Moving forward, developers should look for ways to combine the precisely tuned gameplay of games like Donkey Kong Country Returns with the presentation and story of games like Black Ops. It is here that we can feel out the future of gaming. We lost something, though, in that mad chase of sales numbers, and as a result we receive shallow set-piece-crawl videogames. In these, we are reminded of what we lost, what made us all love games in the first place: poetry.
As the first game to be released in the DKC series in 11 years, fans of Donkey Kong were eager to see how the iconic ape’s adventures continued. And when it was finally released, the game proved well worth the wait. With incredible level design, difficult yet fun platforming gameplay, vibrant presentation and an amazing soundtrack, “Donkey Kong Country Returns” is an amazing side-scrolling platformer and an incredible comeback for one of Nintendo’s oldest mascots.
The video on Black Ops 1 shows some separate rooms, assets, and other features which exist outside of the boundary of the game.
Phil writes, "A few weeks ago was the 40th anniversary of Nintendo's main monkey, Nintendo's awesome ape, Nintendo's super simian: Donkey Kong. This Tuesday 10s focuses on the best of the banana bunch in the Donkey Kong series, from main games to spin-offs! It's a banana slamma' of games, so let's get to it."
Tropical Freeze is way better than Country Returns and Dixie's whatever it's called. It's easily in top 3 DK games.
It did not place them in order, despite the article being described as a top ten.
Donkey Kong (94) is my preferred game on that list. I think the Rare Country games are pretty rough.
My first reaction was... They made 10 Donkey Kong games?! Then I thought that must be every single one... then I checked the list and Donkey Kong 64 is not even on it. No wonder Nintendo won't make more 3D Donkey Kong. I really enjoyed tropical freeze but I am still waiting for the next 3D game. Its really the only thing I want from the series at this point. Also, I can't take Jungle beat seriously...
I love this article. I agree, I want my gameplay to be "poetic" with rhythm, depth and challenge. DKCR is awesome..a real game. I put about 50 hours into DKCR getting 100% and taking my precious time replaying levels. That is value. I'm so glad DKCR was a huge hit with gamers. Keep the award winning gameplay coming Nintendo. :)
Some developers need to remember what made them want to be a developer in the first place.
Yeah, I think the author nailed it when he was describing the flow of play and the integration of spectacle into the play mechanics themselves, as opposed to a rigid collection of set pieces and uneven play. This "poetry" is the core of good pacing
Interesting article. I would definitely be in favor of a better balance between the gameplay of DKC Returns and the presentation of a game like Black Ops. It seems like CoD is moving towards all flash and little substance.