Donkey Konga (GCN)
Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Namco
Just when you think gaming couldn't come with anything more crazy, Nintendo brings you Donkey Konga. This is not to be confused with Donkey Kong, which are classic arcade games and platform games. This is Donkey Konga, a rhythm game you play with a set of bongos. It's extremely simple, and wildly fun.
Included in the $49.99 package, you get an official set of DK Bongos. It's a set two little bongo drums that plug into the controller port. You get one set with the package, and additional sets are available for like $30. It's a bit pricey, but if you've got a group to play with on a regular basis, it might be fun. (I've got two sets, but the game does support up to four.)
Gameplay: 9.5
Donkey Konga is best played with the included DK Bongo controller. It's quite a simple interface. There's a list of songs to choose from where you can pick a song and play along. The notes scroll across the screen and you've got to play them accurately, and with the right timing.
The notes are simple. You're either hitting the Left Bongo, Right Bongo, Both Bongos, or clapping. (Actually, you don't have to clap. You can also snap your fingers or slap the side of the bongo.) There are also drum rolls and clap rolls. While the number of things to remember sounds simple, timing is everything. As the notes begin flying, it's loads of fun. If you lose your place in a song, however, it might take several notes to catch up.
The game has over 30 songs, many of which are popular tunes. None of them are by the original artists, but that won't really bother you while playing. Each song has three levels (Monkey, Chimp, Gorilla) and you're given more notes to play with each progressing level. It's easy at first, but the game is actually quite a challenge on Gorilla mode.
For the ultimate challenge, you can play JAM mode on any level. It works like this. You play a song that you know a bunch of times until you know it from memory, and then you try the JAM mode. They put the song out there, and there are note place holders, but they don't tell you which note to play. Good luck with that.
There are also other things to do, such as buying alternate bongo sets, advanced music, as well as a few DK mini-games. You play for all kinds of coins in Street Performance mode, so you may as well spend them!
Graphics: 5
The graphics aren't great, but it doesn't really matter. Things are scrolling by so fast, and you're basically concentrating on the notes, so the graphics aren't even an issue. The only flaw with boring graphics is for those people who have others watching them play. There's nothing much to do besides wait for your turn.
Sound & Music: 9
The sound and music in Donkey Konga are great. I only deducted a point for a few of the songs being kind of off in the note department, along with the simple lack of songs. While there are more than 30 of them, some of the songs get repetitive after a billion times. Almost everything sounds good though, so it does seem to have high production values.
Story: N/A
There's not really a story here, so there's nothing to review!
Replay Value: 9.5
Donkey Konga is fun to play alone, or with a group of friends. It seems like the kind of game that you'll burn out on, but will be more than willing to play a few days later. I love it, and it's definitely a fun one to keep around.
To buy or to rent?This game isn't any fun with a regular controller, and it's unlikely that a rental place will give you the bongos with the rental. At $49.99 including the bongo, that's more than worth the price of buying this game. If you're into music at all, then pick this up. You might even improve your rhythm!
Overall: 9
Overall, the game is totally innovative, and I like anything that comes with a cool attachment. I've been playing the game for a few weeks now, and I'm still not bored. It's really worth the money, and you've got to pick it up now if you want to get in on the craze while you're still able to get extra bongo controllers. Pick it up for a good time!
Additional Information:
Genre: Musical
Players: 1-4
Memory Required: 3 Blocks
Rating: E (for Everyone)
Extras: Bongo Controller Included
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