Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast

 Wii
Metascore
46

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 34
  3. Negative: 19 out of 34
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  1. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    70
    The on-rails steering mechanic will be an insult to your gaming ability. [Apr 2008, p.79]
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  2. Nintendo Power
    65
    To Barrel Blast's credit, it looks like there was a concerted effort to make the game look better--a smooth frame rate and some nice effects spruce up an otherwise mundane racer. [Nov 2007, p.99]
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  3. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    62
    Decent but unspectacular, Donkey Kong Jet Race can be fun in spite of its many flaws. Wait for it to land in the bargain bins. [Issue#19, p.76]
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  5. games(TM)
    60
    Despite all of its problems, you’ll almost certainly have a great deal of fun playing Donkey Kong Taru Jet Race. [JPN Import; Sept 2007, p.118]
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  6. IGN AU
    58
    Does the idea of a lipstick-wearing gorilla in a tight shirt and cut-offs who blows you a kiss from in front of a pink heart frame when you beat a challenge turn you on? If the answer is yes then this may be the game for you.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    55
    A strange beast full of half-baked ideas and poor controls, yet it contains deceptively clever level designs.
  8. GameTrailers
    52
    Had Barrel Blast come out just after the Wii’s launch, it would be forgivable, if still not a very good game. But at this point in the system’s life cycle, releasing long-delayed GameCube games with Wii controls grafted onto them is a no-no, especially when said game is published by the system’s manufacturer itself.
  9. GameDaily
    50
    The Wii remote and Nunchuk simply don't work well at all, forcing you to constantly build up speed and perform frustrating motions to do even the simplest of maneuvers like dodging on-track objects and jumping. Avoid this bottom of the barrel release.
  10. Cheat Code Central
    50
    While it is short and somewhat disappointing, Barrel Blast did make interesting use of the Wii's motion-sensing controls.
  11. DailyGame
    50
    With poor gameplay and too-strict rules for unlocking new races, this is one game Nintendo should've let die. Instead, it'll just kill you to play it.
  12. Game Informer
    50
    The lack of online racing and leaderboards makes this game even more useless. If you want arcade racing on the Wii, dust off your copy of Excite Truck or just wait it out for Mario Kart.
  13. Video Game Talk
    50
    While it’s understandable that Nintendo would want to showcase one of their signature characters in a Wii game, it quickly becomes obvious that Donkey Kong Barrel Blast should not have made the jump from the Gamecube.
  14. Zentendo
    50
    After a mere couple of hours, players will feel as if they're beating a dead horse rather than a pair of bongos -- which isn't even an option in the first place despite the clear theme of drums and the obvious Gamecube controller ports.
  15. Gamer.nl
    50
    Jet Race isn't for everyone. There are some weak points that will irritate some players to no end, like the grading level design and lack of Bongo-controller support. There's nothing better than Mario Kart, but if you can see through the negatives, you might find some entertainment here.
  16. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    50
    The alternative found for the lack of the bong drum support fails for being so imprecise. And the sense of speed is always missing. It’s likely will keep accelerating without realizing your already at top speed. [March 2008]
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Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Wii Game of 2007
27
#27 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2007
56
#56 Most Shared Wii Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 50
  3. Negative: 12 out of 50
  1. Duckular
    Jun 5, 2014
    10
    We cannot understand all the negative reviews for this game in my house. My son, wife and I play this more than any other racer on the WiiWe cannot understand all the negative reviews for this game in my house. My son, wife and I play this more than any other racer on the Wii (and we have nearly all of them). Tight, fun controls and a lot of hidden depth. After a few play sessions I realized that if I can time my banana fueled turbo boosts to hit a few barrels in a row the turbo boost is extended for example.

    There seems to have been an agenda to hate on this game at the time of its release. Picking up a Wii and this game in 2014 and it is clearly better than most other racers on the system. Reviewers say the on rails mechanic is an insult. It is hardly on rails- you will just slowly go around the track bumping into things if you go afk.

    Comparing it to the apparently untouchable Mario Kart Wii this racer does not have the ridiculous "give constantly overpowered items to the guy at the back" programmed in. You win your races due to skill and timing.

    It is also a great little workout at times as you pump the num chuck and remote to get up to full speed- Once at max speed you can focus on maneuvering.

    So, all in all, a criminally underrated game imo. And for me Mario Kart Wii is just the opposite.    … Full Review »
  2. Justanepicgamer
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Best game ever. Thanks to Donkey Kong Barrel Blast TM, I'm not longer a virgin!
  3. Oscar0919
    Mar 17, 2019
    10
    I mean is pretty fun is a good wii games i mean there is way worst i mean look at all the crocodiles
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