The actual platforming of DKC is definitely superior to me. The momentum, speed, and weight feel great, and the pace of encountering secrets is satisfying. Yoshi's Island is very slow and methodical by comparison, and the length of levels can sometimes feel exhausting. However, it's also just overflowing with creativity and fun gameplay mechanics at every turn in a way that DKC is not - DKC is a pretty simple game. Yoshi's Island is also more polished in terms of hitboxes and stability and such. Overall I think Yoshi's Island is the better and more ambitious game, but I personally like DKC more. Outside of the gameplay, I really think DKC's atmosphere remains super appealing, in no small part because of the amazing soundtrack.