Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kongrevives the 2004 GBA classic with a lovely coat of paint. Its faithful recreation of the original’s gameplay presents a mix of puzzles and platforming that could inspire a whole line of titles to follow inMario vs. Donkey Kong’s footsteps.
Mario vs. Donkey Kongpresents a faithful remastering, polishing up an old hit with fantastic visuals, a redone OST, and a dash of new content. It all goes a long way toward giving a GBA title the bells and whistles necessary to stand on shelves alongside other mid-range Nintendo titles. In addition, its unique approach to platforming is close enough to Mario’s traditional formula that it makes for a great treat, considering how soon it follows the 2D shake-up that wasSuper Mario Bros. Wonder.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Could Inspire More Puzzle-Platformers Of Its Ilk
One benefit tobringing backMario vs. Donkey Kongis in how the title’s unique approach to platforming has been put back into the limelight. While far more restrained than a classic Mario platformer, especially a more modern one with their wall-bouncing and midair spin jump techniques, a new player might be surprised by just how much the game leans into its ‘platforming’ aspect. With an interesting base that has plenty of room to be improved upon, it would be great to see more games take inspiration from it.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Uses All The Best Traits Of 2D Mario
The best part ofMario vs. Donkey Kongis how it incorporates platforming. The title uses traits found inthe best of Mario’s 2D gamesto amplify its puzzle aspects to new peaks. This includes recurring mechanics (such as ropes, thwomps, bird enemies, enemies that serve as platforms, etc.) which let the player learn their functions before incorporating them into courses with more moving parts. The way they’re taught is also a staple of classicMario, with careful terrain design that signposts how something works.
Certain hazards, for instance, will be placed at points where the player has to take some time traveling to them. This allows the player to see how a trap works before they run headfirst into it.
Another way platforming is nicely utilized is in how a skilled player can skip some puzzles altogether.Mario’s variety of high jumpsis very satisfying to execute, especially in later levels that add more moving platforms. Their best aspect, however, is in how a player adept with these jumps can circumvent puzzles entirely with clever parkour, which in turn rewards lateral thinking. A puzzle-platformer doesn’t necessarily have to be designed with multiple solutions in mind, but it would be nice to see more of them that don’t negate any way to use platforming to find alternate routes.
There’s Still Room For Other Games To Improve On Mario vs. Donkey Kong
More could be done to make a title that feels like a true platformer, whilst still keepingMario vs. Donkey Kong’s minimalist use oftraditional 2D Mario features. For one, Mario’s regular jump feels somewhat restrained in horizontal movement. It can often cause players to miscalculate jumps, especially if they’re used to the typical 2D control scheme. Despite this, many terrain aspects require more accuracy than the jump is willing to give, which can lead to frustration.
In addition, due toMario vs. Donkey Kong’s younger target demographic, the puzzles aren’t as complex as they could be. This isn’t really a negative, but for a game inspired byMario to join the best puzzle platformers, it would do well to add some real brain teasers into the mix. With more complicated puzzles and some platforming tune-ups,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s formula could make a puzzle platformer for the ages.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
WHERE TO PLAY
The rivalry reignites! Donkey Kong has stolen all the Mini-Mario toys from the factory, and it’s up to Mario to get them back! Run, jump, and backflip your way to retrieving them across over 130 levels in this puzzle-style twist on classic platforming action. The rivalry that originally heated up on the Game Boy™ Advance system returns on the Nintendo Switch™ system with newly added co-op play, brand-new worlds, updated music and visuals, and other new ways to play.Put your brain to work and figure out the best way to reach the Mini-Mario toys in puzzle-platforming challenges across eight distinct worlds. Watch for enemies, dodge hazards, and use the tools scattered around. See if you can earn a Perfect rating on each level!
