This topic written 13 years ago.
Not only was she not playable, she didn't even appear in the game itself. (Not counting Smash collectibles)
I never dreamed that she would not appear in a game for over 15 years.
For the past 13 years, only Donkey and Diddy have appeared in Mario spinoffs. (Funky and Dixie are in Mario Kart Tour, and Funky in MK8D)
King K. Rool never made a single appearance in Nintendo 3DS game. (Excluding Smash 3DS trophy)
At the time, I didn't think the hiatus would last longer than she existed. In fact, she was already labeled as an unnecessary character and was excluded after Donkey Kong Country Returns. The reason is lack of playability and functionality after the buyout.
The appearance gap was 5 years at the time, but it accumulated to 18 years. Not only Candy, but all the other characters were forgotten that who aren't Cranky, Dixie and Funky.
Donkey Kong Country celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Also, DK: King of Swing turned 20 this year.
In two years, DK: Jungle Climber will celebrate its 20th anniversary with her last physical appearance.