Donkey Konga series & Jungle Beat

[J T]

Are these games worth owning? Are they any fun without the bongos?

These are some of the only Nintendo published titles that I don't have for my GameCube, so I feel like I should get them, but I always hesitate because I don't know where I would keep those stupid bongos.

[mister j-y]

I loved these games - especially Jungle Beat (I know you can play this one without the bongos, can't remember about the others) but why would you not want those fantastic bongos!?

My little boy became so obsessed with JB that he would clap in his sleep!

[pierrot]

My little boy became so obsessed with JB that he would clap in his sleep!

That-- is-- ADORABLE. Or maddening. I guess it depends on the time of day.


I have donkey konga and the bongos, but I really haven't touched either in years. I used to love playing it, way back, but these days, just the thought of the soundtrack keeps me away. It's not all bad, just one too many poorly covered licensed songs. I've often wondered about the soundtracks in the Japanese versions; I would think it might have a few more Nintendo themes and such. I wouldn't bother to actively seek out the Donkey Konga games, but if you stumbled upon them for cheap, then I don't think you would be disappointed. As long as you get bongos with it, that is. (Seriously, you need them to enjoy the games.)

[YoshiEgg25]

Actually just played Donkey Konga 2 the other day! I much prefer the setlist in the first one on the U.S. side though. I've seen the setlist for DK2 in Europe and DK3 in Japan and really want both more than the North American DK2.

DKJB is also good fun.

[mister j-y]

My little boy became so obsessed with JB that he would clap in his sleep!

That-- is-- ADORABLE. Or maddening. I guess it depends on the time of day.

I honestly thought it was burglars first time I heard it! Once I got used to it I would tell his mom it was cos I was just a great dad. I was like: she was like

[CRTGAMER]

I like the first Donkey Konga and especially Jungle Beat, definitely worth getting due to the exclusive style of gameplay with the bongos. Well, PS2 does have that Tako Drum. However, the gorilla does add a 2d platforming aspect in Jungle Beat by pounding the drum. Since there are only three US Gamecube Bongo titles, might as well get all of them. If you can find them, the Bongos are only two bucks at Gamestop.

[Erik_Twice]

Are these games worth owning? Are they any fun without the bongos?

They are decent, pretty easy though and they pale in comparison to Taiko no Tatsujin which is the game they were copying.

So I would save the money and buy Taiko no Tatsujin Wii or Taiko Drummaster (PS2) instead. They are better games.

[CRTGAMER]

Are these games worth owning?

Are they any fun without the bongos?

They are decent, pretty easy though and they pale in comparison to Taiko no Tatsujin which is the game they were copying.

So I would save the money and buy Taiko no Tatsujin Wii or Taiko Drummaster (PS2) instead. They are better games.

All the drum games can be played with regular controllers, the drums just add to the gameplay. An Arcade Stick could be another option to "pound" the drums.

[fastbilly1]

Donkey Konga 3 has the best track list, but they are all good fun in a group. Or you could be like this guy and play four player by yourself:

[eggman]

That video is crazy

Remember buying Jungle Beat when it came out with the Bongos. I remember enjoying it, but I think I had just finished playing Resident Evil 4 and the Old School 2d platforming didn't impress me at the time compared to what i had just played. I think i only used the bongos at the time too as i didn't realize it supported the controller.

Looking at it now with less RE4 tinted glasses, it is actually one of the GCN games I am looking forward to picking up for my Gamecube Collection. I plan on playing with and without bongos to see if it makes any difference.

Let us know if you pick it up and what you think.