Video AGoing shopping can drive you blind with rage, the queues, the prices and that doesn’t even take into account items being stocked. Donkey Kong certainly suffers from this problem, whilst channel-flicking DK found himself drawn to purchasing the new mini Mario toys. In a shopping frenzy, he found out they were totally sold out. Anger gets the better of this primate, and he breaks into the Mario factory and steals the mini Mario’s!

Quick-Tip #1

At any time during play pressing L+R pauses the game, with the ability to look around and explore the level. This is a godsend when trying to work out the fastest and most highest scoring route.

The game initially starts off with Mario chasing DK through six unique worlds. Each world is structured with eight missions; the first six are split into two parts. The first section sees Mario collecting a key to unlock a door. The unlocked door takes you to the second part of the level where you must free the mini Mario from glassed captivity. The penultimate mission finds Mario and his freed mini Mario’s, navigating themselves through treacherous conditions to put all the mini Mario’s back into the toy box. Each world’s concluding mission is a clash of the titans, Mario scuffling with DK.

Each stage has been expertly crafted to make best use of Mario’s platforming dexterity. The puzzles that encompass each level are solved via various solutions like throwing enemies to make temporary platforms, to manipulate conveyor belts or to create pathways via colour coded switches. To add even more depth many of the puzzles have multiple solutions, so careful planning is essential in order to complete a level with the highest score.

Video BAs you progress through the game the difficulty gradually increases, creating some down right gruesome puzzles toward the end of the first six worlds. Once you’ve completed the first six worlds, a new batch become available called the “plus” worlds. The plus worlds build on the first six worlds, and crank up the difficulty, which certainly adds to the games charm. To really get to grips with the plus worlds and beyond you’ll really have to sit back and evaluate the intricate level design to grab yourself a nice new shiny star, as a reward for your strategic aptitude.

Quick-Tip #2

If you’re not quite getting a good enough score on a boss level, make sure you’ve completed the mini level before hand. It does take a little longer but you’ll find that you’ll get a few more scoring mini Mario’s that will tip your score over the edge.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong excels in replay value through star ratings. Gamers are awarded a star when beating a preset high score value on each level unlocked. To obtain a star gamers are required to almost memorise a level in order to swiftly negotiate a levels obstacles. The scoring system works via two major factors collecting all the presents scattered around the world and the time in which you complete the level. The simplicity of the scoring system makes it not only accessible to gamers looking for a quick fix, but the hardcore who can really appreciate each levels superb design to master their competition times.

After experiencing the first few worlds you’ll notice that Mario feels totally different to any of the modern Mario incarnations. Many of the characteristics that gamers have become accustomed to have vanished, Mario’s speed and agility has clearly gone astray. This creates greater tension when trying to complete levels with a star rating. With Mario’s talents being stripped out, a whole new layer of gaming is introduced; two qualities that are needed to master the title, shine through these are patience and timing. Without these I’m afraid that you won’t be seeing any of the crowns above your save game file.

Video CNot only is Mario vs. Donkey Kong a showcase for superb gameplay it’s a feast for your eyes and ears. All the worlds are beautifully depicted with rich colour palettes that really add to the games allure. Add to that the games sprites are extremely striking due to their 3D-rendered implementation and the flawless animation; the game really does push the GBA’s capabilities.

Quick-Tip #3

To unlock everything that the game has to offer it is essential you get star ratings for each level. The expert levels require nine stars to unlock, and you won't be seeing them otherwise.

In the sound department you’ll be very impressed; it’s almost like a well-produced cartoon. As every thump, bump and jump has a brilliant accompanying audio cue. Mario’s in-game chatter is quite humorous, although it does occasionally become a tad excessive.

Creating a superior gaming experience to a title like DK94 is no easy task, but with Mario vs. Donkey they’ve certainly upped the benchmark once again. Mario vs. Donkey Kong excels in every department; it offers fresh gameplay that constantly challenges the gamer to rise to the occasion. Gamers of all ages will find something to love within this game.