For those who may not be acquainted with the Mario vs. Donkey Kong franchise, we suggest checking out our earlier preview of the game before diving into this review, as it provides additional insights into the gameplay.
The iconic character is back, and he’s ready for action! In recent times, Donkey Kong has made a substantial comeback, re-entering the spotlight after his last major appearance in Tropical Freeze over ten years ago. He has taken center stage in Illumination’s Super Mario Bros. Movie, and whispers of an upcoming Donkey Kong spin-off film are circulating. Furthermore, a Donkey Kong Country expansion has been confirmed for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios, along with a Nintendo Switch remake of the beloved Game Boy Advance title, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, set for release soon. After experiencing the entire game early, let’s explore whether Mario vs. Donkey Kong lives up to the hype or gets a bit too caught up in its own antics.
From the moment you launch Mario vs. Donkey Kong, it’s apparent that Nintendo aimed for a faithful remake, and this choice proves to be beneficial. Everything from the main menu to the introductory cutscene will evoke feelings of nostalgia for those familiar with the GBA version while offering a modern twist for newcomers. The addition of various enhancements and extra content supports its status as a standalone title, and while it would have been lovely to have the original accessible via Nintendo Switch Online, it’s understandable that Nintendo opted for the remake as the primary version available on the Switch for the time being.
Every aspect of the original game has been meticulously rebuilt, featuring all six core worlds: Mario Toy Company, Donkey Kong Jungle, Fire Mountain, Spooky House, Mystic Forest, and Twilight City. Additionally, players can explore two fresh bonus worlds, Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Summit, which introduce new themes and gameplay mechanics seamlessly integrated into the overall experience. With 8 worlds featuring 8 levels each (including 6 standard stages, a Mini Mario stage, and a Donkey Kong stage), players can look forward to 64 levels in total. Completing the game and rolling the credits will take approximately 5-10 hours, but that’s only the beginning.
Once the credits roll, players unlock the “Plus” Worlds, nearly doubling the game’s stages (with no Mini Mario levels in these new areas). These additional stages boast entirely new designs and far greater challenges than the standard worlds, sharing thematic elements yet differing in overall complexity. Including the Plus Worlds, Mario vs. Donkey Kong features an impressive total of 120 levels. Additionally, players can earn access to 16 “Expert” levels (increased from the original 12) by collecting gold stars, awarded for gathering all three gift boxes found within each main level. That’s above 130 levels— a considerable expansion from the GBA version’s 96!
Before even tackling the additional content, Mario vs. Donkey Kong presents a commendable challenge, without crossing into frustration. The limited time available to complete levels can be harsh, and the puzzle-solving and platforming demands make certain stages quite difficult, particularly if players aim to grab all three gift boxes to achieve a gold star. Mario’s movement feels heavier and more precise than usual, reminiscent of the classic Donkey Kong arcade game rather than the typical Mario platformers. Gathering 1-ups is essential, as any contact with an enemy or obstacle will cost a life. In the event of a game over, players restart from the beginning of the level, even if they previously hit a checkpoint. As one who relishes a challenge, “Classic Mode” was my preferred choice, although a more relaxed “Casual Mode” is available for those wanting an infinite time limit and safety bubbles.
Moreover, Mario vs. Donkey Kong introduces a two-player co-op mode that feels far from tacked on. The second player takes control of Toad, mirroring Mario’s abilities. Players can walk past each other without colliding but can jump on one another’s heads to reach elevated areas. To enhance the challenge, two keys are necessary to unlock doors leading to the next level instead of just one. This multiplayer mode allows for almost the entire game to be enjoyed cooperatively, so enlist a friend, family member, or even an acquaintance to join in the fun!
However, the newly added Time Attack mode cannot be played in two-player co-op; it unlocks after completing the main game. This mode adds further replay value by setting target times for each level. Successfully finishing before the deadline rewards players with a gold medal. The game also retains your best time for later comparisons, a welcome feature since the original game’s high score counter has been removed completely.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong runs smoothly at a near-perfect 60fps, with no noticeable frame drops or glitches throughout the experience. The visual style is vibrant and appealing, avoiding excessive complexity, resembling a blend of New Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Odyssey, resulting in quick load times even on the aging Switch hardware. Since the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong was crafted for a handheld device, the game’s addictive “just one more level” element translates perfectly to the Nintendo Switch.
This title has elevated from one of the top puzzle-platformers on the GBA to one of the must-plays on Switch. Mario vs. Donkey Kong serves as a faithful remake that surpasses expectations in almost every area; whether you are a returning player or a newcomer, the modern graphics, alongside new modes, stages, and features, make it an easy recommendation. Should you still need a nudge, a free demo is available now on the Nintendo eShop. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on February 16, 2024.
9/10
A review copy of Mario vs. Donkey Kong was provided by Nintendo UK.