Energetic, original and addictive, Jungle Beat is perfect for people willing to sacrifice quantity for immense fun.
While the bongos would seem suitably fitting to a game like Donkey Konga, where rhythm is key, Jungle Beat is a side-scrolling platformer that would have perhaps been more commonly attributed to a typical controller. Be glad it isn't though, because bewildering as the design decision is, Jungle Beat's highly innovative use of the Bongos makes the game the gem it truly is.
Although Jungle Beat, at it's core, will have players running in true-to-form side scroller style, from the left to the right of the screen with the common goal of simply reaching the end of the level, the gameplay mechanics between the start and finish of each level are an absolute joy. Donkey Kong begins at the start and must collect bananas using all sorts of acrobatic skills - all of which are mapped to different combinations of claps and drumrolls on the bongos. For example, tapping frequently on the right bongo will have DK run right, thudding down on both bongos will have him leap, and alternating quickly between one bongo and the next will have him perform a backflip. While some of these acrobatic moves may seem like pointless afterthoughts, they all add up to the grander scheme of things. DK has to collect a number of bananas (called "Beats", somewhat obscurely) in each level, and by chaining different combos together, DK gains a points multiplier that increases the value of each "Beat" until his feet touch the ground. What this basically means, is that between lifting DK's feet off the ground and having him land back on earth, you've got to make each move count if your precious Beats are going to mean anything. It takes a considerable amount of practice but once you finally nail the control method, you can have DK perform such gymnastic brilliance as backfliping against a wall, leaping back off it, butt-slamming into a trampoline, flying into a rope, swinging himself from it and grabbing onto a huge mass of Beats, before finally nailing that landing and gaining a wicked score in the process.
Perhaps this is where the game is likely to be misunderstood though - more beats means more medals, and more medals unlocks more kingdoms. Yet the kingdoms themselves are actually very easy to navigate - there's plenty of room for mistakes, and you're never forced to perform brilliantly, nor are you encouraged to improve. I couldn't even tell you what the Game Over screen looked like - I've never encountered it! It means that those who expect Jungle Beat to be a sprawling adventure are going to be disappointed - this game is anything but, and if all you're interested in is reaching the end and seeing every level, you can do so in 2 hours.
It's a shame really, because upon first playing Jungle Beat I thought the very same thing - if you're skills aren't really up to snuff it's still possible to see everything the game has to offer in an afternoon - sure the levels themselves get harder, but without the incentive to actually improve upon your skills as the game goes on, it seems less about gaining high scores and more about getting from beginning to end.
Don't let it put you off though - despite seeing every level within a day, they're all incredibly good fun to play, and with underwater levels, Helibird races, and a host of other animals for DK to ride on, the game has plenty of variety and never grows old despite the fact it relies primarily on 2 buttons and your ability to clap. Jungle Beat is high-score gaming at it's finest and although playing from beginning to end is a cakewalk, the challenge of perfecting your skills in each level is something else entirely. And as the game is so much fun, there's no reason not to go back and improve upon your skills - ultimately, the game's length is determined only by how willing the player is to practice and improve.
And what a package the game is wrapped in too - if the gameplay doesn't hold your attention for long enough, the bright, attractive and varied graphics will, not to mention the soundtrack which just seems to fit perfectly with everything you do - hearing the encouraging chants pipe into the music as you nail an 8-combo long trick just fills you with a satisfied glee, and just wouldn't feel the same on another, more typical side-scroller.
So for once, forget about playing a sprawling adventure, sit down, and take some time to enjoy Donkey Kong Jungle Beat's levels. In this game, practice not only makes perfect, but also makes the game a hell of a lot more fun.
This is officialy the most rambling, confusing review I've ever done. Please read my others for a perhaps more satisfying read!