"Mario vs. Donkey Kong" Nintendo Switch Remake Review: Classic Reborn, Enhanced Fun

Hello, Nintendo Switch players! I'm your old friend, and a seasoned gamer with over a decade of experience. Today, I'm bringing you a review of the Nintendo Switch remake of "Mario vs. Donkey Kong." This game is not only a perfect recreation of the GBA classic, but also adds many new elements, allowing veteran players to relive the classic while also allowing new players to experience the game's unique charm.

1. "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" Game Introduction: Classic Confrontation, New Experience

"Mario vs. Donkey Kong" originally landed on the Game Boy Advance platform in 2004 and is a game that combines platform jumping and puzzle elements. In the game, Donkey Kong steals all the Mini-Mario toys produced by Mario's toy factory, and Mario needs to chase after Donkey Kong to retrieve the stolen toys. The remake retains the core gameplay of the original, while fully upgrading the graphics and sound effects, and adding a two-player cooperative mode and more friendly difficulty options, making it more in line with modern players' tastes. Considering the future release of the Nintendo Switch 2, this game's performance after the performance upgrade is also something to look forward to.

1.1 Story Background

The story still revolves around Donkey Kong stealing Mario toys. Donkey Kong is obsessed with Mario toys, but when he finds that the store is sold out, he decides to take "improper means" to obtain them. After Mario learns of this, he embarks on a journey to chase Donkey Kong, vowing to retrieve the toys. This simple plot setting allows the game to focus more on the core puzzle and platform jumping gameplay.

1.2 Core Gameplay

The gameplay can be divided into two main parts:

• Platform Jumping Levels: Mario needs to use various jumping techniques, climbing, and rolling actions to travel through the trap-filled platforms, collect keys, and open the door to the next area.
• Mini-Mario Levels: After the platform jumping levels, players need to guide a group of Mini-Mario toys safely to the finish line. These Mini-Mario toys will continue to move forward, and players need to pave the way for them and avoid obstacles by placing blocks, rotating mechanisms, etc.

1.3 Remake New Content

• Graphics Upgrade: The remake uses a brand new cartoon rendering style, the picture is more vivid and delicate, and the character modeling is more refined.
• Two-Player Cooperative Mode: The new two-player cooperative mode allows two players to play through the levels together, solve problems together, increasing the game's fun and challenge.
• Difficulty Selection: The game offers two difficulty options: Classic Mode and Casual Mode. In Casual Mode, Mario can withstand more damage and has a longer buffer time, which is suitable for novice players.
• New Worlds: The remake adds some new worlds and levels, bringing new challenges for veteran players.

2. "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" Remake Game Review: Multi-dimensional Analysis

As a seasoned gamer, I will conduct an in-depth analysis of the "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" remake from multiple dimensions, including gameplay, graphics, sound effects, story, and controls.

2.1 Gameplay (9/10)

The core fun of "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" lies in its ingenious level design. Each level is full of challenges and creativity, requiring players to flexibly use Mario's various actions and puzzle-solving skills.

• Level Design: The game's level design is excellent, cleverly blending platform jumping and puzzle elements. Each level has unique mechanisms and obstacles that require players to use their brains to pass smoothly.
• Difficulty Curve: The game's difficulty curve is reasonably designed. As the game progresses, the difficulty of the levels gradually increases, but it will not be too steep, always maintaining a moderate challenge.
• Replay Value: The game has a large number of collection elements, including hidden gifts and high score challenges, which increases the replay value of the game. Players can repeatedly challenge levels to strive for higher scores and faster completion speeds.
• Cooperative Mode: Two-player cooperative mode is a major highlight of this game. Two players need to cooperate with each other to solve problems together, increasing the game's fun and interactivity. After the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the improvement in performance may further optimize the experience of the two-player cooperative mode.

2.2 Graphics (8.5/10)

The remake has been greatly upgraded in graphics, using a brand new cartoon rendering style, making the game brand new.

• Graphics Style: The game's cartoon rendering style is very pleasing, with bright and vivid colors, and cute character designs.
• Detail Performance: The game's detail performance is also in place, such as Mario's action details and the light and shadow effects in the scene, all of which are very delicate.
• Smoothness: The game runs very smoothly, even in the Switch's handheld mode, it can maintain a stable frame rate.

2.3 Sound Effects (8/10)

The game's sound effects continue the classic melody of the original, and have been remade and optimized.

• Music: The game's music is very cheerful and pleasant, and can well set off the game atmosphere.
• Sound Effects: The game's sound effects are also excellent, and the sounds of various actions and mechanisms are very clear and realistic.

2.4 Story (7/10)

The game's plot is relatively simple, but it can well support the game's story background.

• Story Setting: The game's plot setting is light and humorous, in line with Mario's consistent style.
• Character Shaping: The character images of Mario and Donkey Kong are very classic and loved by players.

2.5 Operation Feel (9/10)

The game's controls are very smooth and comfortable, and players can easily control Mario to perform various actions.

• Button Layout: The game's button layout is reasonable and very easy to operate.
• Response Speed: The game's response speed is very fast, and every operation of the player can be fed back in time.
• Action Diversity: Mario has rich actions, including jumping, climbing, rolling, etc. Players can flexibly use these actions to overcome various difficulties.

2.6 Score Summary

Combining the performance of the above aspects, the "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" remake can get a score of 8.5/10. This game is not only a perfect recreation of the GBA classic, but also adds many new elements, allowing veteran players to relive the classic while also allowing new players to experience the game's unique charm. If you like platform jumping and puzzle games, then this "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" remake is definitely not to be missed. IGN's rating also gives a similar conclusion, you can refer to IGN Review.

3. "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" Beginner's Guide

For players who are new to "Mario vs. Donkey Kong", here are some beginner's guides that I hope will help you get familiar with the game faster.

3.1 Familiarize with Operation

• Jump: Press the A button to jump. You can increase the height of the jump by holding down the A button.
• Move: Use the direction keys or joystick to control Mario's movement.
• Climb: Press the up direction key when approaching a ladder or rope to climb.
• Roll: Press the down direction key while running to roll. Rolling can be used to avoid obstacles or pass through narrow passages.
• Handstand Jump: Press the A button while hanging to perform a handstand jump. Handstand jumps can jump to higher positions.
• Mini-Mario Guidance: In the Mini-Mario levels, you can use the touch screen (in handheld mode) or the mouse (in TV mode) to place blocks, rotate mechanisms, etc., to guide the Mini-Mario safely to the finish line.

3.2 Master Skills

• Use the Environment: There are many environmental elements that can be used in the game, such as springs, conveyor belts, and moving platforms. Being good at using these elements can pass the level faster.
• Pay Attention to Collection: There are hidden gifts in each level, and collecting these gifts can unlock additional rewards.
• Observe Enemies: Understanding the enemy's movement patterns can better avoid or defeat them.
• Flexibly Use Actions: Mastering Mario's various actions can cope with different situations. For example, pressing the direction key while jumping can fine-tune, and pressing the A button in the air can perform a double jump, etc.
• Make Good Use of the Map: Familiarizing yourself with the layout of the map can better plan your route and improve the efficiency of clearing the level.

3.3 Difficulty Selection

• Classic Mode: Classic Mode retains the difficulty of the original, which is suitable for players with certain game experience.
• Casual Mode: Casual Mode reduces the difficulty of the game, Mario can withstand more damage, and has a longer buffer time, which is suitable for novice players.

4. "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" Advanced Skills and Strategies

After mastering the basic operations, players can try some advanced skills and strategies to improve their game level.

4.1 Speedrun Skills

• Find the Shortest Route: On the basis of familiarizing yourself with the level layout, finding the shortest route can save a lot of time.
• Use Loopholes: There may be some loopholes in the game, and using these loopholes can skip some difficulties and quickly clear the level.
• Proficiently Use Actions: Proficiently using Mario's various actions, such as handstand jumps, rolls, etc., can increase movement speed.
• Backboard: Remember the layout of each level and the location of the mechanisms, you can react faster.

4.2 Hidden Element Strategy

• Find Hidden Gifts: There are hidden gifts in each level that need to be carefully searched to find. These gifts are usually hidden in hidden corners or require special skills to obtain.
• Unlock Hidden Levels: Completing specific conditions can unlock hidden levels, which are usually more difficult, but the rewards are also more generous.

4.3 Best Equipment, Skill Matching, etc.

In "Mario vs. Donkey Kong", there is no equipment and skill system. However, players can improve their operating level by constantly practicing and master Mario's various actions to better cope with the challenges in the game. Considering the potential performance improvement of the Nintendo Switch 2, there may be more mods in the future, thereby expanding the possibilities of the game.

5. "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" Recommendation Reasons and Purchase Suggestions

"Mario vs. Donkey Kong" is a Nintendo Switch game that is very worth buying, especially for the following types of players:

• Players who like platform jumping and puzzle games: This game cleverly blends platform jumping and puzzle elements, which can bring a rich game experience.
• Nostalgic GBA players: This game is a perfect recreation of the GBA classic, which can allow veteran players to relive the classic.
• Players who like cooperative games: The new two-player cooperative mode increases the game's fun and interactivity, which is suitable for playing with friends or family.
• Players who like the Mario series: This game continues the consistent style of the Mario series, which can allow players to feel the unique charm of Mario.

5.1 Purchase Suggestions for Different Budgets and Different Types of Games

• Players with Sufficient Budget: You can directly purchase the digital version or physical version of the game to experience the complete content of the game.
• Players with Limited Budget: You can pay attention to the game's discount activities and wait for a suitable time to purchase.

5.2 Game Cost Performance Analysis

"Mario vs. Donkey Kong" is reasonably priced, the game content is rich, and the replay value is high. It is a game with a high cost performance. Even considering the future release of the Nintendo Switch 2, this game is still a work worth buying.

5.3 New Game Release Information and Prediction Evaluation

Currently, there is no release information for the sequel to "Mario vs. Donkey Kong". However, considering the success of this game, I believe that Nintendo may launch more similar derivative works in the future. You can pay attention to nintendo switch2 price and nintendo switch2 first look, as well as nintendo switch2 compatibility to get the latest information.

6. Summary and Interaction

All in all, the "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" remake is a successful work. It retains the essence of the original and has been fully upgraded in terms of graphics, sound effects, and gameplay. Whether you are a veteran player or a new player, you can find fun in this game. If you are a potential user of the Nintendo Switch 2, this game will also show more powerful picture effects and fluency on the new console.

If you have any questions about the "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" remake or want to share your game experience, please leave a message in the comment area, and I will try my best to answer. You are also welcome to share this article with your friends and let more people know about this classic work.