Enguarde

The valiant swordfish as seen in Donkey Kong Country.
Enguarde
Species	Swordfish
Eye color	Black
Debut	Donkey Kong Country

Enguarde is a swordfish with a recurring presence as an animal buddy in the Donkey Kong Country series. He acts as the Kongs' only aquatic protector, and he is almost like an underwater version of Rambi in that Enguarde's sharp bill can cut through most obstacles (except for those involving spikes).

Background

Enguarde first appeared to aid Donkey Kong and Diddy in the aquatic levels of Donkey Kong Country. Enguarde also served a similar purpose of helping the Kongs during the battles on Crocodile Island in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (and Donkey Kong Land 2). Enguarde's next appearance in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie's Double Trouble was notable in that Enguarde had his own battle with a boss character in the form of Barbos. Enguarde battled Barbos a second time in Donkey Kong Land III.

Enguarde later returned in Donkey Kong 64, but with a diminished role like Rambi's. Enguarde was only found in the Gloomy Galleon. Enguarde demonstrated a new ability, as he could pick up speed and leap out of the water. This skill was important in that Enguarde could use this to leap through several hoops that unlocked new areas of the Gloomy Galleon.

He also appeared in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, where he could be ridden in the underwater levels similar to previous games once a character broke open his crate.

Other Appearances

Video Games

• In the Super Smash Bros. series, Enguarde has been represented as a trophy and sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and an Advanced Primary Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. His sticker and Spirit both use his original art from Donkey Kong Country, and his Spirit comes with the effect of electric weakness. When fought in a Spirit battle, he possessed Corrin in a battle where the player's buoyancy was reduced.

Canceled Appearances

• Enguarde (and a purple swordfish) were planned to appear in Donkey Kong Racing, but the game was canceled after Rareware was bought out by Microsoft.

Trivia

• His name is derived from the French fencing term "en guarde", which refers to being on guard at the beginning of a fencing match. This is most likely due to Enguarde's bill being blade-like in nature.
• Enguarde appears in every Rareware-made Donkey Kong game except for Donkey Kong Land.