"Three inputs? How do they do it? (European Release)"

When I first saw this in the shops, I quickly snapped it up just in case Nintendo changed their minds. It seemed too Japanese that it wasn't likely to get released over here...but the big N has done it again.

Step in Donkey Konga, the game where Nintendo has finally jumped on the rythym game bandwagon. This game has a similar engine to the DDR games, but it is something much more original on Nintendos part.

The game comes with a set of "DK Bongos", a unique controller designed by Ninty for the sole purpose of this game. The bongos look like two pairs of drums together, with skins on the top, and lo and behold, a microphone between them. They really do look a novelty.

You play the game by selecting a tune, and following the coloured notes that represent an input as they flash along the screen. You'll get a real feel for the beat as you "bongo" along to the rythym. You even are required to clap using the built in microphone...cool or what?

The songs are of a wide variety and genre...from Blink 182's All The Small Things to Moulin Rouges Lady Marmalade, there are some classic tunes on that little disk. As well as top chart hits, Nintendo has also cleverly incorporated some of its own first party game tunes, such as the Super Mario Bros theme and the Super Smash Bros. Melee theme. Theres also the LOZ and DK Country tunes on there. All the songs are perfectly suited to grooving to the bongos by been upbeat...no boring ballads in here!

There is no cheesy kindergarten novelty song types in here. There's Wild Thing, Supergrasse's Alright, and even a Michael Jackson record on there. With such a wide range of raving tunes, you wont be disappointed with what Ninty has on offer.

The difficulty level has been dealt with appropriately. There are three difficulties, Monkey, Chimp and Gorilla. Monkey is the first stop for newcomers, as it's so simple it helps you get the ropes. When you want a challenge, step up to Chimp for some more challenge, and when you're confident you can do so, head to Gorrilla for some bizzarre rythym patterns. If Gorrilla even fails to please, you can do any song within any difficulty with invisble rythym patterns, meaning you have to remember the patterns by heart. It really is made challenging and fun for all age groups.

Completing songs in Street Performance earns you coins. You can use these to buy things at DK Town, a sub menu on the main one. Here, you can buy different sounds for the bongos apart from the default set, and you can purchase higher difficulty rythym patterns and even some cool mini games.

Two of the mini games are nothing special, involving climbing vines and juggling bananas, but there is one thats like the classic arcade hammer games. There are three holes in the ground, and K.Rool, the classic enemy in the DK series, will pop up out of a hole and you must hit the corresponding input to whack him one.

The real blessing of Donkey Konga is the multiplayer. Get some mates round and make sure they bring their bongos, because when more than one or two join in the rythym, its a blast and a laugh. Nintendo has given the players the option of taking part in a "duet" or "quartet" depending on how many people playing, where each player participating plays a different part of the rythym to everyone else through the song. So there you are all tapping away and you sound like an orchestra, everyones laughing and its great fun. You can even get your Nan involved, because she'll love to get into the DK groove.

The only real disappointment with Donkey Konga is how long the novelty lasts. While you'll be entertained while you try to master Gorrila difficulty, after you've brushed that aside the game becomes far too easy and repetitive. Once you've perfected the art of the bongos, the only real reason to remain playing is if you go for the multi player options, which always brings back out the novelty.
Doneky Konga is great for when you're feeling the music or when you've got people round at your house, but on your own you can sometimes get bored.

However, that small gripe aside, this is a superb, innovative Nintendo classic. Whether it be your three year old sister and hundred year old great grandparents, everyone will love to take part in the Donkey Konga rythym. The tunes are enough to brighten up any dull day, and when you've put away the bongos to gather dust for a while, you'll suddenly get the urge to get them out and get back into the groove.

Donkey Konga won't disappoint you. If you like DDR, you'll love this. It's the same engine but DK is far more sophisticated in actually allowing you to make the music. If you've got thirty pound going spare, go pick up the DK Bongo set, yes, with free Bongos!

I sure enjoyed this game, and when I play it, still do. It's not a game to be playing 24/7, but the occasional play and perseverance to master all difficulties is a real challenge and is a real acheivment if you manage to do so.

This game is a real gem, and if i could give fractions, it would earn an extra half for its orginallity. Another classic from the big N.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/23/05