Donkey Kong is a legendary video game that has spawned many imitators and influenced many other series, so it is only natural that games designed specifically as tributes would come as the original game reaches its 40th anniversary. One such title is Castle Kong, now out on the Nintendo Switch. Before I go any further, I do want to note the difference between a tribute and imitator. An imitator will try to rip off the original formula and is often a quick cash grab lacking in imagination. A tribute will also replicate the original formula but the intention is different. Here it is specifically to draw attention to the original game and show why it was so good.
Castle Kong was developed by Drowning Monkey Games over a period of years and clearly the developers understood what made Donkey Kong work. The stages are not 1:1 replications of those in Nintendo’s classic arcade game, but rather take inspiration and go in new areas. There are weapons to get, much like you had the hammer in Donkey Kong, and once more you cannot climb ladders at the same time. But what sets Castle Kong apart is how it is willing to experiment from the word go.
The early levels alone show just how different the game can be from its inspiration by showing some different types of challenges in the form of moving platforms of a different kind than in Donkey Kong. As the game progresses further still. Castle Kong constantly throws some new challenges in your direction, meaning nothing is ever kept stale. This is the other thing that sets tributes apart from imitators, as tributes will try new things using ideas from the original games in different ways to expand on them.
Castle Kong does have some flaws to be sure, as jumping and landing seems to have a bit of a hit detection problem, but that can hopefully be fixed soon via a patch. Otherwise, I really did like Castle Kong and its throwback style. The retro inspired visuals and stages were great, and I love that the game was designed with use of the flip grip in mind, so players can enjoy TATE mode and go for an authentic arcade experience with a vertical screen.
The music was also interesting, albeit a bit more subtle. The big thing here is the challenge as you only have three lives with which you can complete the game. You will die over and over, but that is part of the charm as well. Drowning Monkey Games managed to make this a title with replay in mind, and there is definitely something to Castle Kong that makes you keep playing after you lose all your lives and must start over again. There is a story here, but it is minimalist like in the original Donkey Kong. Collectibles are also present and are key to a high score. Everything feels like it should, but there are some twists with enemies who will change patterns to continue pursuing you. Its a nice twist and will help keep you on edge as you play.
One last thing I want to mention is that there is an actual tournament going on with the game and there are prices to be won. You can read more details here.
In the end, I really did like Castle Kong and will give it a high recommendation. It nailed being a tribute in the best way possible.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided