Best considered an expansion rather than a full sequel, DK 2 is still a fun multiplayer experience.
User Rating: 7 | Donkey Konga 2 GC
Donkey Konga 2 is best considered an expansion of its predecessor rather than a full sequel. While the song list and mini-games have been updated, the core gameplay mechanics remain exactly as they felt in Donkey Konga. The result is a solid party game that can be played for hours in a group setting, but the restricted track list makes it difficult to hold an individual player’s attention for very long. The single-player modes in Donkey Konga 2 are identical to the original. Street Performance has the player clearing each song to earn coins that can later be used to purchase new bongo sounds and more difficult songs in the Shopping Mall. Challenge mode allows you to play through as many tracks as you can in a row. Freestyle Zone is a welcome addition to the lineup, allowing players unlimited time to choose their favorite song and create their own rhythms. Music Lab contains DK’s two mini-games, which seem better suited for the rhythm genre. Barrel Race pits players against each other to match falling notes in a Tetris-style arena, while Rhythm Keeper challenges them to memorize notes to play back with accurate timing. Although these games are unlocked from the beginning, players must pay 50 and 100 coins each time they want to play the single- and multi-player modes, respectively. Donkey Konga’s second effort on the Cube aims for a decidedly pop-rock theme, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on each player’s tastes. While the original had a varied song list that ensured each player an enjoyable experience, the second game’s effort has a very limited selection. High points include surprisingly fitting tracks like Hit ‘Em Up Style, Losing My Religion, and No More Drama. DK 2, unfortunately, also has its fair share of bad choices like All Star, Unpretty, and Boombastic. While these songs are decent in their original versions, Nintendo seems to go out of its way to choose vocalists who sound absolutely nothing like the original artist. This decision detracts from the overall experience because it’s very difficult to have fun playing a song that sounds terrible. The graphics in Donkey Konga 2 are very similar to the original. Though they are very bland and boring for bystanders to watch, the player will undoubtedly not even notice as he will be focused intently on the notes scrolling across the screen. Gamers new to the series will want to pick up the original Donkey Konga before trying their hands at this sequel. While DK 2 is a solid party game, it won’t bring any new fans to the series. Players who enjoyed the first game, however, and who are looking for more of the same will be very pleased with Nintendo’s second effort. It’s easy for beginners to pick up and play, while the variable difficulty levels will challenge even the best drummers.
