A Fresh Take on a Classic: The Mario vs Donkey Kong Remake Review

Mario vs Donkey Kong, a classic puzzle-platformer game released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, has recently been remade for the Nintendo Switch. This remake brings a fresh look to the game, with updated graphics, new worlds, and additional modes. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Mario vs Donkey Kong remake and discuss its gameplay, visuals, and overall experience.

Storyline and Visuals
The storyline of Mario vs Donkey Kong remains the same as the original game. Donkey Kong, the mischievous ape, breaks into Mario’s toy factory and steals all the Mini-Mario toys. It’s up to Mario to navigate through various levels, collect keys, and retrieve the stolen toys. However, the remake introduces fully animated cutscenes that add personality to the game and make the story more engaging.

The visuals of the game have been significantly upgraded. The primitive design of the original game has aged poorly, with limited color palettes and heavily pixelated characters. In contrast, the Mario vs Donkey Kong remake boasts sharp and coated characters, and the environments are striking and visually appealing. The eight worlds offer a series of deathtrap dioramas, from the lush green canopies of Donkey Kong Jungle to the lethal lava pools of Fire Mountain.

Gameplay and Challenges
The core gameplay of Mario vs Donkey Kong remains unchanged. Mario’s moveset is identical to the original version, with the ability to handstand to protect himself from falling projectiles and perform acrobatic moves. The game’s levels are split into two rooms, with the first room requiring Mario to collect a key and carry it to the level’s exit, and the second room requiring him to navigate obstacles to retrieve a stolen Mini-Mario toy.

The game’s difficulty level is not as high as modern platformers like Celeste or Super Meat Boy, but the fact that Mario can be felled by only one hit means there’s still a strong emphasis on precise platforming. The levels require careful manipulation of coloured switches and the timing and sequence of various actions to reach the goal.

New Worlds and Features
The Mario vs Donkey Kong remake introduces two new worlds, Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Summit. Merry Mini-Land features new elements like flower-powered fans and teleporter blocks, while Slippery Summit is covered in ice, allowing Mario to slide across platforms and turn stalactites into steps. These new worlds add a fresh take on the formula and provide a welcome addition to the game.

Additional Modes and Features
The Mario vs Donkey Kong remake also includes additional modes and features, such as a level editor and a multiplayer mode. The level editor allows players to create and share their own levels, while the multiplayer mode allows up to four players to compete in various mini-games. These features add replayability and value to the game.

Conclusion
The Mario vs Donkey Kong remake is a fresh take on a classic game. The updated graphics, new worlds, and additional modes make the game more engaging and enjoyable for both new and returning players. While the game’s difficulty level may not be as high as modern platformers, the precise platforming and careful manipulation of the environment make for a fun and challenging experience. Overall, the Mario vs Donkey Kong remake is a worthy addition to any Nintendo Switch library.

Which other Game Boy Advance game deserves a modern makeover?
Golden Sun, Metroid Fusion, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, Drill Dozer, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are all excellent Game Boy Advance games that could benefit from a modern makeover. Let us know in the comments which Game Boy Advance game you think deserves a remake.

Answer
The Mario vs Donkey Kong remake is a fresh and engaging take on a classic puzzle-platformer game. With updated graphics, new worlds, and additional modes, the game offers a fun and challenging experience for both new and returning players. The precise platforming and careful manipulation of the environment make for a rewarding experience, and the addition of new worlds and features adds replayability and value to the game. If you’re looking for a new challenge or want to revisit a classic, the Mario vs Donkey Kong remake is definitely worth checking out.

As for which other Game Boy Advance game deserves a modern makeover, there are several great options. Golden Sun, Metroid Fusion, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, Drill Dozer, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are all excellent games that could benefit from a remake. Let us know in the comments which Game Boy Advance game you think deserves a modern makeover the most.