Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kongis another entry in Nintendo’s remastering spree, something that’s been prolific over the lifetime of the Switch. In bringing back the 2004 GBA classic,Mario vs. Donkey Kongpresents a game that pays homage to Nintendo’s history in a better way than most.
Nintendo is always up for remaking old games, with the Switch hosting remasters of games likeSuper Mario RPG,Link’s Awakening, andMetroid Prime. In addition, Nintendo’s ports, remasters, and mainline games also call back to older titles.Mario Odysseyhad retro platforming sections (as well as a remake of Peach’s castle fromSuper Mario 64),Super Mario 3D Worldhad a version of the NESMario Bros.with a Luigi coat of paint, andSuper Mario Bros. Wonderincludes musical throwbacks toSuper Mario Worldand a recreated bonus stage fromSuper Mario Bros. 3.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong References Older Mario Games In A Really Great Way
Nintendo’s callbacks reached theirzenith inThe Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film had Easter eggs crammed in every corner of the screen, from a soundtrack composed of Mario tunes to iconography from the most obscure parts of the franchise. However, Nintendo’s recent output surrounding the plumber is starting to get too self-congratulatory. Most references are in good taste, but there comes a point where every game is a celebration of Mario’s history. WhilstMario vs. Donkey Kongcertainly isn’t looking forward as much as many would like, the way it remixes the past is far more transformative than the approach of its peers.
A Remix Of Classic Donkey Kong
The arcadeDonkey Konggames are at the foundation of Mario’s history. Their formula and style have beenrecreated inMario vs. Donkey Kongin a whole new way. Taking place in both urban and jungle environments (as well as other classic Mario locales), the title incorporates a limited jump, the old hammer power-up, fire and barrel obstacles, and the rope mechanics fromDonkey Kong Jr.The boss fights with DK even have a cover of the opening theme from the originalDonkey Kong.
These references go further thantypical Easter eggs in Mario games. Going beyond a wink and a nod,Mario vs. Donkey Kongadapts the platforming and basic mechanics of olderDonkey Konggames into a new experience. Just like oldDonkey Kong, levels are short and involve more limited parkour. However, the version presented here takes platforming to a new level, as well as throwing in puzzle sections. It takes the idea of oldDonkey Konggames presenting a single screen that players would have to ‘solve’, in a sense, and runs with it.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s Remake Throws Modern Mario Into The Mix
The 2004 GBA game can’t take all the credit for this transformation.Mario vs. Donkey Kongbuilds on the originalwith not only a shiny coat of paint but substantial content additions too. The two new worlds, Slippery Summit and Merry Mini-Land, fit so seamlessly into the original’s design philosophy that they scarcely stick out. Their new puzzles work well for the format and make for fun new content.
Moreover,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s remake uses platformingto reference modern games too. Merry Mini-Land uses a mechanic lifted from3D World—teleportation boxes. These boxes are used in a way that far surpasses their origin. In3D Worldthey served as a fun means of transporting characters between setpieces (not unlike warp pipes). Merry Mini-Land uses them as puzzle obstacles, forcing the player to think about where they’re teleporting. The boxes are even built into color-switching puzzles, combining mechanics and deepening the intrigue of the title’s puzzles.
