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For decades, Donkey Kong has been a very popular electronic game between enthusiasts willing to invest long hours to set new records and be crowned “King of Kong “.
the original version of the game console launched by Nintendo , in 1981, seems simple at first glance but competitors have struggled for years for the crown and continuously will extend the boundaries of what was thought to be the highest score possible.
in a year when the record has been broken several times, a few days ago was established a new high record that some experts already are calling it “impossible to break” .
Community players
in the 80s, the Japanese company Nintendo came to dominate the market for slot games consoles with Donkey Kong.
in the game of simple graphics rudimentary -very for these days- the character “Saltador” that takes the player must ascend by a series of scaffolds, avoiding obstacles such as barrels and fireballs to rescue his girlfriend from the jaws of Donkey Kong.
“Jumper” would later replaced by “Mario” , another character who became famous and evolved his own successful Super Mario Brothers game.
Despite having a poor initial reception, Donkey Kong soon began to gain currency in the United States and became best-selling console salons public game.
Later, the creators also launched other simplified versions for consoles and personal computers.
gradually began to establish a community of players determined to establish new records score.
“psychological warfare”
despite its simplicity, the game presents challenges that require not only skill and luck but endurance, perseverance and character .
“it’s one of the few games I’ve practiced really feels like a psychological war,” wrote Wes Copeland in after the network imposed a new record, last May 5.
“a unique combination of dedication, imagination and a strong spirit of survival to improve and progress is needed.”
Copeland praised those who flaunted the record before him, all inspired by a documentary produced in 2007 which made Donkey Kong into an obsession
“ King of Kong: a Fistful of Quarters .” ( “King of Kong: a fistful of coins” ) is a film documenting the confrontation between two adult men to be crowned the player with the highest score
the story unfolds in style. traditional arrogant champion Billy Mitchell, and the humble aspirant, Steve Wiebe.
the film reached cult status , making its protagonists, Mitchell and Wiebe, in modest stars film.
More importantly, attracted new generations of players to Donkey competitive Kong.
players who sacrifice their days and nights, their personal relationships, to be isolated in a dark room with the orange reflection and blue cathode ray tubes of personal consoles to achieve the impossible goal.
Tournaments
Today there are several Internet sites dedicated to the “retro” games that follow the development of the game.
is the Donkey Kong Forum , with almost 300 members, it is offering tips and tricks. Also Donkey Kong Blog , which covers tournaments attention of ESPN, the specialized sports channel.
The tournaments are held in several cities, particularly in the US, where the top 12 players in the world ranking over other prominent enthusiastic invitation participate.
they are events that can be more like a championship boxing or martial arts “ full contact ” where competitors enter accompanied by their own music, cheered by his followers.
There’s a lot taking pictures, autographs, fists in the air and insulting typical rhetoric between rival.
Shaun Boyd, who on May 21, 2012 managed to surpass the million points and set a record of 1’037.500, was one of those who was inspired by the movie.
in an interview with the publication Verge said she brought a lot of attention but also it was a great source of satisfaction for him to play something so difficult that with patience and determination could master.
His record has been beaten 22 times since.
“perfect Game”
Ironically, the new registration tax a few days ago by Wes Copeland 1’218.000 points could discourage other players and end their fixation on Donkey Kong.
in just over three hours, not only managed to overcome the almost impossible line of 1.2 million but did without losing a single life , considered a “perfect game” .
Copeland think you can ever improve that score and, therefore, announced that he would retire from field of Donkey competitive Kong.
“this will be my last record,” he wrote on Facebook. “I do not think I can achieve a higher standard than this game.”
Robbie Lakeman, one of his nearest rivals with 1’190.200 also hinted retirement from competition active responding to almost unattainable achievement Copeland: “I’m not that lucky I have the ability but not enough luck.” .
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