Donkey Kong 64
Reviewed by K.I. Simpson
Donkey Kong 64 is incredible. I reserved my copy about 3 months
before the game came out and I'm happy I did! The graphics,
sound, control, and especially the game play are perfect or really
close to being perfect. This is Nintendo's/Rare's "big" game of
the year (the previous ones being Super Mario 64, Goldeneye, and
Zelda 64) and this game exceeds all expectations for a "big"
game of the year.
Graphics 10 out of 10
The graphics in this game look better than ever imagined possible
for a Nintendo 64 game. The (included and required) expansion
pak does more for this game than for any other. Unlike Super
Mario 64's plain, primary color backgrounds and objects, this
game's backgrounds and objects are so colorful they sometimes
look like entrances to a new area. Unless you've played nothing
but Dreamcast (in which case you shouldn't be at this site) I
guarantee the graphics will astound at least once in every level.
Music and Sound 9 out of 10
This game has the most voice I've ever heard in a 64 game with
the exception of Star Fox. The 3 or 4 minute "rap" at the beginning
of the game is awesome. The sound effects are also great. Everything
from launching orange grenades to electrocuting a huge fish boss
sounds rich and what would probably be realistic if you really could
do those things. This game is also in Dolby Surround Sound. The
music isn't catchy, but isn't annoying like in Banjo-Kazooie. The
only reason sound didn't get a 10 is because the music is kind
of forgettable.
Game Challenge 10 out of 10
This game is HUGE! There are eight levels, and the 7 I've been
to are big enough to be 3 Super Mario 64 levels or 2 Banjo-Kazooie
level. The levels at the beginning may not seem huge at first, but
once you get all the kongs you can open up lots of new areas. You
keep getting new moves, items, and upgrades throughout the game,
so don't think that once you explore every accessible inch of a level
the first time that you're through. In each level, EACH kong can
get: 5 golden bananas, 1 blueprint,1 banana medal, 100 regular
bananas (which let you open the boss door and get banana medals).
One kong can also get a crown and fight a boss to get a boss key.
You can get some of these in the over-world(which is a large,
outdoor environment, not a stuffy castle.)to. I don't think Nintendo
was exgageratings when they said it would take 85 hours to fully
beat this game.
Game Play-Fun 10 out of 10
This game is really fun. As I mentioned above, this game has over
300 items you'll have to collect, but unlike other games like this it
never seems to get boring or repetitive. Being able to play as five
characters may be why. Fighting the bosses is awesome, and I wish
they let you fight them more than once. You also get to play lots of
different mini games to get some bananas. The only annoying part
is you can pick up most items only when you're a certain kong. This
means if you're playing as say, Diddy Kong and you find a blueprint
for Donkey Kong, you'll have to go find a kong change barrel before
you can collect it. Luckily, there are lots of kong change barrels and
lots of warp spots. I have had lots of fun with this game, and I have
lots more secrets to find. (I've been playing for at least 35 hours,
and I'm only 46% done.)
Frustration
This game can be frustrating when you're trying for that banana
you need to fight the boss and suddenly you're knocked of the
platform by a Krusha and plummet 50 feet to the floor. There is
one single factor that makes this game much less frustrating than
Super Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie: When you die,or exit a level you
keep all the bananas you had. YES!!! This one factor doubles the
games fun! Overall, not too frustrating of a game.
Replayability 10 out of 10
This game has enough secrets to keep you replaying for hours.
According to Rare you can beat the game with a score of 50%.
That should give some idea of how big this game is. I stated all
the stuff you need to find under challenge, so I think you can
see how much replay value this game has.
Game Value 10 out of 10
Forget EGM's constant claim that the always included pak makes the
game $70. I have never seen this game being sold for more than $60.
If you do mind paying "extra" if you already own a pak than just sell it!
Even if you do pay $70 this game is well worth it! If you don't own a
Nintendo 64 than the green Nintendo 64 deal is great, because you get the
game and the pak for only $30 once you factor in the cost of an Nintendo
64. No matter how you look at, this game is worth every cent of it's price.
Overall 97 out of 100
Overall, this is an incredible, defining game. If you own an Nintendo 64
or are thinking of buying one, turn off this computer, and GET THIS
GAME! It's that simple.