Donkey Kong
09 Jul 1981
All releases
09 Jul 1981 - Arcade
31 Jul 1981 - Arcade
31 Dec 1981 - Arcade
Arcade
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Developer
Nintendo
Developer
Ikegami Tsushinki
Publisher
Nintendo
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Summary
Donkey Kong is not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marks the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong. The game is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out. Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story.
Donkey Kong has kidnapped the beautiful Lady and taken her to a dangerous construction site. Mario must climb to the top of the construction site and rescue Lady from the giant ape.
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Videos
Atmosphere
Donkey Kong captures the essence of early arcade gaming with a playful yet tense atmosphere. The game throws you into an industrial-themed setting, where you, as Mario, must rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Each level’s design is distinct, with the towering girders, ladders, and barrels creating an environment that feels both chaotic and compelling. The sense of urgency is palpable as Donkey Kong menacingly tosses obstacles your way, adding to the overall excitement and challenge.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Donkey Kong is deceptively simple but extremely satisfying. Players must navigate Mario through a series of increasingly difficult levels, avoiding hazards like barrels, fireballs, and springs, while climbing ladders and leaping across gaps. The tight controls make it easy to pick up, but mastering the game requires timing, strategy, and quick reflexes. The game introduces new challenges with each stage, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. The high level of difficulty, especially in later levels, adds to the game's replayability and satisfaction.
Graphics
For its time, Donkey Kong boasted impressive graphics that contributed to its distinctive charm. The character designs are iconic Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pauline are easily recognizable and have since become legendary figures in gaming. The environments are well-crafted, with clear and colorful visuals that effectively convey the game's industrial theme. While the graphics are simple compared to modern standards, they are part of what gives Donkey Kong its retro appeal. The design is both functional and visually appealing, ensuring players always know where they are and what they need to do.
Sound Design
The sound design in Donkey Kong is another highlight, with memorable tunes and sound effects that enhance the gameplay. The game’s music, particularly the opening sequence, sets the stage for the action and has become iconic in its own right. The sound of barrels rolling, Mario jumping, and Donkey Kong's taunts all add to the immersive experience. Though limited by the technology of the time, the sound design effectively creates a sense of tension and excitement that keeps players engaged.
Overall
Donkey Kong is a groundbreaking game that helped define the platforming genre and introduced the world to some of Nintendo’s most beloved characters. It combines challenging gameplay with charming graphics and memorable sound, making it a timeless classic. While the difficulty can be intense, the satisfaction of mastering each level and achieving a high score makes it worth the effort. Donkey Kong remains an essential play for anyone interested in the history of video games or looking for a challenging and rewarding arcade experience.
Rating: 9/10
Donkey Kong earns a solid 9 out of 10. It’s a pioneering title that laid the foundation for many games that followed, and it still holds up remarkably well. The challenging gameplay, iconic characters, and nostalgic charm make it a must-play. The only minor drawback is its steep difficulty curve, which might be daunting for some players, but for those who enjoy a good challenge, it’s a near-perfect experience.
Donkey Kong captures the essence of early arcade gaming with a playful yet tense atmosphere. The game throws you into an industrial-themed setting, where you, as Mario, must rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Each level’s design is distinct, with the towering girders, ladders, and barrels creating an environment that feels both chaotic and compelling. The sense of urgency is palpable as Donkey Kong menacingly tosses obstacles your way, adding to the overall excitement and challenge.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Donkey Kong is deceptively simple but extremely satisfying. Players must navigate Mario through a series of increasingly difficult levels, avoiding hazards like barrels, fireballs, and springs, while climbing ladders and leaping across gaps. The tight controls make it easy to pick up, but mastering the game requires timing, strategy, and quick reflexes. The game introduces new challenges with each stage, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. The high level of difficulty, especially in later levels, adds to the game's replayability and satisfaction.
Graphics
For its time, Donkey Kong boasted impressive graphics that contributed to its distinctive charm. The character designs are iconic Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pauline are easily recognizable and have since become legendary figures in gaming. The environments are well-crafted, with clear and colorful visuals that effectively convey the game's industrial theme. While the graphics are simple compared to modern standards, they are part of what gives Donkey Kong its retro appeal. The design is both functional and visually appealing, ensuring players always know where they are and what they need to do.
Sound Design
The sound design in Donkey Kong is another highlight, with memorable tunes and sound effects that enhance the gameplay. The game’s music, particularly the opening sequence, sets the stage for the action and has become iconic in its own right. The sound of barrels rolling, Mario jumping, and Donkey Kong's taunts all add to the immersive experience. Though limited by the technology of the time, the sound design effectively creates a sense of tension and excitement that keeps players engaged.
Overall
Donkey Kong is a groundbreaking game that helped define the platforming genre and introduced the world to some of Nintendo’s most beloved characters. It combines challenging gameplay with charming graphics and memorable sound, making it a timeless classic. While the difficulty can be intense, the satisfaction of mastering each level and achieving a high score makes it worth the effort. Donkey Kong remains an essential play for anyone interested in the history of video games or looking for a challenging and rewarding arcade experience.
Rating: 9/10
Donkey Kong earns a solid 9 out of 10. It’s a pioneering title that laid the foundation for many games that followed, and it still holds up remarkably well. The challenging gameplay, iconic characters, and nostalgic charm make it a must-play. The only minor drawback is its steep difficulty curve, which might be daunting for some players, but for those who enjoy a good challenge, it’s a near-perfect experience.
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04 Sep 2024
🕹️RESEÑA🕹️
Juego clasico y el cual inicio 2 tremendas sagas Super Mario y Donkey Kong, entretenido y dificil en algunas etapas.
⚠️DATO CURIOSO⚠️
*Juego que tenia una variedad de biomas.
*Mario se llamaba Jumpman.
Juego clasico y el cual inicio 2 tremendas sagas Super Mario y Donkey Kong, entretenido y dificil en algunas etapas.
⚠️DATO CURIOSO⚠️
*Juego que tenia una variedad de biomas.
*Mario se llamaba Jumpman.
More
15 Apr 2024
Zastanawiam się nad oceną 10/10 ponieważ gra ta była w pewien sposób nowatorska. Nie jest to pierwsza platformówka, ale Donkey Kong wprowadza feature, którego nigdy wcześniej nie było, a mianowicie... przeskakiwanie nad przeciwnikami.
Pierwszy raz w tę grę grałem w latach 90 na Commodore 64 i... mnie nie porwała. Dopiero po latach doceniłem ten tytuł i poznałem historię jego powstania. Mam ją na NES Mini i od czasu do czasu sobie w nią zagram. Zastanawiam się nad tym czy nie dać jej 10, bo w pewnym sensie zrewolucjonizowała rozgrywkę.
Pierwszy raz w tę grę grałem w latach 90 na Commodore 64 i... mnie nie porwała. Dopiero po latach doceniłem ten tytuł i poznałem historię jego powstania. Mam ją na NES Mini i od czasu do czasu sobie w nią zagram. Zastanawiam się nad tym czy nie dać jej 10, bo w pewnym sensie zrewolucjonizowała rozgrywkę.
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22 Nov 2023
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