Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kongis a weird game, especially in 2024. Not only for its unique puzzle-platformer gameplay, which sets it apart from the franchise as a whole, but for its implications within Mario’s shaky lore. It’s evident from concept alone thatMario vs. Donkey Kongoccupies a strange place in the history of this juggernaut duo.
The 2024 remake ofMario vs. Donkey Kongis very faithful, with only a few modern accommodations and a portion of new content. This preserves the interesting dynamic between Mario and Donkey Kong from the original game. The Donkey Kong featured in the game has a pointed head and a red tie, quite clearly indicative of the ape’sDonkey Kong Countryappearance. This is in spite of all the references to the original Donkey Kong arcade games, from many of the obstacles to the structure of the stages themselves.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Is A Bizarre Part Of The Duo’s History
What’s interesting about theMario vs. Donkey Kongseriesrelying on Donkey Kong being an antagonist (as well as references to the DK arcade games) is how it gels with DK lore. The Donkey Kong with a pointed head and tie is actually the grandson of the Donkey Kong from the original 1981Donkey Konggame. Indeed, according to the story established by 1994’sDonkey Kong Country, where that 1981 Kong is said to be a younger version of the game’s Cranky Kong. It’s a complicated family tree that’s been retconned multiple times, but it is possible to decipher.
The Original Donkey Kong History
The original story went that the arcade Donkey Kong was the grandfather of the modern Donkey Kong, who first appeared in 1994’sDonkey Kong Country(which would make the protagonist ofDonkey Kong Jr.modern DK’s father). The grandfather Kongseen inDonkey Kong Countryis called by the name ‘Cranky Kong’. So the family tree goes from Cranky Kong/Arcade Donkey Kong, to Donkey Kong Jr., to Donkey Kong with a red tie and pointed head.
However, there’s another twist to this plot in 1994. Predatingthe originalMario vs. Donkey Kongby ten years,Donkey Kong ‘94was released the same year asDonkey Kong Country. This Game Boy title ports the first few levels of the arcade game onto the portable device, before presenting an additional slew of later levels that mix multiple gameplay styles. This version of DK has the design of modern DK, despite kidnapping Pauline and doing everything else Cranky Kong did in 1981. Curiously, according to a 1994 Nintendo Online article, the DK in this game is actually also Cranky Kong, even if he looks like modern DK.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong And The Super Mario Bros. Movie
If this isn’t murky enough, theMario vs. Donkey Kongseriespicked up from the 1994 game in making modern DK the villain, despite theCountryseries making him the hero—one with his own adventures unrelated to Mario. Modern DK doesn’t oppose Mario, only starring alongside him in sports,Mariokart, andMario Partytitles as just another competitor. Despite all of this, the DK inMario vs. Donkey Kongis the same ape from theCountryseries.
As a final level of confusion to add to Mario and DK’s frenemyship,The Super Mario Bros. Moviehad the twoteaming up. Moreover, it decided to make modern DK the son of Cranky Kong, cutting DK Jr. out of the equation entirely. Nintendo’s never been known for keeping a straight timeline with any of its franchises, but it’s always a surprise to see how messy this story can get, especially considering the cultural staying-power of Donkey Kong.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
WHERE TO PLAY
The rivalry reignites! Donkey Kong has stolen all the Mini-Mario toys from the factory, and it’s up to Mario to get them back! Run, jump, and backflip your way to retrieving them across over 130 levels in this puzzle-style twist on classic platforming action. The rivalry that originally heated up on the Game Boy™ Advance system returns on the Nintendo Switch™ system with newly added co-op play, brand-new worlds, updated music and visuals, and other new ways to play.Put your brain to work and figure out the best way to reach the Mini-Mario toys in puzzle-platforming challenges across eight distinct worlds. Watch for enemies, dodge hazards, and use the tools scattered around. See if you may earn a Perfect rating on each level!
