About Donkey Kong
In Donkey Kong, players control Mario as he attempts to rescue Princess Peach from the giant ape, Donkey Kong. The game is a platformer that requires players to navigate a series of obstacles, jump over barrels, and avoid other dangers while ascending to the top of the level to save the princess.
Developer & Publisher:
Donkey Kong was developed by Nintendo, with Shigeru Miyamoto as the director, who would later go on to create other famous franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario. The game was published by Nintendo in Japan and by Coleco in North America.
Levels:
Donkey Kong is a platformer where players control Mario (initially called Jumpman) and attempt to rescue a damsel in distress, Pauline, from the clutches of the gigantic ape, Donkey Kong. The game consists of multiple levels, each with its own unique layout and challenge. Here’s a quick breakdown of the four primary levels: The Construction Site (Level 1): Mario must climb ladders to reach Pauline, avoiding Donkey Kong’s barrels and other obstacles. The Elevator Stage (Level 2): Mario climbs a series of platforms while avoiding more obstacles and Donkey Kong’s attacks. The Spring Stage (Level 3): Moving springs act as hazards, and Mario must carefully time his jumps to avoid them while still making progress toward Donkey Kong. The Rivet Stage (Level 4): This is the final level, where Mario needs to destroy rivets that hold Donkey Kong’s platform, causing him to fall. Once players clear the final level, the game loops, with increased difficulty in the enemies’ speed and the platforms' arrangement.
High Scores:
In Donkey Kong, players earn points by jumping over or avoiding obstacles like barrels, flames, and other hazards, as well as by rescuing Pauline. Points are awarded for: Jumping over barrels. Climbing ladders to reach higher platforms. Destroying barrels with well-timed jumps. Completing each level in the shortest amount of time possible. The high score system encourages players to beat their previous records or compete against others, with many arcade players striving for the highest possible score.
Legacy:
Donkey Kong is one of the most influential games in history and played a pivotal role in establishing Nintendo as a dominant force in the video game industry. It introduced Mario, who would go on to become the face of Nintendo, and established the platforming genre that influenced countless games that followed. Donkey Kong was a commercial success and has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, including home consoles, mobile devices, and even as part of Nintendo's Virtual Console offerings. The game is often credited with bringing a sense of character-driven storytelling to arcade games. In addition to its impact on gaming, Donkey Kong became part of pop culture, being referenced in various media and inspiring numerous sequels, including Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong Country, and Super Smash Bros. The original arcade machine is considered one of the most iconic in history. The game's protagonist, Mario, became the central figure of the Super Mario franchise, and Donkey Kong, the antagonist, became a key figure in his own right, with his own series of games, such as Donkey Kong Country.