Best version of DK: Jungle Beat?

So I just remembered DK: Jungle Beat exists. For all the times I've been saddened that Nintendo stopped making (non-NSMB) 2D platformers in-house since Yoshi's Story, this game sure showed me! It's great, and I'm considering picking up the Wii version as I'm too lazy to dig out the bongos and compatible hardware. And it's meant to have new content!

I can't really find much on this though. Some reviews tend to treat the Wii game in isolation from the GC one, or they don't tend to consider the differences between both games. Elsewhere I've been reading that it's been radically overhauled and that the controls are a bore (hold the stick to move). And that it's been a bit influenced by Donkey Kong Country, with a three-heart health system in place of the score penalty that existed before.

I'm sure it's still a great game, but I fear it's now more of a traditional 2D sidescroller than a platformer about maintaining your rhythm and flow.

Not sure I like the sound of that...thoughts?

Whilst I've not played both - so shouldn't really be commenting - I'm going to, to express my love for Jungle Beat on the Wii. From what I remember, the emphasis on rhythm that you're looking for has all but disappeared. However, what remains is an excellent 2D platformer, jam-packed with creativity. I love it.

fronkhead wrote:

I'm sure it's still a great game, but I fear it's now more of a traditional 2D sidescroller than a platformer about maintaining your rhythm and flow.

That's a good way of summing it up. For that reason above I definitely think the GameCube version with the bongos is the way to go, but nonetheless the Wii update isn't a bad substitute. It's still quite good, and it's only £3.00 in CEX if you can find it as well.

I'd forgotten I'd made this thread. But I have a hankering for Jungle Beat again.

I'll probably dig out my old GC version, then. It really is a great platformer (agreed Zero Jones!) but I play it like I do a rhythm game in a way. Might take a look at some of the new levels of the Wii version online though.