Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong (GBA) (Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong (GBA)
Date:	30/04/09 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate to original release

Disadvantages: Limited market appeal

"Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2004 by Nintendo. It is a part of the "Classic NES" series which ports popular Nintendo Entertainment System titles to the Gameboy Advance. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The story of this title features Super Mario on a quest to save one of his many girlfriends who seem to vanish in more modern video game releases. In this game, Donkey Kong has stolen "Lady", now better known as "Pauline", from Mario's grasp and it is up to Mario to outwit the ape in aims of being reunited with Pauline. The game features three stages for the player to complete and each are similar in objective. Mario occupies the bottom of the screen and Donkey Kong rests angrily at the top. The first stage is a still image with Donkey Kong throwing barrels towards Mario. To avoid these, Mario must climb ladders and jump across platforms to make it to the top of the stage for a short reunion with Pauline. The second stage is similar in play to the first, but features moving platforms in place of still images which adds some further difficulty. The final stage features Mario on a task to hit switches. These switches weaken the bolts and joinery of the various platforms, and after all switches have been activated will send Donkey Kong to his demise. After the three stages have been completed by the player, he or she will be sent back to the first stage at a higher difficulty setting and must replay what has just been completed until all in-game lives have been used. The ultimate objective is setting a high score in a never ending cycle of the three levels. Donkey Kong offers a multiplayer mode through an optional game link cable but is not real time in play; the first player will play the game until one life has expired and the cable will transfer control to the second player.

The graphics are presented from a side view which presents the stages in their entirety. The game keeps to the original 1985 implements with blue ladders, pink platforms and a simply animated Donkey Kong. I personally enjoy the vintage look of such older arcade video games but the visuals may not appeal to younger players who are not fully familiar with such releases. The soundtrack is also very primitive in delivery but does feature smooth and well rendered "beeps", "boops" and other effects to accompany play throughout.

Overall, Donkey Kong is an excellent port of the NES classic and I would recommend it to those who were interested in the early release of the 80s. It may not reach a wide market because of this but would offer a good gaming session to the few which it does reach.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle