Hank Chien is back in the (Donkey Kong) game

Image: Twin Galaxies.

The battle for Donkey Kong world record holder continues its wild pace. Hank Chien, the 35-year-old plastic surgeon and relative newcomer to the world of classic arcade gaming, has taken back top spot.

Chien first achieved this rank in early 2010, before having it snatched back by Billy “God” Mitchell in August. The title then passed to nice guy Steve Weibe in September, but now rests with Chien once more.

Chien’s new world record stands at 1,068,000 points, well beyond Weibe’s previous score of 1,064,500. Chien and Weibe will be joined by Billy Mitchell in March when all three compete in a “Kong Off,” where they will play one another live. I’d say “it’s on like Donkey Kong,” but that phrase is now trademarked by Nintendo.

Source: Twin Galaxies

Donkey Kong Country Returns Review

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Donkey Kong Country Returns is full of awesome Easter eggs. That includes an homage to Donkey Kong hero/villain Billy Mitchell. The hot-sauce maestro’s American-flag tie is hidden in one of the game’s levels.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns review scores blowing up

It’s official folks: Donkey Kong Country Returns kicks ass (hey, ass means donkey!). Kong is king once more, landing a 9.0 from Game Trailers, and another 9.0 from IGN. The game has an overall 88.29% from GameRankings.

Game Trailers praises the challenge, secrets, and bosses. They are somewhat critical of the decision to associate rolling with Wiimote shaking. IGN is similarly impressed by the challenge of the game, but feels Retro didn’t challenge themselves enough in designing the title.

It sounds like Donkey Kong Country Returns is a kong-like behemoth in terms of both challenge and content. The game is balls hard from everything I’ve heard, and filled with replay value thanks to collectables and even a time trial mode.

Look for Shufflingdead’s review as soon as I find time to play the game!

Image: Donkey Kong Country Returns. Copyright Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Country Returns preview shows off features to thrill for the ages

Check out GameTrailers’ preview of Retro’s upcoming magnum opus, Donkey Kong Country Returns. The video shows off several unknown/lesser known features of the game, including a branching overworld map, Cranky’s shop, DK’s blow maneuver, and the game’s Super Guide mode (starring Super Kong).

DKC Returns barrel blasts its way to North America November 21.