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GAMES Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Series)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Review
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004) is a series of puzzle games where you guide miniature Nintendo characters to the end of the level. The twist is that you can't control the characters, only the level itself. The exact interactions vary from game to game, but in each you are placing down items to direct the characters to the exit.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Mario vs. Donkey Kong 22 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated a year ago.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Mario vs. Donkey Kong 22 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated a year ago.
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Play Overview
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a series of puzzle games where you guide miniature Nintendo characters to the end of the level. The twist is that you can't control the characters, only the level itself. The exact interactions vary from game to game, but in each you are placing down items to direct the characters to the exit.
You don't control the mini characters directly but use the level design, bridges and pipes to guide them to the exit. Reminiscent of Lemmings or Pipe Mania, you use the buttons or stylus to place down the right piece (bridges, jump pads, direction tiles and the like) to get your minis to the next area. However, you only have a small supply of each of these items, so it's important you only use them when necessary, and pick them up when they're no longer needed to recuperate the resources.
As you progress the levels get harder. There's also things to collect that give you a better score, as well as aiming for a faster time. Because of this it's worth revisiting some levels to perfect them. You can also create your own levels on some of the games.
The different games have introduced new features, such as the ability to use hammers to whack blocks, and in the latest game, you can use different characters to play unique levels. Some of the games also feature a level editor that allows you to create and share your own designs.
There have been seven games in the series thus far:
You don't control the mini characters directly but use the level design, bridges and pipes to guide them to the exit. Reminiscent of Lemmings or Pipe Mania, you use the buttons or stylus to place down the right piece (bridges, jump pads, direction tiles and the like) to get your minis to the next area. However, you only have a small supply of each of these items, so it's important you only use them when necessary, and pick them up when they're no longer needed to recuperate the resources.
As you progress the levels get harder. There's also things to collect that give you a better score, as well as aiming for a faster time. Because of this it's worth revisiting some levels to perfect them. You can also create your own levels on some of the games.
The different games have introduced new features, such as the ability to use hammers to whack blocks, and in the latest game, you can use different characters to play unique levels. Some of the games also feature a level editor that allows you to create and share your own designs.
There have been seven games in the series thus far:
- Donkey Kong (1994) Game Boy - Platform game that inspired the series.
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004) Game Boy Advance - Platforming and Lemmings style play
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis! (2006) DS - Lemmings style play
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (2009) DS - Lemmings style play and level designer
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! (2010) DS - Lemmings style play and level designer
- Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (2013) 3DS - Pipe Mania style play
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars (2015) Wii U and 3DS - Lemmings style play and level designer
- Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge (2016) Wii U and 3DS - Lemmings style play and level designer
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Play Style
This is a Brain Game and Platform game with Puzzle elements. This is a single-player game.
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 1 hour and 2 hours to complete. While the newest game, Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge, is relatively short, some of the earlier games are longer. The penultimate game, for example, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, can take up to 6 hours to beat.
Age Ratings
Skill Level
7+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Younger players need good planning skills and be prepared to try again in their plans don't work. The simple premise and indirect control make this a good first platform or traversal game for youngsters.
Costs
Mario vs. Donkey Kong usually costs £6.29 to £17.99.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo 2DS|3DS, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
While the most recent game, Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo challenge, is free, to beat certain levels, you need to have certain amiibo (Mario, Peach etc.) and to beat all levels you need 11 specific amiibo.
While 12 levels can be beaten with any amiibo, you play as Mini Spek, who has no abilities other than the basic jump.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo 2DS|3DS, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March Of The Minis
 | Wii U | £8.99 | Unavailable On Digital Store | |
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
| Wii U | £17.99 | Unavailable On Digital Store | |
| 2DS|3DS | £17.99 | Unavailable On Digital Store | |
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
| Wii U | £6.29 | Unavailable On Digital Store | |
While the most recent game, Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo challenge, is free, to beat certain levels, you need to have certain amiibo (Mario, Peach etc.) and to beat all levels you need 11 specific amiibo.
While 12 levels can be beaten with any amiibo, you play as Mini Spek, who has no abilities other than the basic jump.
Game Details
Release Date: 24/05/2004, updated in 2016
Out Now: 3DS and 2DS, DS and Wii U
Content Rating: PEGI 3
Skill Rating: 7+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Brain Game, Platform and Puzzle
Accessibility: 20 features
Components: 2D Side-On and Pixels
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