Donkey Kong Land 3 (GB) (Donkey Kong Land 3 (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Donkey Kong Land 3 (GB)
Date:	22/04/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics, Gameplay

Disadvantages: Fewer sound effects

"Donkey Kong Land 3" is a video game released for the Gameboy console in 1997 by Nintendo. It is the final title as a part of a trilogy. In the United States, the game received a rating of "K&A" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for both "Kids and Adults".

Donkey Kong Land 3 is the longest adventure released to the series. Containing 30 levels and various mini games, it would likely keep even the most avid player occupied for considerable periods of time. There also appears to be a greater depth to the level designs. Rather than simply guiding one's character, Dixie or Kiddy Kong, to the end of the stage, one can venture off and complete various sub missions such as banana gathering for additional lives and "DK Coin" searching. For further progression it is necessary to accumulate certain amounts of DK Coins and I find them in a greater abundance towards the beginning of the game when their use is not all that obvious.

This game was one of the first cartridges to implement 256 colour availability by use of an optional "Super Game Boy" addition to the Super Nintendo console. Without it, graphics still appear excellent on the original monochrome Gameboy screen. The animation detailing remains comparable to the second Donkey Kong Land and that is a compliment in full. The appearance of the characters is very flowing and crisp, and makes for an enjoyable visual experience. Like other Donkey Kong releases, the soundtrack is taken from the Super Nintendo counterpart and compressed to suit the Gameboy's limited hardware capabilities. All scores are higher in quality and remain pleasant to listen to throughout. There are few sound effects in this game and the developers could perhaps have improved on this area with further implementations.

Donkey Kong Land 3 is, in my opinion, the best of the three releases. Removing the hindrance seen previously in trying to save a game and increasing the available stages of play truly makes for a game with replay value and would likely keep a player occupied for considerable periods.

Summary: Thumbs up