Mario vs. Donkey Kong Reviews
Mario vs. Donkey Kong may lack the razzle dazzle of its stars’ more recent games, but this remake still has the power to hook players with its tried-and-true retro platforming and a finely-tuned difficulty curve that culminates in some challenges that will truly test your mind and reflexes. Those who have played the original Mario vs. DK to death may not find quite enough new content here, but lapsed fans and new players are in for a barrel of fun.
Throughout 130 levels, Nintendo's puzzle-filled platforming game has just the right amount of increase in challenge as the game goes on, and plenty of surprises for players to discover. The variety of game mechanics and ways to solve puzzles are engaging and fun, and the game is incredibly difficult to put down as it is too easy to want to try just one more level. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is a must-play for puzzle lovers, and is a perfect example of what a remake should be.
Not a platformer but a puzzle-platformer dating back to the now distant Game Boy Advance era, polished on Switch. This time, Mario will take you on a slightly different adventure, one that will test your jumping skills as much as your intuition and speed of execution. Over 130 levels (some of them unpublished) with secret challenges and direct clashes with Donkey Kong, an unmissable challenge for Nintendo fans.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The puzzles in this game are clever, well-constructed, and satisfying to solve. At the same time, the platforming can be frustrating. The jump mechanics take some getting used to, and the controls don’t have that Mario feel. But this too is a sort of puzzle to solve. You’ve got to learn the basics all over again, in a way. Once I accepted this, Mario vs Donkey Kong really opened up for me. I took my failures in stride. I pushed for perfection whenever possible. Soon enough I was having a great time. For longtime Mario fans new to this series, this new paradigm might take some adjustment. But I assure you, this investment of time and effort is worth it.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a serviceable Nintendo Switch remake of an excellent Game Boy Advance puzzle-platformer that could use more content for its price.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a solid remake of the original Gameboy Advance game that successfully modernizes it for today’s audience. The overall puzzle experience is interesting and the addition of new features plus its co-op mode helps round out the gameplay more. The platforming can feel wonky at times and you can go through the game rather quickly. If you enjoyed the original or are looking for a fun puzzle game, however, this is a Mario and Donkey Kong rematch that might be worth buying into.
Given that it can be comfortably completed within a few days, even with the heightened difficulty of later levels, Mario vs. Donkey Kong can’t help but feel like a featherweight experience. That, though, is consistent with my experience of the original Game Boy Advance version, a sturdy-for-its-time puzzle-platformer whose set of issues prevented it from approaching greatness. Playing the remake, it’s easy to rue that the developers missed the chance to enhance and expand upon the original. This, along with other glaring deficiencies like the lack of substantive new material outside of two new worlds, proves that the transition from handheld to home console has done Mario vs. Donkey Kong little to no favors.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a good remake of a great classic.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Somersaulting through bite-sized puzzle rooms in search of Mini-Marios is even more of a treat than it was back on the GBA. While I’ll miss the dialogue that didn’t make it into the remake, I fully welcome the added stages and reworked music. I enjoyed my HD revisit of Mario vs. Donkey Kong quite a bit, even to the point of earning every Star in the game. While there’s not a lot here that will appeal to those who weren’t attracted by the original game, it’s still a solid remake that adds fun new stages and HD polish.
A great return for a great GBA game. The number of new things and quality of life improvements makes this remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong a must have.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great looking remake of an already fun game, which is made better by the inclusion of two new worlds to complete. Unfortunately, the game is quite easy, and the entire experience ends too quickly, which may hamper replayability. Still, it is well worth grabbing a friend or family member and dedicating a weekend to completing the game.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a splendid remake. The updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements add plenty to this already-fun title. The puzzles are interesting and challenging, with plenty of variety to keep you hooked.
Mario vs Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Switch is a satisfactory update of a great and often overlooked entry on the Game Boy Advance.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is an excellent little pocket puzzler that is sure to please fans and newcomers alike.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great remake – implementing a strong shift in artistic direction, engaging co-op options and well-crafted puzzle and platforming elements. Co-op is an especially clever inclusion, and combined with difficulty options, broadens the appeal of an otherwise niche experience to a wider audience. While hardcore players might be let down by the lack of difficulty, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a sensational update that fans of the series and even newcomers will enjoy.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong has been remade nearly perfectly, and it's certainly great for any forgotten title to get an update and a facelift. The platforming is still tight, but the simple truth is that puzzle games as a genre have moved on in the twenty years since the original. That means nothing about it really stands out, either as a puzzle game or a Mario game. Still, that doesn't mean you won't have fun with it as you wait for Nintendo's next main-line Mario.
"Mario vs Donkey Kong... is an absolutely fantastic little puzzler."
Donkey Kong has swiped some mini Mario's from the toy factory, it's your job to get them back.
The remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong breathes new life into the classic title, enriching what was achieved nearly 20 years ago. This format aligns seamlessly with the franchise's essence, where platforms and puzzles merge effortlessly to create an environment where Mario truly belongs. The enhancements in this new version serve as a welcoming invitation for newcomers and a compelling reason for veterans to revisit the world they once cherished. With gameplay and visuals elevated to new heights, it's evident that the experience has been refined for modern audiences. Of course, while some mechanics may show signs of age, they underscore the notion that a renewed, unreleased installment would seamlessly complement Nintendo's renowned catalog.