Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kongis a fun but pretty unexceptional remake of a 2004 GBA title. However, one of the game’s worlds, a take on the franchise’s ghost houses, is done better inMario vs. Donkey Kongthan it is in most of the plumber’s games.
Introduced inSuper Mario World, ghost houses are special levels that have consisted throughout most Mario titles. These haunted mansions are known for their invincible Boo enemies as well as their many twists and turns. They’re often filled with false entrances and exits, effectively functioning as miniature mazes. Elements of the stage will change or move in strange ways, and the true path forward will often be hidden. These levels take much more brainpower than one of Mario’s average obstacle courses.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Does Ghost Houses Right
WhileMario’s ghost houses are iconic, and their tricky gameplay should remain in future titles, they have been known to go too far in some cases. Some of the first ghost houses inSuper Mario Worldwere a little too cumbersome, for instance, but the harshest example is arguably fromSuper Mario 3D World. The level ‘Shiftier Boo Mansion’ is perhaps the game’s most infamous stage outside ‘Champion’s Road’, featuring an extraordinarily well-hidden true exit that will leave gamers scratching their head for hours. Luckily,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s Spooky House world avoids the worst of these tropes, instead introducing some excellent stages that don’t overstay their welcome.
Spooky House Respects The Player’s Time
Rather than being a result of theMario vs. Donkey Kong’s remake and its polish, Spooky House was a world in the original game. It benefits hugely from the format established by the original. With speedy levels, mostly confined to two sequential screens,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s take on ghost houses is refreshing in how it doesn’t take up time with false entrances and exits. The world’s levels are as straightforward as those in any other, relying instead on mechanics to carry the theme.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s Ghost Houses Maintain Their Identity
Instead of relying on ghostly tricks,Mario vs. Donkey Konguses classic enemiesand unique foes to create a haunted vibe. Naturally, Boos are present, and are far more effective thanks to the small level size of the game. A single Boo can really chase the player down in a level, rather than being outpaced and left behind as the player moves on. Thwomps are also present, which fit perfectly into the theme considering that they’re essentially possessed constructs.
The unique enemies are where the mechanics shine, however. Sir Shovalots are small robots that look like haunted suits of armor, a staple of ghostly manors. These foes charge Mario on sight but don’t harm him, instead shoving him with their shields. This is deadly if the player allows themselves to be squished or pushed into spikes, but they’re a handy way to traverse 1-block wide gaps by crouching whilst being pushed. Ghostly Shy Guys are another on-brand enemy thathelps outMario vs. Donkey Kong’s puzzles. They’re color coded enemies that become solid blocks which the player can stand on should their respective switch be stepped on. These Shy Guys make for some fun timing puzzles that can let those with precise platforming skills flourish.
Spooky House’s Mechanics Make For A Great Boss
In a world of haunted houses, Spooky House’sboss fight with Donkey Kongis suitably thematic. It relies on the color-coded Shy Guy ghosts, but instead of turning into solid blocks when DK activates a color switch, they turn into a regular Shy Guy that can be thrown at the ape. It’s a quick fight but a solid brawl, with timing and platforming skills required to beat it without getting hit.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
WHERE TO PLAY
The rivalry reignites! Donkey Kong has stolen all the Mini-Mario toys from the factory, and it’s up to Mario to get them back! Run, jump, and backflip your way to retrieving them across over 130 levels in this puzzle-style twist on classic platforming action. The rivalry that originally heated up on the Game Boy™ Advance system returns on the Nintendo Switch™ system with newly added co-op play, brand-new worlds, updated music and visuals, and other new ways to play.Put your brain to work and figure out the best way to reach the Mini-Mario toys in puzzle-platforming challenges across eight distinct worlds. Watch for enemies, dodge hazards, and use the tools scattered around. See if you can earn a Perfect rating on each level!
