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How Metascores Are Calculated
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The normally quiet jungle is abuzz with excitement, because it's time for the ceremony to choose the king of the jungle! Or at least it would be if King K. Rool hadn't stolen the special medallion meant for the winner. Donkey Kong and his friends must swing their way through the jungle to get the medallion back and, along the way, rescue Diddy, Dixie, and Funky Kong from King K. Rool's minions. A unique control system lets you swing through the trees and spin to build up momentum for a mighty leap. Innovative level design combines elements of platform and puzzle games: Grab gears and spin to crank doors open. Watch out for bolts that loosen as you spin, or you might find yourself falling flat. You'll need steady hands to make the leap-of-faith that takes you to the treetops. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 95
NintendoWorldReport
It's so good, in fact, that even if you stripped away the DK license and made it, oh, I don't know, "Raven's That's SO Swinging", you'd still have a great game. Donkey Kong is just the icing on the cake. You want innovation, but still want a full game? It's right here.
 86
eToychest
With crisp visuals, pleasant audio and lots of content, it will likely find an audience, but those looking for the next great Donkey Kong game aren’t going to find it here.
80
Adrenaline Vault
A great new twist on a genre that I have a hard time classifying, using an established and mature backdrop.
80
GameSpy
It's a fantastic game that's unlike anything you've played before (except maybe Clu Clu Land on NES). Pick it up and give those shoulder buttons a workout!
80
Nintendo Power
Daring DK fans should give the game a spin; old-schoolers may want to wait for "DKC3." [Nov 2005, p.118]
78
IGN
Simple L and R gameplay isn't enough to keep interest high all the way through, so it works best as a quick-shot experience.
78
Game Informer
The only downside is the sometimes-frustrating level of difficulty and obtuse level design. [Nov 2005, p.182]
76
N-Insanity
Donkey Kong has never been more unique and ingenious in terms of gameplay. However, ridiculous difficulty, less-than-stellar multiplayer games, boring graphics, and level design that borders on the atrocious makes King of Swing seem more like Peasant of Swing.
75
1UP
It's almost becoming a cliché to wrap up reviews of Nintendo games with statements like, "It's not quite a complete and satisfying experience, but fans of novel gameplay should give it a try" -- unfortunately, though, there's not much else to say about Swing.
75
GameZone
Even though the action does get a little repetitive, DK King of Swing is a worthy play if you’re looking for something a little different.
74
My Gamer
King of Swing is like getting a new puppy; it is addictive and fun at first, but then the full reality of taking care of it finally sets in. Initially the game will be fun, but then frustration and (even) anger may eventually become the norm.
73
GameSpot
A unique and interesting take on the puzzle genre that people will either love or hate depending on how accepting they are of the game's innovative control scheme.
72
BonusStage
The tricky-to-learn controls and somewhat repetitive and short-lived gameplay make it hard to overwhelming recommend.
71
Gamer 2.0
The bosses are a pleasant surprise, and the game features some of the more brain-squandering puzzles ever seen out of a 2D adventure.
70
Yahoo! Games
King of Swing is defined by its gimmick. Enjoy the unique control system and you'll find the game a pleasant and diverting play. If you're left cold by it, you'll quickly tire of the game's one-trick-pony style.
70
AceGamez
I can't say that I found anything drastically wrong with DK: King of Swing, but the tricky-to-learn controls and somewhat repetitive and short-lived gameplay make it hard to recommend as a priority purchase.
70
Play Magazine
Provides a fun, challenging time that makes the most out of its constraints. [Oct 2005]
70
GameBiz
Unfortunately it only has about 5-7 hours of gameplay without much lastability.
70
Cheat Code Central
For those in the mood for an addictive low level puzzle game great for all ages, this will be a sweet tasting banana. [JPN Import]
70
EuroGamer
Still, for all the brilliantly original ideas on show here, there comes a point when you feel like developer Paon just decided to throw up certain levels simply as a bar to your progress. You can almost hear their cackling over your shoulder.
67
GameShark
The biggest weakness of DK: King of Swing is that the play mechanic of swinging between countless pegs can get a little repetitive.
62
Nintendojo
The game's mechanics are quite a bit deeper and more complex than the simple control scheme suggests. The result of this is that a lot of novice players will be turned off by the game before getting too far into it.
60
games(TM)
Every five or six levels the game ups the difficulty by throwing in the most frustrating levels we've ever seen.
60
Pelaaja (Finland)
Inventive game mechanics keep the player hooked and the multiplayer options are refreshingly original. Single player mode could have had a bit more character and spirit in it though. [May 2005, p.89]
60
Modojo
There's just something very bland about the gameplay.
60
GamerFeed
This platform adventure stars the 800 pound gorilla himself and this title manages to stand on its own because of its unique design. Unfortunately, said design isn't good enough to make this game a must buy.
50
Edge Magazine
Once you’ve become fluent in the new pattern of motion the platforming becomes very satisfying, marrying timing and action more intimately than the usual moving platform/timed-jump challenges. However, things become rather unstuck when enemies are introduced. [Feb 2005, p.81]
40
Sydney Morning Herald
Some levels are ridiculously arduous, such as negotiating tricky leaps in a hurricane.
40
G4 TV
The control setup here is undoubtedly unique, and works great for the most part. It's just not intuitive or interesting enough to build an entire adventure game around.
25
Detroit Free Press
This game didn't need to be made: It wasn't fun, and I won't play it in my free time.
Supersean gave it an8: Ryan B. gave it a6: |
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