The player’s goal is to save Pauline while accumulating points by leaping over obstacles, destroying objects with a hammer power-up, collecting items, removing rivets from platforms, and completing each stage within the time limit. Donkey Kong was one of the first arcade games with multiple stages and was considered the most complex arcade game of its time, following games like Phoenix (1980), Gorf (1981), and Scramble (1981). The game set the template for the future of the platform genre. It should also be noted that in many conversions of the original coin-op game for early 1980's consoles and computer-systems, Donkey Kong only used two or three of the original levels, with the cement factory most often omitted.Donkey Kong, released in 1981 by Nintendo and reissued by Atari in 1988, is an arcade platform video game that was the first to feature jumping. Additionally, Mario can also find Pauline's hat, purse and umbrella for additional bonus points.ĭonkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story.

Although not as powerful as in other future games, Mario can find a hammer which allows him to destroy the barrels and fireballs for a limited amount of time. From there, the levels start over at a higher difficulty.Īlong the way, Mario must dodge a constant stream of barrels, 'living' fireballs, and spring-weights. Once the rivets are removed from the final level, Donkey Kong falls, and the two lovers are reunited. Released in the arcades in 1981, Donkey Kong was not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marked the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally 'Jumpman') and Donkey Kong.ĭonkey Kong is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out.

Apple II, Arcade, Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari 8-bit, Coleco Adam, ColecoVision, Commodore 64, Dedicated handheld, Game Boy Advance, Intellivision, MSX, NES, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PC Booter, TI-99/4A, VIC-20, Wii, Wii U, ZX Spectrum

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