We didn’t think we’d ever be saying these words again considering how long it’s been since the last game, but it’s time for a Mario vs Donkey Kong review. In the world of gaming, few rivalries are as iconic as that between Mario and Donkey Kong. For over 40 years, these two characters have been locked in a battle of wits and platforming prowess. In 2004, Nintendo released Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Game Boy Advance, a puzzle-platformer that challenged players to guide Mario through a series of trap-filled levels in pursuit of the mischievous Donkey Kong. Now, in 2024, we have a Mario vs Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch edition, complete with new worlds, additional modes, and a fresh visual makeover. There’s a lot to unpack with Mario vs Donkey Kong’s new content so let’s delve into the details and see how it stacks up to its predecessor.
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Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane with a Mario vs. Donkey Kong Review
Before we get into the review, you might first want to know about the Mario vs Donkey Kong launch week update and when you can hope to play the game. The game launched on 16 February but sources like GameRant suggest that you might be able to access the game a day earlier on Thursday, 15 February at 9 PM PT. Early Mario vs Donkey Kong reviews are pouring in they seem largely enthusiastic about the refreshed game. Media platforms like Reddit are also abuzz with discussion about the games and the main concern seems to be around the $49.99 price for the Mario vs Donkey Kong Switch game that many expect will have the same solutions as its predecessor.
Some fans seem unsure if the 130 levels will be enough to keep them occupied for long enough to feel like money was well spent, but for the last part, Mario fans are often willing to give Nintendo a pass for overpricing a few things in exchange for a good experience. We’re certain that the results of the Mario vs Donkey Kong launch week will be largely positive and in favor of the company and that’s largely a result of the company’s fun gameplay, neat mechanics, and nostalgia-reviving design.
The Story Behind the Mario vs Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Game
Mario vs Donkey Kong’s new content takes off in much the same way as all Mario content usually gets a start—the bad guy drops in, commits a crime, and then takes off in a flurry. Mario arrives soon enough and journeys from platform to platform to save the day. Mario then gets the girl. Well maybe not in this one, but a win over an arch-nemesis is just as exciting.
The story of Mario vs. Donkey Kong starts with Donkey Kong storming into Mario’s toy factory and stealing a sack full of Mini-Mario toys. As Mario, players must embark on a quest to retrieve the stolen toys, navigating through eight worlds filled with challenging puzzles and devious traps. Each world is divided into two halves: the first requires Mario to find a key and unlock the door to progress, while the second challenges players to locate and rescue a Mini-Mario hidden within the level. While the premise may sound repetitive on paper, the game’s clever level design and variety of mechanics keep things fresh and engaging throughout. Most early Mario vs Donkey Kong reviews seem to be in agreement that the story serves as an interesting premise for the game.
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Puzzles and Platforming: The Bread and Butter of Mario vs Donkey Kong’s New Content
At its core, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a puzzle-platformer that requires players to think strategically and navigate treacherous environments. Mario’s move set remains faithful to the original version, allowing him to perform acrobatic feats like handstands, pivot jumps, and triple jumps. These abilities not only add depth to the platforming experience but also open up new possibilities for creative problem-solving. As players progress through the game, they will encounter a wide range of enemies and obstacles, each with its own unique behavior and mechanics. From color-coded switches that activate hidden platforms to springs that can be manipulated to reach higher areas, the game constantly introduces new elements to keep players on their toes.
If you’re sifting through the Mario vs Donkey Kong reviews to confirm that the game will be an engaging one, then rest assured that if you like puzzles, then you’ll like this game. It isn’t a high strategy game that requires hours of careful consideration to move forward, but Mario games were never about maxing your brain’s full potential. There’s enough to have you thinking for a bit and trying different strategies out, but you should be able to pass the stages without tiring yourself. Mario vs Donkey Kong’s new content appears designed to appeal to casual gamers and nostalgic gamers, not professional ones.
A Critical Component of the Mario vs Donkey Kong Review—The Visual Upgrade
One of the most noticeable changes in the remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong is its visual presentation. The original game, released on the Game Boy Advance, featured pixelated characters and environments that were limited by the device’s hardware capabilities. However, on the Nintendo Switch, the game has received a significant visual makeover. Mario, Donkey Kong, and the various enemy types are now rendered with crisp and vibrant graphics, showcasing the charm and polish that Nintendo is known for. The eight worlds in the game also benefit from this upgrade, with each one offering a unique and visually striking backdrop, from lush green canopies to fiery lava pools.
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Casual Mode and New Features of the Mario vs Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Game
To cater to a wider audience, the remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong introduces a “Casual” play style. When activated, this mode removes the time limit and adds mid-level checkpoints, allowing players to respawn at nearby locations upon taking damage. This feature not only makes the game more accessible to younger or less experienced players but also reduces frustration for those who may struggle with the game’s more challenging sections.
In addition to the Casual mode, the remake includes two new worlds, Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Summit, which offer fresh levels and mechanics that complement the existing content. Players are also rewarded with new challenges in the form of “Plus” versions of each world and a Time Attack mode, providing additional replay value for those seeking more demanding gameplay. Another new element in the game is the new co-op mode that allows two players to come together and work out the details which is quite a fun new addition. Our Mario vs Donkey Kong review will have to acknowledge that the games co-op mode isn’t perfect and a little more work could have been put into allowing it in Casual mode, but even otherwise, it brings an added dimension of fun for those who love multiplayer games.
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Critical Reception: Popular Mario vs Donkey Kong Review
The reception to the remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong has been generally positive, with critics praising its faithful recreation of the original game and the addition of new features. Many even appear hopeful that Nintendo will be inspired to make some real sequels to the game but that’s not in the books anytime soon. On Metacritic, the Mario vs Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch game holds a score of 77 based on 60 reviews, while on OpenCritic, it has a similar rating of 77 based on 13 reviews. IGN’s Mario vs Donkey Kong review gives the game a score of 7/10, stating that while it may not be as polished as some other Mario titles, it still retains the charm and fun that fans have come to expect.
Metro Game Central also gives the game a 7/10, highlighting its enjoyable puzzle gameplay but noting that it falls short of being a classic. VGC’s review gives the game a 3/5 rating, praising its faithfulness to the original but expressing that it may not resonate with modern gaming sensibilities. Game Informer, on the other hand, awards the game an 8/10, applauding its simplicity and the seamless integration of new features. Finally, Player2’s Mario vs Donkey Kong launch week review gave the game a perfect score of 10/10, commending Nintendo for enhancing the experience without detracting from the original game’s charm.
In conclusion, the remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong successfully captures the spirit of the original while adding new features and visual enhancements. With its clever puzzles, precise platforming, and charming presentation, the game offers an enjoyable experience for both fans of the series and newcomers alike. While it may not reach the same heights as other Mario titles, its simplicity and elegance make it a worthy addition to the franchise. As Mario and Donkey Kong continue their legendary rivalry, this remake admirably carries that legacy forward, reminding us of the enduring appeal of these iconic characters. So, grab your Nintendo Switch and embark on this nostalgic journey to rescue the Mini-Marios and restore order to the toy factory once again once you’re done with this Mario vs Donkey Kong review.