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Donkey Kong Country (GB)
by thole09
"Donkey Kong Country" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 2000 by Nintendo. It is a remastered version of the popular Super Nintendo game of the same title. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.
Gameplay is a ... direct port of the Super Nintendo classic. The developers of this game were able to compress a technology heavy 16-bit SNES title to create a playable 8-bit Gameboy Color title using the available data. Each stage and feature is nearly equivalent to the earlier Super Nintendo game although there were some obvious differences. In the Gameboy Color version, the player only has access to one character at a time. The player will guide either Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong on their adventure to reclaim a stolen banana board. Each feature obvious physical differences which can be beneficial in certain areas. Donkey Kong has supreme strength for battling tougher enemies whereas Diddy Kong is more agile and can jump to harder-to-reach places. The game world is vast and stretches over numerous playing areas. It could likely keep a player occupied for an extensive period of time.
The graphics of this title are excellent considering their conversion from a more technologically advanced game. They will not impress those looking for detailed cinematics but do hold their own in the gaming world. The character detailing is excellent and I was able to clearly see the physical differences between Donkey and Diddy. The audio is likewise of a higher quality and features near identical musical scores and effects seen and heard on the Super Nintendo release.
Overall, Donkey Kong Country is an exceptional game worthy of purchase by a prospective buyer. Its combination of extensive gameplay and solid visuals makes for a great gaming experience.
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Kirby Tilt N Tumble (GB)
by thole09
"Kirby's Tilt n' Tumble" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 2000 by Nintendo. It is based on the long standing "Kirby" video game series. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.
Tilt n' Tumble was an ... innovative game at the time of release, and was a precursor to much of Nintendo's technology to be released at later dates. The game cartridge was the first to include a motion sensor which guides play. Much like how the Nintendo Wii is dependent on motion sensors attached to the wrist or how Apple's iPhone display reacts to changes in how the user is holding the device, Tilt n' Tumble operates through tilting the Gameboy console which guides Kirby on his adventure. When initially powering on the game, the player is immediately informed to keep the console flat as the motion sensors are detecting the neutral position. This could be done by simply keeping the Gameboy on a table for a short few seconds. After this calibration is complete the player is ready to engage with the game.
There is very much a high learning curve to this title due to the ground breaking technology. The player must guide Kirby through a serious of stages, which can include pinball machines to wooden labyrinths, and must do this through tilting the console in various directions. The backlight on the Gameboy's display is not particularly strong so the player must play this game in a room with an abundance of light as his or her eyes will not constantly be fixed on a central point. Attacking the infrequent enemy is done by pressing the "A" button which blows air in its direction as opposed to the traditional vacuum effect to power-up.
It is difficult to review the graphics of this title as few fragments are actually seen during gameplay. All while the player is tilting the console in all directions, the eyes do not really get a sense of visual experience. Nonetheless, the colouring of this title appears to be excellent and implements traditional Kirby effects into the "Dreamland" setting including odd coloured clouds. The soundtrack of this game is a particular high point and seemed to have greater focus over the graphics. The developers were able to successful implement various digital voice snippets of Kirby to suggest his well being to the player during periods of console movement.
Overall, Tilt n' Tumble is an excellent title which would suit any Kirby player's collection very well. It is an interesting retrospective on what would become a central piece of technology by Nintendo and gives an insight as to its intended operation.
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Godzilla 2 (GB)
by thole09
"Godzilla: Monster Wars" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 2000 by Crave Entertainment. It is a sequel to a prior "Godzilla" title for the same console, and is based on a popular American children's series of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by ... the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.
The gameplay of this title is rather odd. While "Godzilla" frequently evokes images of mass pandemonium and destruction, and it's apparent that the in-game civilians believe their doom is pending, the player is required to control Godzilla in a quest for the greater good of the world. Godzilla is to save the townspeople by battling other giant creatures while repelling military forces which hinder his progress. His attacks are often limited in speed despite his massive size. The slow implementation of these leads to Godzilla taking considerable hits to his health in the process of making a simple movement such as a tail whip. Godzilla does come equipped with his fire breath and this appears to be the only viable attack which the player has access to. There is some difficulty to this title due to the conflicting forces who are all trying to send Godzilla to his demise but simple "button mashing" efforts can repel all.
The graphics of this game aren't particularly good. Colour accuracies appear to be slightly off as Godzilla sports odd blueish skin instead of the typical grey coat he is otherwise known for. The detailing of the background scenes is very two dimensional and flat in appearance and this doesn't come across as a particularly enjoyable. The audio is also of a comparably poor standard with simple compositions and boring effects driving me as a player to turn down the volume.
Overall, Monster Wars is not a title I would recommend to prospective buyers. It is held back by poor visual implementation and questionable gameplay and would not likely appeal to fans of the monster.
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