DK: King of Swing (ぶらぶらドンキー, Burabura Donkī?, Swing Donkey) is a video game developed by Paon and published by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on May 19, 2005 and in North America on September 19, 2005.
Gameplay
In the game, players swing around on pegs, in a way similar to Clu Clu Land. Scattered throughout levels, in addition to Peg Boards and Bananas, are Crystal Coconuts, Medals, Enemies, and Bonus Barrels.
Story
Tomorrow is the day of the Jungle Jam Tournament, to determine who will be the jungle hero. King K. Rool steals the medals, prizes in the competition, and proclaims himself the jungle hero.
In the game players control either Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong, and track down King K. Rool and the stolen medals. Diddy is only playable after all 24 medals are reclaimed.
It's possible that the game takes place before the events of Donkey Kong 64 as Wrinkly Kong is still alive.
Levels
There are Five worlds in DK: King of Swing. There are 20 regular levels, and 5 Boss Levels.
Playable characters/Jungle Jam
In Jungle Jam mode, players can play alone, against CPUs, or with three friends. There are five modes of play, as follows:
- In this mode, four players must climb up peg boards until they reach the top. There are five courses in all (two of which are unlocked by collecting medals, and one of which is unlocked by entering a password in the secret password screen).
- Similar to Climbing Race, except there are objects that help or hinder the players' progress, such as moving peg boards or blast barrels. There are four courses in all (two of which are unlocked by collecting medals, and one of which is unlocked by entering a password in the secret password screen).
- This time, the players must attack each other for points. The player with the most points wins. There are three courses in all (one of which is unlocked by collecting medals, and one of which is unlocked by entering a password in the secret password screen).
- Unlike the Attack Battle courses, the players compete to break the most barrels. There are two courses in all (both of which are unlocked by collecting medals).
- A single course where players have to change the colors of the peg boards to their representative colors. This course is unlocked by collecting medals.
There are eight characters to play as, as follows: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Funky Kong, Wrinkly Kong, Kremling, King K. Rool, and Bubbles from Clu Clu Land.
Reception
Although reviews for DK: King of Swing have been mostly positive, the game has received some criticism. Many feel the cartoon-style graphics are a big step back from the 3D rendered graphics featured in the Donkey Kong Country series [1]. In addition, the game has been criticised for being short[citation needed] and at times repetitive [2].
The positive reviews however, praised the game for bringing Donkey Kong back to life from his old glory days of simple fun and intuitive gameplay[citation needed]. This game continues the resurgence of fresh gameplay into the Donkey Kong world, following in the footsteps of Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat.
Sequel
DK Jungle Climber is the sequel of DK: King of Swing. The game was announced at E3 2006 and makes use of the DS touch screen.
External links
References
