Mario vs. Donkey Kong Reviews
Mario vs Donkey Kong remains an enjoyable platform-puzzler as it did back on the Game Boy Advance, freshened up and featuring a small number of modern and welcome additions.
If you fondly remember Mario vs Donkey Kong from its Game Boy Advance iteration, we’ve no doubt you’ll get a kick out of seeing it with a gorgeous, fresh coat of paint. You still will if you’re a newcomer: it’s a treat for the eyes, but it’s also a fun little puzzle game to pick up for 10, 20 minutes at a time. It’s not going to set your world on fire, but those mini Marios are sure to put a smile on your face for a little while.
Mario vs Donkey Kong is a fantastic game even today, and anyone who has never played this sort of escape room hijinx before should definitely take a look, because it's devilishly addictive!
Overall, Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch is a game I couldn’t put down. It’s a remaster of an iconic puzzle game that’s a direct upgrade and even adds features. There’s over a hundred stages, creative level design, expressive characters, and it’s just simple and clean fun.
Cost aside, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a perfectly delightful, charming and enjoyable puzzle-platformer that doesn't overstay its welcome. Taken entirely on its own merits, it is an excellent game that is a perfect mix of platforming and puzzle gameplay. It doesn't break any molds, but it provides an excellent arcade-style experience with minimal muss and fuss. Only its short length keeps it from being a strong recommendation, but if that isn't a flaw to you, then pop it into your queue.
Whether you played the 2004 version of Mario vs. Donkey Kong or are just stepping into the series, I recommend giving this remake a go. It’s a fun game that feels great to play and offers a good challenge, and because it was a game initially made for GBA, it’s good for pick-up-and-play bursts. It’s also a nice change of pace from typical Mario games, and a great example of the sort of creative, unique titles that came out of the GBA era (and have aged well).
Mario vs. Donkey Kong brings the classic GBA title back with new crisp graphics, but there has not been enough changes to the mechanics or controls to make this feel contemporary on the Switch.
Nintendo brought back the 20-year-old game, but forgot to include the appropriate content for the price. Couch Co-Op is fun to play, but you can buy an ox for this money, Nintendo...
Review in Turkish | Read full review
An inoffensive and at times charming puzzler that won't take over your life. Bundling it with part 2 might've been a good idea.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
I had a lot of fun playing (or, more accurately, replaying) Mario Vs. Donkey Kong. It’s a brightly-coloured, wholesome good time, and the rare all-ages puzzle game that strikes the right balance between making sure that everyone that plays it feels smart, without being condescending about it. As much fun as it is, however, this is one of the most transient games that Nintendo has published in quite some time. You’ll play it, enjoy it, and very quickly forget about it because it is, ultimately, a remake of once of Nintendo’s most niche titles – a title that was niche for a very good reason.
The asking price does feel disproportionate to what is on offer in Mario vs. Donkey Kong, even despite the host of additional levels that bring it past 130 in total, and its wonderful new presentation and cutscenes. Alongside 1994's Donkey Kong, though, this is the superior gameplay format for this series, which adopted more of a Lemmings approach in subsequent games, so interested folk should seek this one out at a more affordable price in the future.
Mario vs Donkey Kong is the perfect example of how Nintendo should remake all of its games. It has everything the original had but it adds a lot of content that looks better than ever.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
What used to be one of the best puzzle-platformers on the GBA is now one of the best on Switch. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a faithful remake that goes above and beyond in just about every facet; whether you’ve already played the original or are completely new to the series. With modern graphics alongside brand new modes, levels, and features, it’s easy to recommend this charming remake based on one of the most iconic rivalries of all time. If you’re still not convinced, you can try out the free demo available now via the Nintendo eShop.
The gameplay is really good and the levels are perfectly designed for players of all ages. There's also no shortage of content, and 130 levels is a nice portion, although you could probably do with a few dozen more. The audio-visual design matches the game nicely. However, there are a few minor flaws and the price is quite high.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I'm very happy that Mario vs. Donkey Kong was remade, especially considering just how darn cute it all is. Seeing as the core gameplay has held-up as well as it has and that there are a lot of challenges to overcome, it's one impressive package. 🏭
All in all, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remix that - between highs and lows - manages to have its say. It is definitely an uninspired but enjoyable remake for Nintendo Switch (provided you get through the first few hours of play unscathed and overlook the clumsiness of some of the mechanics that slightly undermine the gameplay experience) that allows you to experiment with new ways of approaching the genre in what in our opinion turns out to be a good postmodern puzzle-platformer and nothing more. That said, although two additional worlds are available - complete with an extra mode (which will keep you glued to the screen) and local co-op mode for two players, Nintendo could have made an extra effort and added some extra content that would certainly have benefited the (rather skimpy) duration.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remake without great pretensions, for one of the funniest puzzle-platform games in the history of the mustachioed plumber. Without great pretensions, yes, but with various new features and also an almost hardcore drift that makes you think: perhaps the developers got carried away? Perhaps they tried to touch the chords of a more adult audience inclined to try to solve an enigma? Maybe. In all of this, the 2004 game has been brought back to light, and it's a good showing for Nintendo.
Review in Italian | Read full review
"Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remake with a well-deserved graphical update, featuring entertaining puzzles and a fantastic soundtrack. The rivalry between Mario and Donkey Kong is fun to watch in the cutscenes and boss battles, and the co-op mode is a great addition. However, the game is better suited for a younger audience, as it lacks the challenge that seasoned players might expect, making it less ideal for those seeking a more difficult experience."
Review in Dutch | Read full review
"Get off the platform DK, the price is too high."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a blast from the past that, while unique and fun, doesn't do enough to breathe new life into a classic title.