[’Aint no innovation, that takes concentration.’]

For awhile now Nintendo’s official line has been something to this extent; ‘The video game market is in a slump and developers are simply rehashing what has come before. That’s why we are going to push the envelope and make gaming fun again.’

If these two games are any indication of what the big N has is store for us, count me in. In fact, these two games provide more fun and innovation than Ive experienced in years.

[ Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat ]

I write this article with sweaty red palms and a happy heart. Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat has to be the most entertaining game this generation. I am absolutely giddy over this game. If you didn’t have to clap and thrash around already, I would just from pure excitement. It’s that good.

DKJB takes the old school 2D platforming I love and brings it full circle. Everything I loved about the classics like Mario and Sonic are here, only updated for the Cube. The graphical presentation is amazing. Ive always known Nintendo was a technically sound company when it came to visuals. However, even though they push graphics and really squeeze the juice out of their hardware, they aren’t always so ‘hip’ about it. And the best part is that it doesn’t come off as a forced kind of cool.

Everything from the title menu to the awesome hair rendering is well done. The music is also a great mix of old DK tunes and new or remixed ones. Most of the sound effects are great too…although Id like DK to sound more like a gorilla than a man. The people at Nintendo’s new Tokyo studio are certainly ones to keep your eyes on.

Of course, the thing that really sets this game apart is the Bongo control. It works so amazingly well that it will feel totally natural after the first level. Sure, your palms will hurt from all the clapping, but that will give you an excuse to take a water break. My favorite part about the Bongos though, is that is takes me back to the simple days of the NES controller. With only two Bongos you can perform so many complex actions. It seems to be a Nintendo philosophy that things should be simple to pick up, but deep enough to keep you coming back. This even applies to the controls.

I loved Donkey Kong Country. I thought the redesign of DK and his supporting characters was awesome. However, I can honestly say that I’m glad Nintendo Toyko decided to make all new characters with new looks. DK looks familiar, yet much more…masculine? I guess. He just looks cooler. The environments are breathtaking too. I could just run around in them all day and be happy. I’m a forest and water kind of guy, so this is right up my alley. Also, the other animals (goodies and baddies) in the game are great. Its all very colorful and really brings life to the game.

Yes, the game is short. However, you will be playing for awhile if you want to get all of the crests. I guarantee that you will be playing this game for a long time regardless. Its one of those games that you will stay up an extra hour, skip your favorite show, and ignore your homework for. Just pray for a sequel.

[ Yoshi Touch & Go ]

Interestingly enough, I’m loving Yoshi Touch & Go for very similar reasons. Here again we see Nintendo’s ability to take a simple concept and really make it into something incredibly fun.

This game should be called Yoshi: Just One More Time. That’s what you will be saying over and over. This game really brings back the desire to improve your score and better yourself. I couldn’t champion this more. Sure, collect-o-thons and slaughter-a-thons can be fun, but there is no better bragging right among gamers than a high score.

And trust me, if you get a high score in this game, you will have earned those rights. This game is hard. Thank you Nintendo for not dumbing down the game and making it a cake walk. Gamers need a good spanking every once in awhile.

Nintendo has been talking about innovation quite a bit lately. These two games prove that they can walk the walk. Gamers may think that they want more Halo and Gran Turismo, but that’s because they don’t know any better. Nintendo is here to make sure that this industry continues to move forward. I thank them from the bottom of my gaming heart.

Go pick up these two games and get your front row seats to the gaming revolution that Nintendo has in store for us.