Donkey Kong Country
Reviewed by Brendan McCormick
Donkey Kong Country was the first game to use the computer
rendered graphics seen in it. The result was a game that had a
graphical look like no other before it. How did the game play hold
up? Pretty good. You are Donkey Kong, making a long-awaited
return to the video game world after spending some time in
the arcades some time ago. He is accompanied by his little friend,
Diddy Kong, and together they must reclaim their banana hoard,
which has been stolen by King. K. Rool and his band of baddies.
This is a platform game, similar to Mario in some ways, but
different in others. First, DK has the ability to grab and throw
barrels, roll and swing from vines. He will also be assisted at
various points of the game by four animals, an ostrich, a rhino,
a dolphin and a frog. He rides these friends and only uses them
for that level. The game is big on secrets; supposedly 50% of
the game is secret. Many of these secrets are simply a matter
of breaking a wall, but it's still a nice addition. This is
a two player game.
Graphics 10 out of 10
10, because while they're not the best now, they were revolutionary
at the time. Lots of nice little touches such as things blowing in
the breeze, and the backgrounds were amazing, such as the
snow capped trees and mountains.
Music and Sound 9 out of 10
The music was above average, but the sound effects were very
well done, with lots of jungle sounds (including chimp screams)
filling the air and all the other little sound that mad up the
perfect jungle scene.
Game Challenge 8 out of 10
The was well mad and at the time was the best thing out, and it
is still my favorite game today, but I'm not too sure about the
new Donkey Kong 64.
Game Play-Fun 9 out of 10
One problem is that the game can be rushed through if you want
to, like Sonic the Hedgehog. Not everyone will stop for the secrets,
which adds some longevity to the game. Even so, the game is not
really difficult. None of the bosses are very tough and they're
predictable in their attacks. Control is not a problem, however.
DK always goes where you want him to, for the most part. The
game has many levels, but most of them are short, Mario-length.
Frustration
At many points in the game I got fristrated with a lot of places
like the point where there is a long gap and only DK or Diddy could
make it across the pitt and having to waist your lives or the
nightmare of every game-player..... GAME OVER!!! ahhhhhhh
Replayability 9 out of 10
The game is pretty fun anyway, there's a two player option and
you can always try to find more secrets. Scoring 100% in the
game will take awhile.
Game Value 10 out of 10
The game was very well made and I think it was well worth the
money I spent on it, you can only think that if you like the games
and you believe it is worth it and I know a lot of you people out there
will disagree with some of the things I said but...screw you
Overall 9 out of 10
A very strong title for Nintendo which spawned a couple of sequels
as well. The graphics paved the way for what we see today, but
game play was not forgotten in the meantime. I highly recommend
you play this game if you haven't already, and you can get it pretty
cheap now. the reason I gave it a 9 is because it is not the best
game ever made but it's now one of the classics!