Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

Now if only this game will be popular enough to produce a sequel. It should be, for how good it is.

This game is the most innovative game I have seen since Katamari Damacy for PS2, innovation including but not limited to the cool bongo controller. As for me I don't have the bongos, but even with a standard controller the controls feel fresh. The game only uses four buttons, and that includes directions. And it works. Its control is spot-on, and is just a joy to play.

To advance in this game you collect crests of multiple colors, and before long you will find that to advance you need to take advantage of one of this game's biggest assets - its beat system. The 'beats' you collect work as both your score and your life meter. The cool thing about them is the combo system. Combos multiply the beats you pick up by how many tricks you have done, and a combo doesn't end until DK lands his feet firmly on the ground. Many of the stages are designed so DK doesn't have to land for a long time, making for some thrilling combos. Just pick up a banana and you earn 1 beat, but pick it up along with other bananas as part of a combo, and you may earn much more.

Using combos to earn the most beats you can in each stage, and the crests you earn for doing so, are what give this game tons of replay value. And using the combo system is just so fun that it keeps you wanting to come back for more. Some of the stages (maybe all of them, I don't know) let an expert earn many, many more beats even than you need for the best crest, while some stages are challenging enough that I, having played the game A LOT, still have not come close to the best crests.

I want to but I can't complain about the length; there are 32 platforming levels and 18 bosses. Actually those 18 bosses are 5 different bosses that repeat a lot, but that's alright; each time you meet one it has new moves to throw at you. The bosses are worth mentioning and were quite fun to learn, though only 1 of the 18 seemed difficult even at first. As for the length I want more, but this game's length is average or better; there is a lot to this game. But it is so good that I have played it tons, and now I want more. I beg Nintendo for a sequel. :)

The graphics are beautiful, and seamless as they switch modes and distances. The challenge isn't that great until you earn your way into the tougher stages, but the challenge of earning every crest has some very tough spots, and is still out of my reach (a good thing). I would say, with or without the bongos (your choice), buy this game.

Donkey Kong has been one of those very few characters that has really brought down the house so much since his beginnings from Nintendo. Nevertheless, he keeps coming back for more, and even better too. When Donkey Konga came out for the Gamecube last year, it was alright, but not nothing to rave about. But so many, just missed a return to his classic era from the Donkey Kong Country days for the Super Nintendo. Yet, that was captured awhile ago, but there just wasn't anything for Gamecube owners to beat on. However, that has definitely all changed with the pounding of the bongo drums.

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, is a wild and wooly game, where Kong must try to collect bananas and beats to unlock new worlds and challenges. The game features over 40 different levels to unleash, including boss levels with Hogs, Kongs, and gigantic birds. The graphics are amazing, and really portraited as a return to the style that made Donkey Kong Country a sensation. The control however is a mixed point for some. You can actually play the game without the bongos, by using the regular Gamecube controller. But, that really is a little more difficult to manuever Donkey Kong around. The specialty bongos from the Donkey Konga game, really hit the spot to control our hero around. It is much easiier to use those against so many bosses and wild nutty characters in the jungle. The music is also very upbeat, and definitely makes you want to go ape over.

Although you can get the game seperately, I really suggest you buy the game with the packaged bongo controllers. Unless you have either one of the Donkey Konga games that included those bongos, then this would be alright. This game right now is arguably one of the most innovative games ever developed by Nintendo. For anybody who happens to be a Gamecube owner, add Donkey Kong Jungle Beat to your collection and bongo the night away.

Graphics: B+

Sound: B

Control: C+ for using the Gamecube controller: A- for the specialty bongo controller

Fun & Enjoyment: B 1/2+

Overall: B+

So we've entered a whole new genre of game play. One that throws out the hand-held controller and replaces it with...BONGOS. I first heard Nintendo was making this game and laughed about it. Well, my mind was changed once I played the game. No, this isn't a game with an in-depth story, or any story for that matter. No, it's not a difficult game you will spend hours upon hours before defeating. This game is one thing and one thing only, fun. And you will have fun playing it, I promise you that. It takes a bit to get used to this Bongo style of game control, but how original.

If you're looking for a game that you can lock yourself up in your room and not return for a few days until you have defeated it, look elsewhere. But, if you're looking for a game that you and all your friends (if you have any) can pull out for a good laugh and a few hours of fun. This game will deffinitely accomplish that much. As I said before, this game isn't difficult...game play wise, but it does take some skill and coordination.

I will warn those who will play though, this game requires a lot of clapping that makes your hands sore, and at points you are to hit the bongos as fast as you can, which will make your shoulders and arms very tired. Needless to say it is all worth it. One other thing, this game is quite beautiful graphically and has some very well done levels and environments.

So go ahead, try something new, play the bongos, play donkey kong, laugh, play, live, and most of all, don't be so skeptical about these silly new gaming ideas.

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