Donkey Kong Jungle Beat Impressions

We got our first look at Donkey Kong Jungle Beat at this year's E3, where we were quite taken with the innovative platformer that makes use of the DK Bongo controller. That's right--this is a platformer that you play with a pair of drums rather than a gamepad. When we saw the game on display at the recent G-Phoria event in Los Angeles this weekend (which you can catch August 6 on G4TechTV), we had to take another close look at it. While the version on display was the same as the one we saw at E3, we were able to scrutinize it further and appreciate what the promising title has in store.

The demo features three levels to play: jungle, mountain, and fight. The jungle mode eases you into the game's unique control mechanics by offering onscreen prompts that show off the way you can use the bongo controller. Surprisingly, while the controller appears to be a one-trick pony that borrows directly from the dance mats used with DDR, DK Jungle Beat manages to offer truly original gameplay mechanics that work perfectly with the bongo controller.

The basic mechanics work like so: Hitting the left or right drum will make Donkey Kong run in those respective directions; the faster you tap either drum, the faster DK runs. Hitting both drums at the same time will make DK jump, and clapping will cause him to do the same in the game and will send out shock waves that can have a variety of effects on the environment and on the different characters he encounters. The platforming in the jungle levels gets progressively more intricate as you get further into the level, requiring you to be faster with your bongo drumming and with mixing and matching the skills you've picked up. The level culminates with a monkey fight between DK and another ape that's reminiscent of the classic Super Fighting Monkey Punch Out series. At least it would be if such a series had ever been made back in the old days, but no one listened to our brilliant ideas back then.

The mountain level sent us on a mad, bongo-driven run through an icy area where Donkey Kong met a nimble critter who was clearly eager to help DK as they were both being stalked by an assortment of cold-weather foes.

The graphics in the game feature simple and clean polygon models that are enhanced by a number of special effects. The modest look of the game allows for some quick perspective changes and loopy visuals, which help keep the game's pace fast and fun. The game's frame rate is smooth and stable, with occasional hitches that seem deliberately put in for dramatic effect.

Although the three levels composed just a fraction of what the final game will offer, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat already seems to have all the earmarks of a game that will likely be a reminder of the kind of gameplay magic Nintendo is known for. The game is currently slated to ship next year for the GameCube. Stay tuned to GameSpot for more information on it in the coming months.