Donkey Kong (Game Boy)
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| Donkey Kong | |
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| Developer(s) | Nintendo EAD |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Designer(s) | Shigeru Miyamoto (producer), Masayuki Kameyama (director), Takao Shimizu (co-director) |
| Platform(s) | Game Boy |
| Release date |  June 14, 1994 June, 1994 |
| Genre(s) | Platform/Puzzle |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Media | cartridge |
| System requirements | Works with all Game Boy models other than the GB Micro. |
| Input methods | Face buttons |
Donkey Kong is a platform game developed by Nintendo for the Game Boy handheld video game system, which also contains puzzle elements. Donkey Kong is loosely based on the 1981 arcade game of the same name and its sequel Donkey Kong Jr. The game is also known as Game Boy Donkey Kong (as seen in the title screen) and also Donkey Kong '94 (the promotional title before release) to differentiate it from the 1981 arcade game. Like in the original arcade and NES version, the player takes control of Mario and must rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong (who are both given updated character designs for this game). Donkey Kong Jr. also appears in the game and serves as a hindrance to Mario's progress.
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[edit] Gameplay
Donkey Kong begins with the four levels found in the original arcade game, but with enhanced graphics and play mechanics (for instance, falling off a girder is no longer instantly fatal, and Mario can let go of the Hammer prematurely to jump if necessary). Like in the original, the player's goal in these stages is to reach Pauline, who is in top of the structure. The level pattern follows that of the original arcade release (Girders - Conveyor Belts - Elevators - Rivets). The conveyor belt level was excluded in the NES version of the original game due to limited game space.
After these four initial stages are completed, the usual arcade ending begins, but after a few notes of the "victory theme" Donkey Kong revives, grabs Pauline again, and takes off with her, with Mario giving chase. The player is then presented with 97 additional stages spanning nine worlds, for a total of 101 stages.
The subsequent levels follow a completely different game mechanic in which the player must guide Mario through each level to locate a key. He must pick it up and carry it to a locked door elsewhere in the stage. On every fourth level, the player must confront Donkey Kong himself and reach Pauline, like in the original levels. After the fourth level is cleared, a short cutscene is shown depicting a player's abilities that may be needed for the upcoming levels, or to introduce new kinds of traps. At this point, players are allowed to save their progress, including their time for each level or for the total set. There are nine worlds:
At the final level of each world, the player must fight back at Donkey Kong and find a way to throw his barrels back at him. It usually takes three barrels to defeat Donkey Kong and proceed to the next world.
There are also bonus rounds that are accessible only by recovering each of Pauline's accessories (a hat, a purse, and a parasol) on each of the regular levels. During these bonus rounds, the player can gain additional lives by playing either a slot machine or a roulette wheel (which one the player will get is determined at random each time.)
Donkey Kong was the first game to feature enhancements when played on the Super Game Boy.
When played on a Super Game Boy (or any later Game Boy model), Pauline actually screams "Help!" in a digitized voice. Also, a different version of the credits music can only be heard on Super Game Boy.
The Big-City from this game reappeared in Donkey Kong Land as Big Ape City (AKA Big City). It is established as a location on Donkey Kong Island. It is also a parody of Bigg City Port from the 1988 children's television series TUGS.[citation needed]
The music that plays when the player is running out of time would return in Mario vs. Donkey Kong.
[edit] Follow-ups
An enhanced version for the Game Boy Advance was planned, titled Donkey Kong Plus. In addition to featuring enhanced graphics and backgrounds, the proposed remake also featured a level designer accessible through the Nintendo GameCube. The game ultimately resurfaced as Mario vs. Donkey Kong, a completely new game with similar gameplay. It was followed by a sequel titled Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, which featured a level designer.
[edit] Critical Reception and Sales
| Reviews | |
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| Publication | Score |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 8.25 of 10 |
| Nintendo Power | 4.1 of 5 |
| Compilations of multiple reviews | |
| Compiler | Score |
| Game Rankings | 84%[1] |
| MobyRank | 90 of 100[2] |
Donkey Kong was re-released as a Player's Choice title, which indicates that the game has sold more than 1 million copies.[citation needed]
[edit] References
- ^ Donkey Kong Reviews. Game Rankings. Retrieved on 2008-04-02.
- ^ Donkey Kong for Game Boy - MobyGames. MobyGames. Retrieved on 2008-04-02.
[edit] External links
- Donkey Kong at MobyGames
- Donkey Kong at IGN
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