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

Member Name: thole09

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

Advantages: Graphics, Audio

Disadvantages: Save feature

"Donkey Kong Land" is a video game released for the Gameboy console in 1995 by Nintendo. It is the first game 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".

Gameplay reflects the platform genre. In it, players control both Donkey and Diddy Kong and guide them on a long adventure. It is a simple matter of guiding one from "point A" to "point B" while avoiding enemies and gathering items. A few obvious technical faults crop up in the title. In order to utilize the game's "save" function the player must collect hidden letter coins in the stage which spell the word "KONG". This proves to be overly troublesome as, in practice, some letters are hidden very well and are often guarded by some sort of hazard which could kill the player and send him back to the start. It seems to be a very unnecessary requirement for such a necessary feature.

The monochrome display of the Gameboy often hindered the visual appeal of many games, but did not cripple Donkey Kong Land. Both Kongs are very well designed and show many animations during movement, idleness and jumping. The environmental features are also of a good standard and show a wide range of different objects and items to interact with. While this game was designed for the original Gameboy console, I have tested it to be working on the later Gameboy Color console with the display showing a slightly greenish tinge. The audio is also of a good standard. Prior to the Gameboy release, Donkey Kong Land was a hit title on the Super Nintendo and the developers were able to remaster many musical scores and effects contained on the SNES version for application in the Gameboy.

Overall, I would be hesitant about recommending Donkey Kong Land to prospective buyers. It is the first in a long standing series and could come across as being very "dated" in practice. The hindrance of the save feature is also very repelling.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle