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Friday 8 February, 2008
Gamelog Entry #2
Gameplay
For my second walkthrough of Donkey Kong 2, my skills improved (or more of, they had to improve) as I went further through the game. I myself felt this game to be too challenging for younger kids, which is troubling because with all the whimsical graphics and and ideas, I really felt as though this game was aimed at a younger audience.
The level of difficulty aside, I was highly intrigued by the the boss battles and after a while, finding enough coins to access the bonus levels (which were insanely difficult as well). The game really caught my attention in the difference of levels and backgrounds which really captured a sense of being not very possible and more imaginative, which was fun.
Another aspect of the game not mentioned in my first log is the inclusion of animals that help you in your quest. Each animal has a different skill which you can use when you mount them. These skills include speed, swimming, or jumping. Plus, some of them you don't ride or even physically interact with,but still provide a tremendous amount of support. The game gets even better when you actually get to transform into one of the many animals present giving you better movement and control.
Design
The level design for the game follows a simple process. The beginning levels of the game of deceptively easy, but as the game progresses, these levels become very hard. The first world serves more as a training ground to hone your skills controlling the chimps, but as you reach later worlds, you'll have to deal with harder obstacles and enemies.
The levels are of great variation, though. From pirate ships to carnivals, this game will constantly keep you entertained, as each new world brings some new level design concept such as riding roller coasters or getting over large gaps using nothing, but spider webs. I felt as though I needed to grasp a new concept or skill in the game just to keep up, which is good, since this idea will make it so that you always feel involved.
The game has a very strong reward system, but the most difficult I've encountered. You can search every piece of land there is an Donkey Kong 2, so that you can find every coin and bonus box so that you can admire your 100% completion of the game. (In which case, I will bow before and worship you as a platformer god). Of course, you have all the resources to find these hidden items, it just requires a lot of skill, time, and a little luck.
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