Donkey Kong

"Now why Donkey didn't just stomp on Mario, I'll never know...ah to hell with it!"

Donkey Kong is one of those simple games that ended up starting a slow following, and is still a classic game that is worth playing. Like most games that Nintendo created, or had a hand in making, Donkey Kong made several different games, comic books, even a weird, virtually unknown cartoon. But at least it doesn't have a stupid movie! The game revolves around Mario trying to make it to the top of several different stages in which Donkey Kong in all is huge ass glory is chucking barrels down at you. Your goal is to drive Donkey Kong away from your woman without getting run over by the rampaging barrels as you traverse the different grider stages! The challenge of the game mainly revolves around jumping over said barrels and then jumping from platform to platform without falling to your doom.

-Game Play 7/10-

Mindlessly simple and to the point, Donkey Kong gives the gamer something to do while trying to save the blond chick who is being held captive by the giant ape. Through this, you'll be able to pick up a hammer and smash the incoming barrels to save yourself from getting run over. In other stages, you'll be forced to jump from moving platform to moving platform and try not to smash your head on the way down. Bonuses can be found in the form of ladies accessories like umbrellas and purses, so be on the look out for them!

-Control 7/10-

It's easy to learn, and no problem to master. You move back and forth on the stage, climbing up latters, or by hitting the jump button to get to the next platform. In this, you'll also have to jump over the various barrels that are thrown in some of the levels, or you'll have to be quick on your timing and climb your way to the top.

-Audio 7/10-

Really, the music is limited to the beginning of the stage, and then it takes on this droning tone that can get on your nerves after a few minutes. Mainly composed of sound effects, you'll hear a lot of jumping, and even the chiming of smashing the barrels for points. Really, it sounds a lot like Pac Man is just about every way!

-Visuals 7/10-

The stages are comprised of different layouts that include jumping from platform to platform or climbing up latters. Really you'll find that the visuals are simple with Donkey Kong being the biggest thing on the screen. The barrels roll quickly, and the fire looks to spark out from the various flame barrels that you'll find scattered throughout some of the stages.

-Quarter Crunching 5/10-

Depending on what you like, you may find yourself playing through several different times, and you're restricted to a set number of lives that doesn't allow you to continue. If you like this sort of action game, you'll find that quarters will flow freely, so it really depends on your tastes.

-Overall 7/10-

While not the most innovative of games, Donkey Kong is a classic that is worth playing a couple of time if you're a Nintendo fan or not. The featuring of Donkey Kong in his simple glory of throwing barrels is enough to make anyone stop and take a look, and even then it's worth a couple of bucks to play through. Step into the classics, and take Donkey Kong for a ride...it's history!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/01/01, Updated 10/01/01