Nintendo 1986

Action / Platformer

NES

1 Player | 2 Players Alternating

 

Donkey Kong

Can you save Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong? Help Mario scale the construction site to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline. Dodge fireballs and barrels that Donkey Kong hurls down the ramps and ladders to thwart your efforts.

It's up to Mario to save Pauline, who has been kidnapped by Donkey Kong. In round 1, you will need to climb up the building while avoiding barrels being thrown at you. Carefully choose when to use the ladders. In round 2, you will need to time your jumps to make it over the rotating lifts while avoiding the fireballs patrolling the ladders. Donkey Kong has resorted to throwing Jacks, so watch closely to move in between them. In round 3, you will need to pull out all of the yellow bolts to drop the entire structure and finally send Donkey Kong tumbling down. This is easier said than done as multiple fireballs will be moving up and down the ladders. After completing round 3, the loop will reset to round 1 where enemies will become faster and more numerous. Game A is for beginners while Game B is designed for experts, starting you at the beginning of the second loop. Pick up the Hammer to destroy barrels and fireballs. This handy item is a great way to gain points or to clear a path, but you won't be able to jump or climb ladders with it.

Mario's jump is the key to reaching the top. He can jump the distance of 2 sections of girders, but if he falls more than 2 sections, you will lose a life. You can also carefully time jumps to leap over rolling barrels and fireballs. Besides falling, there are a few more hazards to avoid: Barrel Thrown by Donkey Kong, they will fall down ladders or roll over ledges Fireball Slow moving enemies that can climb up ladders after you Jack Thrown by Donkey Kong in round 2, watch where they land to avoid the next one You can score points in several ways: Barrel Jumping [100 Points] Time your jumps over Donkey Kong's rolling barrels Pauline's Items [800 Points] Collect her lost parasol and purse on your way up the building Hammer [500 Points] Use the hammer to destroy barrels and fireballs Bonus Points These points decrease with the time, and the remainder will be rewarded once you finish the round You will gain an extra life for every 20,000 points.

Game Genie Codes

Donkey Kong
SXNGOZVG	Unlimited Lives	Game Genie
PENKNPLA	Start With 1 Life	Game Genie
PENKNPLE	Start With 9 Lives	Game Genie
SXXVKGSA	Invincible VS Barrels	Game Genie
SXUTXISA	Invincible VS Fireballs	Game Genie
AAPSZT SSPIGT	No Death by Falling	Game Genie
AEKKEVIA	Controllable Jump	Game Genie
ZAIGSG AAPSZT	High Jump	Game Genie
AAPIEZ	Fast Run & Climb	Game Genie
SUXYYLSP	Time Bonus Doesn't Decrease	Game Genie
Donkey Kong Classics
SXYAOP	Unlimited Lives	Game Genie
PETANA	Start With 1 Life	Game Genie
TETANA	Start With 6 Lives	Game Genie
PETANE	Start With 9 Lives	Game Genie
AEVAVSIA	Controllable Jump	Game Genie
EAKOLSLG	Hammer Lasts Longer	Game Genie
SLOLPZSP	No Time Limit	Game Genie

Donkey Kong
Even though this arcade classic predates Super Mario Bros. by four years, it wasn't ported to the NES in America until almost a full year after its release. Despite seeming overshadowed by the new gameplay mechanics introduced in its successor, Donkey Kong still has much to offer for those looking to experience why it was such a hit in 1981. Even though the three stages loop infinitely, the challenges you face in each are unique and the pacing can keep you playing for hours.

Round 1 will have you carefully watching the rolling barrels while constantly changing your route up the building depending on which paths they take. Round 2 will test your mastery of timing as you navigate through the rotating lifts, wandering fireballs, and then finally through the torrent of jumping jacks. Round 3 is the most strategic of the bunch, where you will need to carefully pick up the yellow bolts depending on where the fireballs appear and where you need to move next. Because of the constant shifting between the three, you never really feel bored as you pursue a new high score. The fast-paced and easy to pick up nature of Donkey Kong are among the reasons for its success in arcades, bars and pool halls around the world, and it has translated perfectly to this release on the NES.