The official site for Nintendo’s forthcoming Wii-enhanced version of Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat (from the new Wii de Asobu/Play It On Wii range) is up, and it shows exactly what we can expect from the revamped control scheme, as well as brief glimpses of new stages and mechanics.
You’ll use the nunchuk analogue stick to guide DK through the levels (which should make the underwater stages a little easier) and the A button on the remote is used to jump. Where before you clapped for certain context-sensitive actions, a simple shake of the remote is used, while pounding the controllers alternately up and down will see DK whack the various enemies he meets with his mighty fists.
The levels shown in the videos on the site look slightly busier than before, while one or two clearly have different layouts to the GameCube version. There’s more environmental interaction too - with DK pounding the floor to raise banana-releasing plants from the earth, and opening up cracks in the ice to slide down.ÂÂ
It’s out in Japan in a couple of days, though it’s already available to import from Play-Asia if you’re interested.
The latest issue of UK magazine NGamer is reaching subscribers (including me) today, and sadly, it seems Sega’s forthcoming rhythm-actioner Samba de Amigo isn’t quite as brilliant as its Dreamcast predecessor.
“Wii was surely made to play this game, so why is it so clumsy?” the review asks, continuing “it just doesn’t feel right. You shouldn’t think about playing but you do - constantly.”
The game is awarded 60%, with the review concluding that “the challenge is in beating the controls, not the game”. A shame, if true - I’m waiting on some more reviews before cancelling that preorder.
Issue 28 of NGamer will be in shops next week, and it also features a hugely positive review of Fatal Frame 4: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. Which sort of makes up for the Samba disappointment (albeit only if your Wii is import-capable).
Sega today released comparison shots of the Wii and Dreamcast versions of its mambo-flavoured rhythm-actioner Samba de Amigo. Above, you’ve got the Wii version in all its happy Day-Glo glory, and below, you’ve got the slightly duller, emptier Dreamcast game.
So anyone saying ‘Dreamcast-quality graphics’ about Wii games in future should keep their gobs shut. Er, except about the games whose graphics genuinely ARE of Dreamcast quality.ÂÂ
But I digress - it seems that the three main game modes featured in the original (Hustle, Volleyball and, um, Original) will return, while there’s a brand new Career mode where you unlock tracks and other game elements as you progress, with a Training option for beginners.
As for further improvements: two new characters will be introduced, there are three fresh stages, and a pair of shiny new minigames to try. There’s Mii support, and Samba will also be the first retail game to offer paid-for downloadable content on Wii, with three songs planned for the first download pack. Chuck in online leaderboards, twin remote support and a whole lot more, and just about every Wii owner should be getting excited about this one.ÂÂ
Samba de Amigo will be released on 19th September.
Sega has just announced the release date for rhythm-action maraca-em-up Samba de Amigo - it’ll be hitting Europe on September 19th, four days before it makes its US bow, according to ShackNews.
The tracklist’s also up there, and it’s fair to say that it’s absolutely rammed with tunes. Essentially they’re all from vaguely similar genres - as the inclusion of both Lou Bega’s Mambo No. 5 and Perez Prado’s Mambo No. 8 would immediately suggest (what happened to Mambo No.s 6 and 7, I wonder?) - but I can’t imagine shaking my remote to Metallica or Slayer, so it’s probably for the best.
Most of the tracks are covers, but the likes of Rihanna’s Pon de Replay, and Groove Is In The Heart by Deee-Lite will use master tracks. There’s a total of 23 new tracks, while 21 from the original Dreamcast version will also feature. Excellent news, particularly if you like Ricky Martin or Gypsy Kings. The only sour note is the inclusion of that bloody Ketchup Song. Let’s hope we can skip that one.
I really can’t decide. I’ve watched it five times now and it’s either a work of demented genius, or absolutely terrible. Maracas, monkeys and ‘mote-shaking madness. Mental.
Either way, the chimp’s clearly the best thing about it. What do you think, readers?
 
 
 
 
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