Donkey Kong Classics

Donkey Kong Classics is an interesting title for the NES. We had both Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr released many years earlier for the NES. In 1991, Nintendo decided to re-release both games, but this time on one cartridge. This was a great decision and it is one of the first examples of a “collection” of older games being re-released together. If you have played both these games before then you should know what to expect here.

Donkey Kong

Let’s start with the original Donkey Kong! This is an absolute classic and at the time the NES version was one of the best home conversions of Donkey Kong around. It looks fantastic and it really is as close as you could get to bringing the actual arcade game home. Like many other conversions of Donkey Kong, this NES version is not fully complete as it does not have the convey belt stage. To be fair many other versions at the time kipped this stage, but I feel they could have easily put it on the NES.

The game is great, you playing as Mario needs to save the girl from Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong Classics is just a really fun game and this is one of my all time favorite arcade games. It is a true joy to play with tight controls and simple, but very hard gameplay which keeps you wanting to play just one more time.

Donkey Kong Jr

If you ask me, Donkey Kong Jr is one heck of an underrated game. While Donkey Kong may get all the attention, I feel this game here is just as good. The version of this on Donkey Kong Classics is as close to the arcade as you can get. Nintendo really did a great job here and the game I would say is actually even more difficult than the original Donkey Kong so that is something to keep in mind.

The gameplay of Donkey Kong Jr is a bit different, but also familiar. The game this time sees Mario as the bad guy and he has caged Donkey Kong! You playing as his son Jr, try to save him. The game is a platformer, but being able to climb vines is cool. The platforming is nice and tight, but it is keeping an eye on the enemies that you really need to do as you make your way to your dear old dad!

Overall, Donkey Kong Classics is a fantastic collection of games. Both of these are amazing games in my opinion and are essential for any gamer to play. I do feel that it would have been cool if they could have put Donkey King 3 on here as it would then have been a real complete collection. Still, this is a must-play for the NES!

Final Score: 9.5/10

Pros:

• Two arcade classics in one package
• These are close to being just like their arcade counterparts
• Both games are very challenging
• Donkey Kong Jr is just as good as the first game
• They will keep you playing for hours and hours

Cons:

• Donkey Kong is missing a stage
• They could have added Donkey Kong 3

Donkey Kong Classics is a video game that was released by Nintendo in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is an absolute classic and will definitely go down in history as one of the most impactful games of its time.

A Timeless Classic

Donkey Kong, the first game in the series, was released in 1981 and is widely considered one of the most critical games in the history of video games. It was one of the first platform games. It featured a character named Jumpman (who would later be renamed Mario) trying to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. The game was a massive success and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.

Donkey Kong Jr., released in 1982, was a direct sequel to the original game. Players controlled Donkey Kong's son this time as he tried to rescue his father from Mario. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to climb vines and chains, and was also a success.

Donkey Kong Classics features both games in original form, with no changes or additions. Players can choose to play either game, and both games feature multiple levels of increasing difficulty.

In Donkey Kong, players must climb ladders and jump over obstacles to reach the top of a construction site where Pauline is being held captive by Donkey Kong. Along the way, they must avoid barrels Donkey Kong throws and other hazards. The game tests timing, reflexes, and strategy, as players must navigate increasingly challenging levels while avoiding obstacles and enemies.

Go Banana's

Donkey Kong Jr. is similar in gameplay to its predecessor but has a few key differences. Players control Donkey Kong's son as he climbs vines and chains to reach the top of various levels, where he must free his father from Mario's clutches. He must avoid obstacles and enemies along the way, such as birds and snapping jaws. The game is also a test of timing, reflexes, and strategy. Players must navigate through increasingly difficult levels while avoiding hazards and enemies. Both games are known for their simple yet addictive gameplay and iconic characters. Donkey Kong, in particular, is often cited as one of the most critical games in the history of video games. Its influence can still be seen in modern platformers.

Donkey Kong Classics is a great way to experience two classic games that helped shape the video game industry. It is a must-play for any fan of classic video games or anyone looking to experience some of the earliest and most influential games in the medium's history.

While the graphics and sound of Donkey Kong Classics may seem primitive compared to modern video games, the gameplay is still as challenging and engaging as it was over 30 years ago. The game's simplicity is part of what makes it so timeless, and it is a testament to the lasting appeal of these classic games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Donkey Kong Classics is a classic video game compilation featuring two of history's most critical games. It is a must-play for any fan of classic video games like the original Crash Bandicoot or anyone looking to experience some of the earliest and most influential games in the medium's history.

Pros

• A classic
• Great gameplay
• Amazing soundtrack

Cons

• Graphics are dated
• Hard to find where to play the game

When we talk about classic games, it doesn’t get more classic than Donkey Kong Classics. If you were born in the 1970s or 1980s then Donkey Kong would have been like your favorite game. If we have to compare it to a game today then we can say its popularity was no less than the popularity of Fortnite we see today.

Donkey Kong classics isn’t just one game but a collection of two amazing Donkey Kong games from the era.

• Donkey Kong
• Donkey Kong Jr.

Initial Release

Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. were released way before the compilation pack. The Donkey Kong Classics was released in 1988.

Donkey Kong Gameplay

In Donkey Kong, Mario is the protagonist of the game where as Donkey Kong is the villain. Donkey Kong is the villain in the game who kidnaps Pauline. Pauline is Mario’s girlfriend. You play as Mario in this game and you have to rescue your girlfriend from Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong throws obstacles at you and you as Mario have to save yourself from the obstacles to reach Donkey Kong. As the levels progress, Donkey Kong starts throwing different and more difficult obstacles at you. You can also use items like hammers to destroy the obstacles thrown at you.

Donkey Kong Jr. Gameplay

Donkey Kong Jr. is the sequel to the first game Donkey Kong. In this game the roles are somewhat altered. In Donkey Kong Junior, Mario is the main villain of the game where as Donkey Kong Jr. is the protagonist. In this game Maria kidnaps Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. has to rescue Donkey Kong From Maria. Other than the plot, there are some other changes in the sequel as well. One of them is that the player has face animal goons trained by Mario who keep attacking the player. The player can get attacked by lightning ball, blue crocodiles, bats, red crocodiles, and birds, all of whom are trained by Mario himself. The player can use fruit items like Bananas, Pineapples and Apples to fight off the enemies. As the game progresses so does the level of enemies.

Even though Mario is the main franchise attraction, Donkey King is also a very popular character amongst the fans of this classic game franchise. This game offers a satisfying experience to Donkey Kong fans and people who preferred to play as Donkey Kong instead of Mario. Donkey Kong games are really popular to this day as well. Some of the games memorabilia is sold for thousands of dollars as collector items even in the current market.

Rating

The popularity of the game both in the old days and after 30 years is still remarkable to see. The game might not be as advanced as many modern versions of the game but due to the mere popularity and the entertainment value that it brought to a lot of kids in the 80s, we are going to rate this a strong 4/5.

Mario is not always a hero, as in the strategy game about the restless monkey - Donkey Kong Classics. Stop the evil plumber and feel like the king of the jungle in this villain simulator.

Greed leads to the battle

Pauline is stolen by a big ape and it's not even King Kong. Paulina's young man, Mario, rushes off at full speed to help. This time, however, the player will not have to travel with the Italian plumber, but with the very monkey, Donkey Kong. Paulina is not a bad accessory in Donkey Kong's house, why should he share her with Mario? With all Donkey Kong's powers, try to delay Mario on his way to salvation.

Punishment for the Past

Despite Donkey Kong's best efforts, the conniving Mario still manages to capture him and put him in a cage. This is where the story of Donkey Kong Jr. begins, Donkey Kong's son and the only jungle dweller capable of saving his father. Look for the keys to your father's cage and avoid the traps of the strange jumping man in red.

Throw Objects - Winning Strategy

The game changes gameplay styles from level to level. In the Donkey Kong part, the big monkey needs to throw objects at the running Mario. Among these items can be seen:

• Barrel is Donkey Kong's standard attack. The barrel flattens Mario if it hits him.
• Fire Barrel - if the barrel interacts with fire, it starts to burn. Fire barrels do more damage and set Mario on fire
• Spring - springs launch Mario into the flight, but not towards Pauline, but in a different direction altogether

Gameplay for Donkey Kong Jr. involves only climbing vines and avoiding crocodiles who can't wait to bite the loyal son. Choose the best liane routes and free your father without a single bite.