Today's topic is on a game that seemed like an awesome concept but didn't do well sales-wise: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

Seriously, why did nobody buy this game? When this game was featured as a demo at my local EB Games, I tried it out. I was a little skeptical at first, but I ended up loving it. I never did buy it, though.

Well, I went back to that same EB Games yesterday, and I found the entire set of stuff there. See, DKJB comes in two different packages: the normal game, all by itself, or the one with the DK Bongos, the controller in this game, packed in. I found the latter at this EBG, and do you know how much they were selling it for? Bear in mind that, when you read the sales figure, this was a completely new package, unused and unbought.

$9.99.

I immediately bought the package and left the store, amazed at my unbelieveable luck.

I remember, when the game originally came out, that the reviewers of Nintendo Power magazine absolutely had a blast while playing the game. They adored the creative DK Bongos' usage, the game's pick-up-and-play style, and the combo opportunities scattered throughout the levels. I don't remember the review scores, but they were great, I know that.

Sadly, though, the only reason that I didn't have to pay more for this creative game was because very few people bought it at all. I mean, if you choose to dive in, there's a whole lot that you'll find under the surface! It's a shame that most people just didn't want to. But hey, maybe DKJB will get more popularity. Nintendo is supporting the originality-is-good business through the Wii (which, apparently, got the recognition that Jungle Beat didn't), so maybe the house that Mario built will make a sequel. It's doubtful, though, because sales figures ultimately determine the demand for new games, and the ones for this game were heartbreakingly low.

So, I think that all you out there who have Gamecubes should buy Donkey Kong Jungle Beat and try it out. I think that you'll be glad you did!

Do you know of any other games that were absolute gems but didn't really get into the limelight? Reply to this post and tell me all about it.

Good-bye!

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	honestgamer - July 05, 2007 (12:39 PM) I got the game with a bongo and a second bongo for $25 including shipping, so someday my wife and I can play it or something. I don't plan to sell it. That was a bit of a steal, I figured. I saw it up and running at GameCrazy once and it seemed cool.