Overview and Gameplay
Donkey Kong Classics combines Nintendo’s NES versions of Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. In the first game, Mario climbs girders to rescue Pauline while avoiding barrels, fireballs, jacks, and falls. Its loop has three stages, ending with the removal of bolts beneath Donkey Kong. In the second, Donkey Kong Jr. climbs vines, crosses platforms, and carries six keys to free his captured father across a four-stage loop. Later loops increase enemy speed and numbers, keeping both games focused on survival and high scores.
Controls And Mechanics
- Use the directional pad to move and climb, and A to jump.
- Mario earns points by clearing hazards, collecting Pauline’s items, and preserving the falling time bonus.
- Junior climbs faster while holding two vines, slides faster on one vine, and can drop fruit onto enemies.
- An extra life is awarded at 20,000 points in either game.
- Two-player games use alternating turns rather than simultaneous or cooperative play.
Version Notes
This cartridge packages the earlier NES conversions behind a shared game and difficulty menu. It adds no new stages. The NES version of Donkey Kong still omits the arcade cement-factory stage, while Donkey Kong Jr. retains four stages.
Release And Credits
- NES release: 1988
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Original source games: Nintendo arcade releases from 1981 and 1982
