Summary
With its innovative gameplay, engaging cooperative mode, and vibrant visuals, DK: Jungle Climber delivers a compelling platforming experience. It builds upon the foundation of its predecessor while paying homage to the series’ roots, offering hours of entertainment for players of all ages.
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U
- Developers: Paon
- Publishers: Nintendo
Introduction
Released in 2007, DK: Jungle Climber takes the swinging mechanics of its predecessor to new heights on the Nintendo DS. It combines traditional Donkey Kong platforming with innovative gameplay, leveraging the dual screens for a fresh and exciting experience.
Synopsis
“DK: Jungle Climber”, also stylised as “Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber”, is a puzzle-platform game developed by Paon and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. The game was released in Japan on August 9, 2007, and in western territories later that year. It is a sequel to “DK: King of Swing” (2005) for the Game Boy Advance, featuring similar gameplay.
The game begins with Donkey Kong and his friends deciding to take a well-earned vacation on beautiful Sun Sun Beach, located on tropical Sun Sun Island. After enjoying a splash in the ocean, a hungry DK and his friends saw a massive banana floating atop a mountain. Without a moment’s hesitation, DK raced for the mountaintop.
When DK, Cranky Kong, and Diddy Kong reached the top, they encountered Xananab, an alien that looked like a banana. But they also saw King K. Rool and his four Kremling advisors making off with the five Crystal Bananas, five objects Xananab wanted back. DK agreed to help Xananab get the Crystal Banana back, thus starting off his next adventure, with Diddy at his side.
Donkey and Diddy (along with Cranky and Xananab) travel through several islands, including Ghost Island, Lost Island, and Chill ‘n’ Char Island. At the end of the last level of each island, DK had to fight a Kremling mutated by one of the Crystal Bananas, and going into a big machine. After beating the boss, they gained a Crystal Banana.
At the end of Chill ‘n’ Char Island, after the boss, K. Rool and his final Kremling make way to the King Kruizer IV, an updated model of K. Rool’s cruiser seen in “Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest” (and its portable conversion entitled “Donkey Kong Land 2”), “Donkey Kong 64”, and “DK: King of Swing”.
The game features new moves, new items, and minigames. It uses the dual screens to give the illusion of one tall screen. The game features a multiplayer mode for up to four players.
“DK: Jungle Climber” is a thrilling adventure that takes players through a variety of exotic locations, challenging them with unique gameplay mechanics and engaging them with a captivating storyline. The game’s blend of platforming and puzzle-solving elements, combined with its vibrant visuals and memorable characters, make it a standout title in the Donkey Kong series.
Characters
Donkey Kong, the game’s protagonist, is joined by Diddy Kong, offering assistance and additional abilities. King K. Rool returns as the primary antagonist, along with a host of familiar enemies and new challenges.
Gameplay
DK: Jungle Climber’s gameplay revolves around the innovative use of the L and R buttons to make Donkey Kong grab and swing from pegs scattered throughout the levels. This mechanic, combined with the DS’s dual screens, allows for expansive vertical and horizontal level design. The game introduces power-ups and cooperative elements, enhancing the climbing mechanic and adding depth to the gameplay.
Conclusion
DK: Jungle Climber stands out as a noteworthy entry in the Donkey Kong series, successfully blending traditional platforming with unique mechanics. Its inventive use of the DS’s features, along with a nod to the classic Donkey Kong Country aesthetic, ensures its place as a beloved title among fans.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
Fan Art
Fan Art Style: Normal
Fan Art Style: Retro
Fan Art Style: Modern
