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Donkey Kong's latest DS game no longer a swinger

King of Swing becomes Jungle Climber

Donkey Kong's latest DS game no longer a swinger

When it came to the name of its latest home console, Nintendo battled through early obvious criticism, eventually changing the public perception from Wee to Wii.

Donkey Kong, however, doesn't seem to have been so lucky. Perhaps sensing a tougher battle on its hands, the company has morphed the name of the ape's latest DS game from DK: King of Swing to the safer, more straightforward DK: Jungle Climber.

At least that's the decision of Nintendo of America.

We don't know about here because Nintendo's European office has yet to confirm a title or release date. Still, looking back on its own bizarre renaming escapades – which include changing puzzle game Magnetica into Actionloop and Kirby Squeak Squad to Kirby: Mouse Attack – it may yet invent its own.

That aside, what's really strange about this decision is the game follows on from the GBA title DK: King of Swing and the DS version's even been developed by the same studio, Paon.

Continuity is at least maintained in the gameplay, which sees Donkey Kong swinging (or perhaps we should say climbing) around the jungle, with simple left and right controls used as DK jumps around its canopy.

The other main element remains the mini-games, which support ad hoc four-way wi-fi gaming with available characters, including Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong or Funky Kong.

DK: Jungle Climber will be leaping around US stores from September 10th. As mentioned, the European release date (and name) remains unconfirmed.

Jon Jordan
Jon Jordan
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon can turn his hand to anything except hand turning. He is editor-at-large at PG.biz which means he can arrive anywhere in the world, acting like a slightly confused uncle looking for the way out. He likes letters, cameras, imaginary numbers and legumes.