities. i dont know much about the other animal buddies since i haven't really gotten that far in dkc2, but from the way you described them, they sound interesting.

how does rambi increase offensive capabilities...? he can jump and attack just like the rest of the kongs. the only difference is that he is faster and has a little bit of trouble jumping.