Highlights

  • Mario vs. Donkey Kong pays homage to Nintendo's history through references to older games like Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong Jr.
  • This remake remixes classic Donkey Kong elements in a new way, adding puzzle sections and modern platforming mechanics for a fresh experience.
  • The game not only updates visuals and adds new content but also incorporates mechanics from modern titles like Super Mario 3D World for added depth and intrigue.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is another entry in Nintendo's remastering spree, something that's been prolific over the lifetime of the Switch. In bringing back the 2004 GBA classic, Mario vs. Donkey Kong presents a game that pays homage to Nintendo's history in a better way than most.

Nintendo is always up for remaking old games, with the Switch hosting remasters of games like Super Mario RPG, Link's Awakening, and Metroid Prime. In addition, Nintendo's ports, remasters, and mainline games also call back to older titles. Mario Odyssey had retro platforming sections (as well as a remake of Peach's castle from Super Mario 64), Super Mario 3D World had a version of the NES Mario Bros. with a Luigi coat of paint, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder includes musical throwbacks to Super Mario World and a recreated bonus stage from Super Mario Bros. 3.

completion screen for level 2-6
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong References Older Mario Games In A Really Great Way

Nintendo's callbacks reached their zenith in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film had Easter eggs crammed in every corner of the screen, from a soundtrack composed of Mario tunes to iconography from the most obscure parts of the franchise. However, Nintendo's recent output surrounding the plumber is starting to get too self-congratulatory. Most references are in good taste, but there comes a point where every game is a celebration of Mario's history. Whilst Mario vs. Donkey Kong certainly isn't looking forward as much as many would like, the way it remixes the past is far more transformative than the approach of its peers.

A Remix Of Classic Donkey Kong

The arcade Donkey Kong games are at the foundation of Mario's history. Their formula and style have been recreated in Mario vs. Donkey Kong in a whole new way. Taking place in both urban and jungle environments (as well as other classic Mario locales), the title incorporates a limited jump, the old hammer power-up, fire and barrel obstacles, and the rope mechanics from Donkey Kong Jr. The boss fights with DK even have a cover of the opening theme from the original Donkey Kong.

These references go further than typical Easter eggs in Mario games. Going beyond a wink and a nod, Mario vs. Donkey Kong adapts the platforming and basic mechanics of older Donkey Kong games into a new experience. Just like old Donkey Kong, levels are short and involve more limited parkour. However, the version presented here takes platforming to a new level, as well as throwing in puzzle sections. It takes the idea of old Donkey Kong games presenting a single screen that players would have to 'solve', in a sense, and runs with it.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong's Remake Throws Modern Mario Into The Mix

The 2004 GBA game can't take all the credit for this transformation. Mario vs. Donkey Kong builds on the original with not only a shiny coat of paint but substantial content additions too. The two new worlds, Slippery Summit and Merry Mini-Land, fit so seamlessly into the original's design philosophy that they scarcely stick out. Their new puzzles work well for the format and make for fun new content.

Moreover, Mario vs. Donkey Kong's remake uses platforming to reference modern games too. Merry Mini-Land uses a mechanic lifted from 3D World—teleportation boxes. These boxes are used in a way that far surpasses their origin. In 3D World they served as a fun means of transporting characters between setpieces (not unlike warp pipes). Merry Mini-Land uses them as puzzle obstacles, forcing the player to think about where they're teleporting. The boxes are even built into color-switching puzzles, combining mechanics and deepening the intrigue of the title's puzzles.