Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Feb 16, 2024 2 years ago
A remake of the first game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, originally released for the Game Boy Advance. In this puzzle-platformer, the player controls Mario in a quest to recover the Mini Marios kidnapped by his eternal rival, Donkey Kong. Run, jump, and backflip your way to rescuing the stolen Mini-Mario toys in this puzzling twist on Mario action. Obstacles like spikes, moving platforms, and falling bricks stand in your way—put your brain to work and figure out the best way to reach the Mini-Marios.
What it’s like
This remake transforms a GBA classic into a delightful, bite-sized puzzle-platformer where you guide Mario through trap-filled levels to rescue Mini-Mario toys. The core loop is deceptively simple: navigate obstacles like spikes and moving platforms with precision, but the true depth lies in its tight controls and clever level design that rewards logical thinking over reflexes. The tone is lighthearted and charming, preserving the whimsical spirit of the original while updating visuals for modern screens. A standout feature is the seamless local co-op mode, allowing a second player to join as Pauline, which adds a layer of cooperative problem-solving to the experience. The structure is episodic, designed for short sessions that encourage 'just one more level' playthroughs. While the narrative is minimal, serving only as a pretext for the puzzles, the craft shines in its accessibility and polished mechanics, making it a joyful, low-stress adventure suitable for players of all ages.
Strong in Co-op / MultiplayerGameplay / MechanicsPacingAtmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicProgression / ReplayabilityVisuals / Art
Keep in mind The visual presentation, while charming, may feel underwhelming compared to modern AAA titles, leading some to question the value proposition. Additionally, the lack of substantial new content beyond the co-op mode might disappoint those seeking a lengthy campaign.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, nintendolife.com, mynintendonews.com, eurogamer.net, reddit.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 16, 20242 years ago |
