Donkey Kong

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Atari 1988 (Atari 2600 - US, Action & Adventure)

Other Editions:

Base Game

Canadian

Coleco

Developed_By:

Coleco

Published_By:

Atari

Released On:

01 Jan 1988

Released in arcades in 1981, Donkey Kong was not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company but marked the introduction of two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong. This platform-action game has Mario scale four different industrial-themed levels - construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders - in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out.

Once the rivets are removed from the final level, Donkey Kong falls, and the two lovers are reunited. From there, the levels start over at a higher difficulty. Along the way, Mario must dodge a constant stream of barrels, "living" fireballs, and spring-weights. Although not as powerful as in other future games, Mario can find a hammer which allows him to destroy the barrels and fireballs for a limited amount of time. Additionally, Mario can also find Pauline's hat, purse, and umbrella for additional bonus points.

Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story. It should also be noted that in many conversions of the original coin-op game for early 1980's consoles and computer systems, Donkey Kong only used two or three of the original levels, with the cement factory most often omitted.

The gameplay of Donkey Kong is simple yet addictive. The player controls Mario as he navigates through the four industrial-themed levels, collecting coins and avoiding obstacles while trying to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong. With its challenging level design and addictive gameplay, Donkey Kong remains a classic of the platformer genre.

Donkey Kong , released on the Atari 2600 in 1988, is an action & adventure game that has stood the test of time. Its combination of challenging level design and addictive gameplay makes it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Donkey Kong

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