Publisher: Zaccaria

Crazy Kong (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Crazy Kong: A Retro Classic with a Unique Twist

Released in 1981, Crazy Kong is an arcade game developed by Falcon that bears a striking resemblance to Nintendo’s iconic Donkey Kong. However, despite its bootleg-like appearance, Crazy Kong is an officially licensed game intended for non-US markets. While it shares many gameplay elements with its predecessor, Crazy Kong sets itself apart with its unique graphics and re-imagined visuals.

Gameplay: A Familiar Formula with Subtle Differences

At its core, Crazy Kong follows the same basic gameplay loop as Donkey Kong. Players control a character named Jumpman (later known as Mario) as he ascends a construction site to rescue Pauline, his damsel in distress, from the clutches of the titular Kong. To progress, Jumpman must navigate a series of platforms, ladders, and obstacles, all while avoiding barrels hurled by the mischievous ape above.

One notable difference between Crazy Kong and Donkey Kong is the addition of a trampoline at the bottom of the screen. This trampoline allows Jumpman to bounce high into the air, making it easier to reach higher platforms. Additionally, Crazy Kong features slightly altered level designs, with some sections being more difficult than their Donkey Kong counterparts.

Graphics: A Colorful Re-imagining

While Crazy Kong retains the core gameplay elements of Donkey Kong, its graphics are completely re-drawn and re-colorized. The result is a visually distinct game that stands out from its inspiration. The characters are more vibrant and expressive, and the backgrounds are more detailed and colorful.

One of the most striking differences between the two games is the depiction of Kong himself. In Donkey Kong, Kong is a menacing, gorilla-like creature with a fierce expression. In Crazy Kong, however, Kong is portrayed as a more comical and mischievous character, with a wide grin and exaggerated features.

Legacy: A Fondly Remembered Classic

Crazy Kong was a commercial success upon its release, particularly in non-US markets. It was praised for its faithful recreation of Donkey Kong’s gameplay, while also offering its own unique visual style and minor gameplay tweaks. The game has since been ported to a variety of home consoles and is still enjoyed by retro gaming enthusiasts today.

In addition to its original release, Crazy Kong also spawned a sequel, Crazy Kong Part II, which featured even more colorful graphics and more challenging levels. However, Part II was not as well-received as the original, and the Crazy Kong series has remained dormant since its release.

Conclusion: A Worthy Alternative to Donkey Kong

Crazy Kong is a fun and challenging arcade game that stands as a worthy alternative to Donkey Kong. Its unique graphics and subtle gameplay changes make it a refreshing take on the classic formula. While it may not have the same level of recognition as its predecessor, Crazy Kong remains a fondly remembered classic among retro gaming fans.

Additional Trivia and Facts

  • Crazy Kong was developed by Falcon, a Japanese company that was later acquired by Sega.
  • The game was originally released in Japan under the name Kong Crazy.
  • Crazy Kong was one of the first arcade games to feature a trampoline.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Toshiaki Sakoda, who also composed the music for the original Donkey Kong.
  • Crazy Kong was ported to the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum home computers.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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