DK: King of Swing

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.

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.

Adrenaline Vault

A great new twist on a genre that I have a hard time classifying, using an established and mature backdrop.

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!

Nintendo Power

Daring DK fans should give the game a spin; old-schoolers may want to wait for "DKC3." [Nov 2005, p.118]

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.

Game Informer

The only downside is the sometimes-frustrating level of difficulty and obtuse level design. [Nov 2005, p.182]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BonusStage

The tricky-to-learn controls and somewhat repetitive and short-lived gameplay make it hard to overwhelming recommend.

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.

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.

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.

Play Magazine

Provides a fun, challenging time that makes the most out of its constraints. [Oct 2005]

GameBiz

Unfortunately it only has about 5-7 hours of gameplay without much lastability.

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]

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.

GameShark

The biggest weakness of DK: King of Swing is that the play mechanic of swinging between countless pegs can get a little repetitive.

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.

games(TM)

Every five or six levels the game ups the difficulty by throwing in the most frustrating levels we've ever seen.

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]

Modojo

There's just something very bland about the gameplay.

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.

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]

Sydney Morning Herald

Some levels are ridiculously arduous, such as negotiating tricky leaps in a hurricane.

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.

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.