Overview and Gameplay
Mario climbs a hazardous construction site to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong. This NES conversion of Nintendo’s 1981 arcade game focuses on quick reactions, efficient routes, and high-score play across three repeating stages.
Players scale sloping girders, cross moving elevators, dodge bouncing springs, and remove eight rivets to collapse Donkey Kong’s platform. Later loops increase the speed and number of hazards.
Controls And Mechanics
- Directions: Walk and climb complete ladders.
- A: Jump over barrels, enemies, and gaps.
- Hammer: Temporarily destroys barrels and fire enemies for points.
- Bonus timer: Counts down during each stage and awards its remaining value after completion.
- Game A and Game B: Offer beginner and expert difficulty selections.
- Two players: Take alternating turns using separate controllers.
Version Notes
This PRG1 release uses the revised NES program with minor input-handling and demonstration fixes. The standard NES conversion contains the 25m, 75m, and 100m stages but omits the arcade game’s 50m conveyor stage.
Release And Credits
- NES release: 1986 in the United States
- Developer: Nintendo R&D2
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Original platform: Arcade
