Mario vs. Donkey Kong Review

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Fast Facts

Twenty Years on Donkey Kong is Still Toying With Mario

Nintendo always knows how to hit you in the nostalgia, it’s arguably what they do best and when you consider the breadth of their back catalogue it’s not hard to see why. Not only is Mario vs Donkey Kong a remake of a game first released 20 years ago, but it is also the retelling of the same rivalry first told back in 1981. Poor Mario still isn’t rid of that nuisance monkey. On this occasion, Donkey Kong is watching TV when he sees an advert for toy Marios. However, when he runs out to buy them they are all sold out, so he chooses to steal them directly from the factory. How dare he?!

Mario vs Donkey Kong oozes charm, each level has been lovingly recreated from the Game Boy Advance original. The toy graphics are a joy to look at and the music is wonderful. There is also a place where you can listen to any of the tracks and sound effects whenever you choose. You can also watch any of the game’s cutscenes at any time you like, once you’ve unlocked them of course.

A Classic Story Retold

This story follows the tried and tested formula of 8 worlds with each world containing several levels and having a different theme; fire, ice, jungle etc.

Every world has a boss level at the end where you must throw things/ hit Donkey Kong a number of times before he picks up his bag of stolen Marios and runs off again to the next world.

Each level is unique and the different worlds provide a variety of puzzles which are themed for that world. Whilst most of the game is quite easy, some of the puzzles are quite challenging. Plus, the overall difficulty of the levels increases as you progress, with particular spikes in worlds 7 & 8. The Mini Mario levels are the most fun. The number of Minis you rescue serves as the number of lives you have in the proceeding boss level.

Levels consist of two parts. Firstly you must carry the key to the door and secondly (through the door) you must rescue the toy Mario. Each part is timed, however you will get additional time added on once you make it through the door. There are also three presents to collect in each level and these will be split between the two parts of the level.

Jumping is Different?

There are several different jumps you can do as Mario as you might expect. The standard jump feels a little ‘flat’ and may take some getting used to if you are used to how Mario jumps in other games. It also doesn’t generate much height so you will need to take advantage of the handstand and double jumps to reach greater heights.

You are also immune to falling objects when you are performing the handstand.

Some enemies that you could previously ‘bop’ on the head to kill, you can no longer see off this way, such as the Piranha Plant. Watch out for this one if you are on your last life and decide to try this…

Not Much Room for Mushrooms

There are no mushrooms, no second chances. If you get hit, you restart that part of the level, or if you’re out of lives, the entire level. Time to carry the key again. If you have something in your hands this can act as a safety net and you will instead drop the item instead of dying when you get hit.

The key will return to its original location if you drop it and leave it for 12 seconds. This is plenty long enough. However, there was only one level in which I was pushed for time trying to get back to the key before the timer expired. In casual mode, this is extended to 15 seconds. There is also no level timer in casual mode so you can relax and take your time.

The boss battles unfortunately follow a repeated pattern, meaning that if you play the level a few times, Donkey Kong will do exactly the same thing each time, this removes a lot of the challenge but it does make it easier to get the perfect star in each level.

There are a variety of returning enemies, all of which take on toy form in this charming and enjoyable journey chasing Donkey Kong. I feel that this would have been the perfect game for accompanying Amiibo. Who wouldn’t want a little toy, Amiibo Mario?

In conclusion, Mario vs Donkey is a delightful Mario game which is well worth the price tag. Whilst the only real difficulty is found right at the very end of the story, there is some challenge to be found in the post-game Expert Levels. Once you get used to the rigid jumping and the behaviour of some enemies you will have yourself a very enjoyable game.

Rapid Reviews Rating

4 out of 5

4

You can purchase Mario vs Donkey Kong on the Nintendo eShop