Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Mario vs. Donkey Kong NSP ROM was a hugely successful puzzle game for Nintendo, introducing the world to two new video game icons. Mario is a small and agile plumber, and Donkey Kong is a hyperactive monkey. Over 20 years later, the definitive remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong is finally available on Nintendo Switch. While retaining the core gameplay mechanics, the game offers significant graphical and audio enhancements, as well as a range of new challenges and three new game modes.

Now Mario sets out on a quest to collect one of the most popular toys: Mini Mario. However, he bypasses the middleman and goes straight to the source: the factory that produces these cursed toys. And he collects them all, leaving not a single one for the well-behaved children. Mario, the great ape’s archenemy since Jumpman, appears, navigating the various mechanisms of the toy factory to collect all the toys accidentally scattered by Donkey Kong as he climbs the building.

If all this sounds familiar, it’s because Nintendo’s NST team created Mario vs. Donkey Kong based on the proven Donkey Kong formula, specifically Donkey Kong 1994. The game features all the platforming and puzzle elements, as well as all of Mario’s abilities created specifically for that game, and adds new challenges for the Game Boy Advance version. Even if you’ve already completed Donkey Kong 1994, all the challenges are exclusive to Mario vs. Donkey Kong, making it essentially a completely new experience in a familiar format.

Gameplay
The game’s design utilizes proven Mario-style platforming elements, and the levels test the player’s skill in moving Mario from point to point to collect strategically placed lost packages. Each level is divided into at least two parts: in the first, the player must collect a package and bring a key from its original location to a locked door, which leads to the second part of the level: two more packages and a lost Mini Mario.

To progress, you only need a key in the first game and a Mini Mario in the second. However, to earn a high score and unlock the bonus Hard Mode, you’ll need to complete everything as quickly as possible. Levels are designed to take full advantage of Mario’s special moves, many of which draw inspiration from his 25-plus years of gaming career. Classic platforming obstacles and ladders from Donkey Kong test Mario’s running, jumping, and climbing skills.

Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a significant update from Nintendo for fans of the series. In addition to graphical improvements, the game has received a ton of new content, including new maps, levels, and boss fights.