Donkey Kong , released in arcades in 1981, was a significant hit for Nintendo, introducing two popular characters: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong. In this platform-action game, Mario must navigate through four industrial-themed levels to rescue damsel in distress Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong before time runs out.
The gameplay involves dodging barrels, fireballs, and spring-weights as Mario scales the levels. With the help of a found hammer, Mario can destroy obstacles for a limited time, while collecting Pauline's hat, purse, and umbrella earns bonus points.
Donkey Kong is notable for its narrative aspect, featuring simplistic cut scenes that advance the story. However, some early conversions of the game omitted certain levels, with the cement factory being most commonly left out.