Not bad...not bad at all. I like the fact that you can play as the "villan" is this game, gives the game a unique twist. The only issue I have with the game--it's not really an issue per se, just a suggestion--is give Konkey the ability to punch the "heros" if they get up to the top before getting hit by a barrel. It wouldn't kill them--or maybe it would and you'd only have a limited number per stage--or it could just stun them or send them down a level or two. Like I said just a suggestion just in case the barrels don't work.
Reviews for "Konkey Dong"
Good idea. It's like playing the ghosts in Packman.
It's short though. I managed to beat the Italians on 2nd try.
I don't know why others so complained about barrels that stun you are not being told in the instructions. I think it's no big deal.
Some extras may improve gameplay, such as guided barrels, multiplying barrels, fire, ice barrels etc...
It's alright. Like the idea of the reversed role in the classic game. There's an issue with the game over animation however. I think you're using a three-frame set-up there, and it appears as if the tears of Dong are receding instead of descending down his face. (I.E: Tears form at three pixels and then dissipate to two, then one. Instead of visa-versa) I'm not sure if this is intentional or not considering everything about the title is a backwards take on the classic but I thought I might point it out regardless.
Climbing ladders as the second player is too difficult and there is no indication that getting hit by a barrel is bad until after it occurs. I can't really call the barrel thing an "issue" though, because you can learn about the stun fairly early in a game and with no need for any real learning curve the explanation that barrels stun doesn't matter. Helheim, it is a good example of learning through gameplay. But the ladder accessibility is just bizarre and seems to only function half the time while remaining motionless.
I haven't studied the game enough to really consider balance. The asymmetrical style of play is difficult to challenge on the premises of balance because I can't really find a feasible opponent equal to my own level at home.
For a ludum dare this game is well designed. You have to give a good deal of credit to someone for programming something (that works) within 48 hours.
Personally, not my type of game. I think the designs for the mock Marios and Luigis rather ugly along with the background, and comparable to other flashes it doesn't excel far with only one map and far too many traits in common with the classic that it doesn't appeal much to me.
That said, I still respect this title and although I don't like the game because of my own pickiness, it is something easily appealing to those who enjoy good nostalgia with a twist to a legendary classic. And I think the best thing is that it fills the shoes of Ludum Dare 25 with ease and excellent execution.
ZiLo90 responds:
This is a really good critique. thanks for writing and playing!
THIS should have been the Donkey Kong game for Nintendo Land!