Donkey Kong has been in a mid-life crisis these last few years. With DK's forced association with music games and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat's new image, some consider Nintendo to be sullying Rare's huge contributions to the series. Donkey Kong Country fans, worry no more! While DK King of Swing may not be Donkey Kong Country 4, Paon's platform/puzzler keeps the magic alive with a swinging good time!

Most striking is the game's presentation, which manages to simultaneously feel both old and new. The plotline is perfectly pointless: K. Rool steals the barrel of medals right before a friendly Kong competition called the Jungle Jam. (Who needs a reason to steal DK coins, anyway?) K. Rool isn't the only Rare staple making his triumphant return: Kremlings, Necky, Wrinkly—heck even rubber tires—are celebrated in this handheld farce! The Paon team is behind this game, though, and with the new development team comes a bright new cartoon style that compliments the characters' friendly (and not-so-friendly) faces. The world is tastefully animated with details such as butterflies, falling snow, and swinging bananas. The game's music is similarly retro, reprising the map melody from DKC and presenting its own spin on the always-popular Jungle Hijinx theme.

At its core, King of Swing is a platformer, but it handles more like a puzzler. The game is primarily controlled via the shoulder buttons: on the ground they allow Donkey Kong to walk and jump; while in the air, they control grasping with his left and right hands. DK swings clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the hand used, and will anchor himself when using both hands. In addition to swinging and jumping, DK may charge a jump (hold L+R) for a ramming attack and may spend ten or twenty bananas to heal (B) or Go Bananas (A). Going Bananas temporarily makes DK invincible and enhances his abilities.

These controls are simple but effective, allowing DK to climb, bash barrels, throw rocks, pull levers and, of course, swing. The lug is a bit clumsy in midair, requiring precision to grab pegs when performing daring leaps or falling—a difficult but vital technique, especially for the demanding time attack mode unlocked upon the adventure's completion. Each of the five worlds ends with a boss battle. Most bosses cleverly challenge the player to better familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics, though the final battle is disappointingly anticlimactic.

In addition to adventure mode, King of Swing includes a multiplayer Jungle Jam mode, which may also be played against CPU-contolled characters. The Jungle Jam's events may be unlocked by garnering medallions in the main game. Kongs and other unlockable characters compete in climbing races, obstacle races, ramming battles, and barrel-smashing competitions. Unfortunately, these mini-games are simplistic and give those familiar with the game a huge advantage. Jungle Jam failed to hold my attention either alone or with a friend.

King of Swing is a bit short, but unlockable modes and characters, including a very difficult time attack, extend the game's longevity surprisingly well. Paon and Nintendo have invented a stylish, off-beat gem worth anyone's time; I look forward to their next collaboration.

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