Donkey Konga (Nintendo GameCube)

DONKEY KONGA for Nintendo GameCube will have kids laughing and cheering as they play bongos and clap their hands to the sounds of popular rock music. It's most fun when played with DK Bongos, a special drum controller that has sensors in the left and right drums and a microphone that can pick up kids clapping. The game includes one DK Bongos controller; additional bongos cost $29.99 each. At least three or four controllers are recommended when playing in a party setting.

To play the game, which features popular gorilla character Donkey Kong, teens memorize symbols that represent left and right drumming and clapping actions. When these symbols scroll across the screen, kids try to perform the actions assigned to the symbols. Players work their way through more than 30 songs as they explore the game's five modes of play. They can drum to earn coins, practice accuracy, play Mini games, battle against another player, or simply jam with up to four other players.

Teen testers couldn't get enough of this game. They liked the wide selection of popular music and the multiple levels of difficulty. They enjoyed being able to compete or cooperate to make music.

Donkey Konga is similar in game play to Dance, Dance Revolution, but it's easier to play. While you can play Donkey Konga using standard game controllers, our testers said they wouldn't recommend it. This is a great party game if you are willing to invest in the extra DK Bongos.