Donkey Kong

"Ever had your girlfriend stolen by a gorilla? Well now you can..."

Recently Donkey Kong may be more bothered with playing bongo drums and appearing in remake after remake of Donkey kong country, but back in 1994 his main interest was a woman. Most baddies fancy Peach and Daisy, but Donkey Kong prefers Mario's other girlfriend, Pauline. Paul who? Who line? It makes you wonder how many girlfriends he has stocked away in Mario land. Anyway, cringing at the though of anyone else getting a woman, Mario has to solve puzzles and use his infamous platforming skills to chase DK through 100 levels in what is easily one of the best Gameboy games ever.

Not only is this widely regarded as one of the best Gameboy games ever, it's also critically acclaimed to be the best version of Donkey Kong ever. This time there are a whopping 100 levels to solve, taking you through eight varied locations until you reach DK's tower. Each level is an individual puzzle which you have to solve by finding the best way from A to B in the time limit, using placeable bridges, switches, and even enemies to your advantage. It's a puzzle game wearing the clothes of a platformer and coated with Shigsy's secret recipe for pure fun.

Graphically, it's not that great, but graphics aren't the point. Who cares if DK's not the prettiest game ever? It was never supposed to be. Super mario games were never lookers and that didn't stop them from being some of the best games of all time. That said, Donkey Kong actually looks quite nice. It's certainly better looking than a lot of GB games, and Donkey Kong himself looks great. If anything, it's the lack of detail that lets this game down, but once again, who cares?

Donkey kong is a fantastic sounding game. These are the kind of simple choonz that you want when you're playing the Gameboy, not the high pitched farts that are excreted when you slam in a copy of, say, GTA2. Just like in all Mario games, the tunes have real character and some are actually really memorable. The tune that occurs so often when Mario is trying to chase down DK is an example of something you actually want stuck in your head. Not every level has stand out music, but for the ones that do, Donkey Kong sounds great.

Your basic objective for each level is to collect the key and take it to the door, however each level makes you do this in a different way. Donkey Kong doesn't just force you from A to B while making you dodge enemies, it challenges you to use your brain and think about every move you make. To succeed you must use the icons scattered around the levels which give you the ability to place things such as bridges, ladders, and spring boards, allowing you to reach areas that were previously inaccessible. There are also bonus items to collect such as the classic ‘1up', and also a selection of three random objects (a hat, a lock and an umbrella) which when collected together, give you the chance for more lives in one of two mini-games. The levels are all completely unique and challenging in a number of ways. By the time you reach the iceberg world, the levels are extremely tough, but rarely too much so. Even if they seem impossible at first, an answer soon presents itself.

Every four levels you're interrupted by a showdown with DK himself. Whether you simply have to dodge the barrels he throws at you and navigate your way to the top, or whether you actually have to throw stuff back at him, they are always fantastic fun. In fact, I often found the boss battles more enjoyable than the brain numbing think-em-up levels that proceed them. They're a refreshing break to say the least. Just as with the regular levels, they increase in difficulty too, particularly when Donkey kong junior joins in about half way through, helping to throw stuff at you and flick annoying switches. The last world is a joyous mass of battles with DK and the final showdown is simply incredible.

The best part of the way the game plays is that the overpowering puzzle element is fused almost flawlessly with the platforming. Mario's a far more versatile hero than in any of his other 2D games, with a roster of acrobatic tricks. Unfortunately, there are no fireball powerups, but who cares when you can back flip, swing, and even walk on your hands? These tricks are implemented perfectly, and the controls for pulling them off are spot on.

Admittedly, the game can often be frustrating, but it's also incredibly rewarding, and thankfully the rewards far out weigh the frustrations. Of all the games that have kept me glued to the screen of my Gameboy, Donkey Kong is right at the top. It's more addictive than anything else, including the mighty Tetris. You can lose hours of your life and accomplish nothing, but when it comes to putting the game down, you can't. Playing for five minutes is not an option. DK is incredibly addictive and great fun, but don't say I didn't warn you when you find hours of your life have vanished.

Donkey Kong is definitely a laster. It's often very challenging, and it will definitely take you a while to complete, but unfortunately ends up contributing to its own down fall as the sheer adictiveness will make you finish it in a matter of days. Definitely good value for money though, and always good to go back to.

Graphics- 7

Sound- 9

Gameplay- 9

Lifespan- 8

Overall: 9/10- 91%

An absolute classic from start to finish, with enough charm to win over anyone with half a brain. Quite simply, this is one of the all time best Gameboy games ever.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/11/04, Updated 09/20/04