Donkey Konga (Gamecube) Review
Who would of though a pair of Plastic Bongo’s could bring so much joy? While its no Eyetoy or Singstar it at least shows Nintendo is willing enough to try some mainstream games while still keeping a friendly Nintendo Franchise on the Product as to not alienate us Nintendo Fans. Included with the Donkey Konga Game (which comes in a proper case I might add) you get a set of Bongo’s a lot bigger then I though they would be and very sturdy. With there false leather tops as well your hands dont get too sore. But enough of that.
Graphics
For a game that is based around the Music the Graphical Part of the Game is not really worth talking about however I will. The Interface is easy to use with the Bongo’s and you dont need to pick up the controller at any point. The interface in which the game tells you which side of the bongo’s to press during the music is filled with Simple Graphics from Donkey Kong and the action of the Screen slows and fasters with how well you are doing in the game.
Sound
Now of course the music is not going to be of everyone taste but Nintendo has tried to include a number of songs that will appeal for the most amounts of people. Remember if your not to keen with the songs on the disk there is 2 more games coming out in the near future with more songs on it. You could also get the import versions which have a different assortment of songs. I guess they changed it for each market. With a Total of 33 songs there is a fair amount to go through; also there is some Nintendo Classic which really cant be counted as songs but as themes.
Gameplay
In case you didnt know already, the Donkey Konga Gameplay is based on rhythm. Its pretty basic in its execution players basically need to tap the bongo’s to the beat which is displayed on the screen for each of the songs. Each Tap or Beat you have to press falls under 4 things, a red half-circle, means you have to hit the right bongo or the yellow half-circle means you have to hit the left bongo. Also the Start Button between the two bongos should be facing you so you dont get confused. A full Pink Circle means you have to hit both drums at the same time. Also when either of then circles are stretched out to form a line you have to hit the bongo over and over again really fast. Also there is a “clap” sensor which picks up claps, yell or even taps of the side of the Bongo’s this is a good Gameplay mechanism as it requires to move your hand of the bongo and clap or hit the side disrupting you balance and composure. There is 4 Scores when you hit either Bad, Great, Miss or Ok depending on how good to hit compared to the song.
Of course there is different difficulty levels, and trust me the Hard One’s are really hard!
Value/Money
The Donkey Konga software on it own without the Kongo’s Would of been a complete flop however included with the Bongo’s is great fun and even though the Bongo’s are a accessory that will only get use with certain title it is good to see Donkey Konga 2 and 3 coming out as well as a platform in Donkey Konga Jungle Beat, extra bongo’s can be ordered from Nintendo Australia at 50 bucks each, and they are well recommended.
Overall
Pick this game up for sure, if you dont end up liking it and enjoying yourself take it back for sure. However there is a 70% chance you will like it and keep it forever. It is definitely worth getting an extra Bongo as the multiplayer is where the fun is at.
