Jet Kave Adventure review for Nintendo Switch

It?s fitting that Jet Kave Adventure is about a caveman, because it?s very clearly descended from the apes. Or, more specifically, one ape: Donkey Kong.

See, Jet Kave Adventure is a 2.5D platformer that isn?t so much the sum of its influences as it is a compilation of the greatest hits from Donkey Kong Country and that game?s various sequels over the years. The graphics are similar. The reptilian enemies are similar. The jungle-heavy environments are similar. Even the jetpack belonging to the eponymous Kave feels like it was lifted straight from Diddy Kong?s back.

But if you?re going to steal, you may as well steal from one of the best, most enduring franchises, right? And, to Jet Kave Adventure?s credit, it doesn?t do a bad job of the theft. The platforming is solid, if forgettable, and the game consistently keeps things moving along at a brisk pace. It?s easier than any of the DK games, but given the kiddy-friendly vibe of the game, that probably isn?t the worst thing.

Also, in fairness, it?s worth noting that if Jet Kave Adventure is a clone, it at least looks like a well-made clone. The visuals are bright and appealing, and nothing here looks cheap. It?s not going to make you forget where the game is drawing its influences, but it?s also not going to look significantly worse by comparison.

Just about the only area where Jet Kave Adventure falls short of its influences is in its length: there are only 36 levels here across four worlds, and some of them are pretty short. You?ll be able to beat the game in under three hours, which makes the $20 price tag seem a little high.

But if the worst things you could say about Jet Kave Adventure are that it copies Donkey Kong Country and it?s a little short…well, that?s about right. It?s not going to make you forget the original, and you may feel slightly short-changed as far as value goes, but I?ve definitely played much worse than those.

7Levels provided us with a Jet Kave Adventure Switch code for review purposes.