Nintendo's original video game icon is reborn in Donkey Konga--most unexpectedly--as the modern face of rhythm-action. Donkey Kong is back, and his jungle beat is catchy as hell.
As with all rhythm-action titles, the objective here is simply to keep time with the game's streamed soundtrack. Colourful visual backdrops complement perfectly the selection of pop tunes on offer. Hit the left bongo, hit the right, hit them both--clap your hands, there's a neat sensor device built into the bongo controller--and all the while enjoy non-stop celebration through the life-affirming mediums of cheesy music and eye candy.
But this is not merely a pretty, lightweight game. Donkey Konga is particularly impressive because of the balance evident in its design: play well and you'll be rewarded with new credits which can then be taken to the game's shopping area, where new tracks and even new bongo sound effects can be purchased. And with four controllers, multiplayer modes for as many players can be accessed. This is a videogame musical as pure Nintendo-branded fun. --Jonti Davies