Released in the US on March 14th, 2005, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat took the odd-bongo controller originally designed for the music game Donkey Konga, and adapted it for use in a platformer. How is such even possible with just a pair of bongos? Well, tapping the left bongo moves left and right moves right, tapping repeatedly to move faster. Tap both at the same time to jump where the force applied directly inputs to the strength of the jump. And with a sound sensor found between the bongos, players can clap to have DK clap and create sound waves and/or grab onto enemies. With these basic controls, new mechanics are continually introduced that feel completely natural with use of this unique controller. And there's nothing quite as satisfying as unleashing real physical fury by rapidly tapping the left and right bongos to pummel dastardly pigs and foes alike.
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| The unique controller that is used for Donkey Kong Jungle Beat on Nintendo GameCube. |
Interestingly, the game also features a focus on obtaining high scores through chaining together moves and combos in the game, of which touching the ground would end the combo chain. You'll know you're on a good streak as the music will adapt the higher your combo gets with chants of "Kong" motivating your every swing and jump. Since the high scores are tallied for the kingdom selected rather than any individual level, the pressure is added to perform skillfully for the two levels and accompanied boss battle that makes up a kingdom. This added challenge makes up the bulk of the game for what is an otherwise fairly short adventure. But earning those top scores will earn you extra levels where the intensity will certainly kick up a notch. If you're struggling to reach those high scores though, the game will offer you helpful tips for combos at the conclusion of each kingdom.
With a striking art direction, catchy tunes, and a most unusual control scheme, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat leaves a memorable impression to this day. It may be difficult to track down such as originally intended for the Nintendo GameCube, but this game was ported over to the Wii using the Wiimote and Nunchuck. I can't offer any insight as to how this translates in terms of capturing the charm that is playing with bongos since I never played the Wii version, but I imagine there is still satisfaction to be found in pummeling birds and bees with this control scheme. If what's been discussed is still not enough to inspire you to play this game...
Fun Fact: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was the first game developed by Nintendo EAD's Tokyo division, which would later go on to develop every 3D Super Mario game starting with probably one of the best games of all time, Super Mario Galaxy.
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