Switch
Mario Vs Donkey Kong - A Family Friendly Co-op Puzzle Platformer
Genre: 2.5 Puzzle Platformer
Mode: 1-2 players local co-op


Mario vs donkey kong original game was originally released in the Game and Watch handheld device, and later on in the arcade in 1981 and even on Gameboy in 2004.
In the original LCD game with Donkey Kong trying to stop Mario from saving a girl who looks like Peach by throwing barrels down at him.

Launch Trailer

Story

One day Donkey Kong lying on his couch was watching a TV, then a commercial about a new Mario toy got him excited.
He rushed to the store to buy but only to find it was sold out.
Fuming mad, he went to the toy factory and stole the Mario toys instead.
Mario is then alerted at a toy where Toad crews are running out to chase after Donkey Kong, who has stolen a bag full of Mario toys.
As Mario gives chase to stop Donkey Kong in his tracks.


Overview Trailer



Game Play

For this new version which draws it's puzzle from the DK94 to Gameboy Advance, and Wii U remake.
You are given a huge graphical improvement and levels that are each divided into 2 distinct sections.
You hunt for a key to open a door and the other is to find a mini mario that awaits in an area full of environmental dangers and enemies.
Once you complete all the 6 stages in each world, and you will unlock the 2 final levels and collect 3 letters to form the word TOY.
From there you'll have to fight Donkey Kong, and like the original, Donkey Kong stays up stairs and throws barrels at you.
And you throw whatever you can find at him.

There are tons of bonus mini levels that you can unlock, and then unlock harder levels when you complete all of them in each area.
Mini bonus levels include Time Attack mode, casual, classic mode, and also a 2 player co-op mode.
In casual mode, there's no need to rush as no timeout is in place, and if you die in the game, a bubble just wraps you to put you back to the start location of that stage.
For co-op, the 2nd player will play as Toad. Your character can wield a hammer to take down enemies in your path in either left or right direction. Pressing up will cause you to throw your hammer.
Your character can pick up enemies or trash can, barrel to throw at enemies too.
Other collectible items include a extra life with the 1 up mushroom.
You will also need to obtain an extra key for each stage to unlock the door to progress to next level.
There is also a unlockable plus mode, which you can access once you've completed each campaign level.
Which is a tougher version of each level and requires you to guide a mini Mario toy to the gauntlet.
Once you've completed all others, you can take on the Expert challenge to proof your expertise.

Instead of a freedom form movement in Super Mario, this Mario is more heavy to control and is required for more precise timing to jump and land.
And instead of casting enemies off the floor when you jump on them, you now end up with jumping on their head to walk across like a platform.
All previous levels are available plus 2 new worlds(Merry Miniland, Slippery Slope) added to this version.
Other then visual enhancements, the game also offers visual clues to guide you along the game.


Friends or Foe Trailer



Conclusion

The game has been modified to target a kids friendly nature and difficulty level has been nerfed till you can just literally clear each stage without much thought.
Even bricks falling off ceiling can be avoided with Mario just walking on his hands.
Only until the end stages will you have to face real challenges which are also far and few.
The soundtrack does sound catchy, and new co-op plus bonus-game challenges does make it feel worthy.

SuperDeals
Date: 16-Feb-24