Donkey Kong

"One of the best puzzlers I've played"

That Donkey Kong. Once again, he has kidnapped the princess, or whatever, and it is up to Mario to save her. This game expands on the old gem of an arcade game, and does so surprisingly well...

Graphics:9/10
Extremely good for a Gameboy. Things are immensely detailed, shaded, and the likes, and many things can be on the screen at once without the slightest hint of slowdown or glitching.
World maps are again, very detailed, and clear.
The character you play, mario, may be small, but he sure is agile. Because he is small, more can be on screen at once, resulting in a bigger playing field, and a bigger view of the level at any one time.
Donkey kong is big and it is easy to see where he is, and its the same with enemies and obstacles.
Sound:9/10

The best sound I've heard from the Game Boy. The sound effects are above average, with the Mario Jumping sounds, sound effects, and everything. It all sounds like a second generation Mega Drive game.

Gameplay:10/10
You are Mario. With the mean ability to jump. Donkey Kong has kidnapped your girlie, and, being an heroic bloke, it's up the you to save her.
The first four levels are the same as the arcade-here you have to climb to the top of the screen, avoiding barrels, and using the special hammer to become effectively invulnerable for a short period of time. Once at the top, Donkey Kong nicks your girl and climbs up a bit further.
In the main game, you have to navigate stages with hard puzzles. You have to locate the key, then take it to the locked door. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. Most of the time the key won't fit through with you, so you have to look for others methods of getting it to where it needs to be.
Mario himself often needs help getting about. Hanging on monkeys tails, standing on beetles, and going up elevators are just some of the ways you can get about.
The great thing about this game is the way it slowly gets harder-so hard until it seems impossible. But it is possible..
In the levels there are three items..a hat, a bag, and something I can't remember. Get all three items, and you are treated to a bonus stage at the end of the level.
The game has a battery back up feature.

Replayability:9/10
Always great for when you go on long journeys. Pure fun.

Controls:10/10
These are tuned to perfection. The control is responsive, and simple.

Overall:9/10
This is what we play games for. A challenge. Innovation. FUN.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/14/02, Updated 06/14/03