It just seems so weird. Like.... okay. So you know about the original games.
>explicitly include references to the rare games
>explicitly feature levels and art and assets designed specifically after those games
>even change Rambi back to his non shitty pre-retro design
>Even have an entire crocodilian enemy class EXTREMELY SIMILAR to kremlings
>Devs are literally quoted as "having grown up with the original DKC games and wanted to make one" so they should recognize DK isn't without a foe
>Cranky dialogue about rivals
All of it just seems to scream "Yes, we are finally done ignoring those DK games", and yet... one big, green peice is missing.

So I have one of two theories: Either A, K Rool is present, or B: For whatever reason, K Rool and the kremlings are just on a no-use list for all but their most independent of dev teans (Smash), and the crockoids are a pity prize for kremling fans like Lord Fredrik in tropical freeze, because again for some reason they decided he just can't work with what they want to do arbitrarily. I hope Void Kong is not honestly supposed to be the leader to DK's hulk now.