The reason Jungle Climber does so well isn't just that platforming with your hands is implemented well - it's far more to do with the excellent way Paon applies the upside down approach creatively to the game's levels. Early examples include a big stone ball made of pegs, whose momentum you have to build and sustain by swinging alongside it grabbing pegs on the falling edge.
Not content with that, Paon throws loads at the DS' two screens, and far more of it sticks than not. A level where DK finds himself mirrored on top and bottom screens in a crystal palace challenges you to keep an eye out for differences between peg layouts in the otherwise identical scenes above and below the fold. If DK grabs hold of a peg that exists on one screen but not the other, the mirror cracks and he has to start again.
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Donkey Kong platformers are nothing if not interesting these days – he is the character Nintendo seem to use when they want to experiment with a new idea. In Jungle Climber, a sequel in spirit to the GBA's King of Swing, the control scheme is what is new and interesting, but it's unable to carry the fun through for the full length of the game.
Overall Jungle Climber is definitely one of the most unique Nintendo DS games available. Though it doesn't use the touchscreen at all, the game still feels a lot like a Nintendo DS game. The graphics are fabulous, the music is decent, and even the controls are good. Hooke Gamers only major complaint with Jungle Climber is that the game starts off a little too easy and then it gets really difficult. Other then that, Jungle Climber is a decent addition to anyone's Nintendo DS collection.
