Introduction
Basic information
Developer Name: Nintendo
Full Name: Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Release Date: February 16, 2024
Released on: Nintendo Switch
Cross Play: No
Initial thoughts
I remember playing Mario vs. Donkey Kong on the Game Boy Advance and enjoying its unique puzzle-platforming gameplay. When I heard about the Switch remake, I was excited to dive back in, especially with the addition of co-op! The idea of solving puzzles with my wife sounded like a fantastic update, but the experience turned out to be a mixed bag.
Story and setting
Plot overview
The story is as whimsical as you’d expect from a Mario game. Donkey Kong, for reasons only he could justify, steals Mini Mario toys, setting Mario off on a quest to retrieve them. It’s a lighthearted premise that works for the game’s puzzle-focused approach but doesn’t offer much depth.
World building and immersion
The environments are colorful and varied, but the story takes a backseat to the gameplay. While the levels are visually distinct, they lack the kind of charm and creativity seen in other Mario games. The world feels more like a series of disconnected puzzles rather than a cohesive setting.
Character development
As expected, there’s no real character development. Mario is determined, and Donkey Kong is mischievous—nothing new here. The focus is entirely on gameplay, and the characters serve more as tools to move the story along.
Emotional impact
The game doesn’t aim to tug at your heartstrings, but it does deliver moments of satisfaction when you solve a particularly tricky puzzle or defeat Donkey Kong in a boss battle.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with an 6.5
The story is not very different from other Mario games.
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
At its core, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a puzzle-platformer where you guide Mario through various levels to rescue Mini Mario toys. The puzzles start simple but gradually increase in complexity, introducing new mechanics and hazards. The addition of co-op is a fantastic feature that makes the experience more engaging, but it’s not without its issues.
Difficulty and balance
The puzzles strike a good balance between being challenging and approachable, though the later levels can feel frustratingly repetitive. The difficulty curve is steady, but some puzzles feel like they rely too much on trial and error.
Pacing of the game
The pacing is decent for the most part, but the repetitive nature of the gameplay can make longer play sessions feel tedious. While the puzzles evolve, the core gameplay loop doesn’t change enough to keep things consistently fresh.
Innovation and uniqueness
The co-op mode is the standout innovation, adding a layer of strategy and teamwork to the game. However, the camera becomes a problem in co-op, often failing to follow both players effectively. This can lead to moments of frustration when one player is left off-screen during crucial sections.
Controls and user interface
The controls are tight and responsive, which is essential for a game that relies on precision. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, ensuring that the focus remains on solving puzzles.
Microtransactions
There are no microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy the full experience without additional costs.
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with a 7.5.
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
The updated graphics look fantastic, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that breathe new life into the classic game. The environments are detailed and visually appealing, making each level a joy to explore.
Technical performances
The game runs smoothly, with no noticeable frame rate drops or glitches. However, the camera issues in co-op mode detract from the otherwise polished experience.
Environment and design uniqueness
While the environments are well-designed, they lack the creativity and variety found in other Mario games. The levels feel more functional than inspired, focusing on the puzzles rather than the world itself.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with an 8.0
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
The music is cheerful and fits the tone of the game, but it can become repetitive and grating after extended play sessions. Some tracks stick in your head—for better or worse.
Sound effects quality
The sound effects are classic Mario, adding charm to the gameplay without being overbearing. Every jump, coin, and enemy interaction feels satisfying.
Voice Acting
There’s minimal voice acting, limited to the usual Mario grunts and Donkey Kong growls. It works well enough for the game’s style.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 7.
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
The game offers a substantial number of levels, which will keep you busy for a while. However, the repetitive gameplay loop might deter some players from seeing it through to the end.
Extra Content
There are additional challenges and collectibles for completionists, but the lack of variety in gameplay makes these extras less enticing.
Replay value
While the puzzles are fun to solve the first time, there’s little incentive to replay levels unless you’re a completionist aiming for 100%.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Mario Versus Donkey Kong with a 6.5
If you are looking for fun puzzles, this might be a game for you!
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
- Improve the camera in co-op mode to ensure both players stay on-screen.
- Add more variety to the puzzles to keep gameplay fresh throughout.
- Introduce more creative level designs that tie into the Mario universe.
Comparisons
Compared to other puzzle-platformers, Mario vs. Donkey Kong holds its own in terms of challenge and co-op fun. However, games like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker offer a more polished and creative experience, making Mario vs. Donkey Kong feel slightly dated.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
My wife and I had a lot of fun taking down Donkey Kong in various boss battles, but the co-op camera issues were a constant source of frustration. There were moments where we’d laugh at the chaos, but other times it felt like the game was working against us. Despite the hiccups, solving puzzles together and overcoming challenges was rewarding.
Rating
Taking in all the personal experiences with Mario Versus Donkey Kong, I give it a personal rating of 7.0
Last words
Pros
- Co-op mode adds a fun, collaborative element
- Responsive controls make platforming enjoyable
- Gradual difficulty curve keeps puzzles engaging
- Vibrant and colorful graphics
- Classic Mario sound effects add charm
- Plenty of levels to complete
- Fun boss battles with Donkey Kong
- Plenty of exploration opportunities
Cons
- Camera issues in co-op mode can be frustrating
- Music becomes repetitive over time
- Puzzles can feel repetitive in longer play sessions
- Lack of creativity in level designs
Mario vs. Donkey Kong on the Switch is a solid remake that brings co-op to the forefront, but it’s not without its flaws. While the puzzles are challenging and fun, the repetitive gameplay and camera issues in co-op mode hold it back from greatness. If you’re a fan of the original or enjoy puzzle-platformers, it’s worth playing—but temper your expectations.
FINAL RATING
7
Please let me know what you think of Mario Versus Donkey Kong in the comments!
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This game was such a flop. Too simple for majority of audience, and not fun to most.
im really enjoying when i play platform like this game. 🙂
Seems a good game, and different to normal Mario ones
Good review!
Thanks for the review.
I like how the (not too old) Lego games handle the different player player cameras
This is a weird mario game. More like puzzle game than jump’n’run
I remember doing the original one. It’s nostalgic.
I guess it’s an evaluation that there are both good and bad points.
It’s helpful.🐑
Looks kinda cute. And I like the coop thing. But I never hopped on the Mario bandwagon… never really played any Mario game… So it’s kinda hard for me to say, if I would enjoy it. I feel many of the newer Mario titles are bought and played bc they are Mario, not bc they are a cool new game…
yeah, i consider this game a flop, it was good for a GBA game back in the day but just bumping up the graphics and selling it for 60$ is insane, it doesn’t nearly match the quality of a normal Nintendo game on the Switch.
Successful game for a co-op, very nice vivid colors and lively atmosphere. I will see more in video.
Not for me, but the ending was quite nice=)
I honestly understand why DK did what he did 😉
This puzzle approach to Mario games seems pretty interesting! Not interesting enough to get me to buy a Switch though… XD
The graphics are definitely a beautiful improvement over the older ones, and co-op is an amazing addition! Too bad it doesn’t work as well as it could and that the levels are a bit uninspired at times… I remember I loved the premise of guiding the little toys as part of a puzzle in the DS version, but sounds like they didn’t change it up all that much!
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is such a fun game.
Having a co-op in a Mario game sounds amazing, but camera issues are notorious party breakers. I can’t find a single game my brother and I enjoyed together that had bad camera, especially when it focuses on one player out of two. The second player just feels like a background character that way…
I do understand and see the camera issue, especially when you cannot see one of the many players, who are either too up or too below. But overall, seems great.
Good review! I lIke this game!
Really fun-looking game, and nice that they made a co-op mode!
I wish I could be amongst the people who said they played the original. 😆