In our last review of a Mario remake game, we talked about the remake of Super Mario RPG, released at the end of 2023, and how it stood out as a reimagining of an already consolidated classic, managing to be faithful to the original content while bringing in new elements. You can even read the text here on Gamohol.

In this article, I’m going to talk about a game from a franchise that isn’t as consolidated as the Mario franchise, but is also a spin-off and includes two of the main characters in Nintendo’s history: Mario and Donkey Kong, returning to certain roots in Mario vs Donkey Kong, in its remake for Nintendo Switch, released on February 16, 2024.

Classic gameplay mixed with puzzles

Way back in 1981, the game Donkey Kong was released on the Arcade and featured Nintendo’s gorilla as the villain, capturing Pauline (not to be confused with Princess Peach) who had to be rescued by Jumpman, a character who is very reminiscent of our mustached plumber and who was the very origin of Mario.

Now, returning to the review of the day, Mario vs Donkey Kong mixes a bit of this classic gameplay in a very puzzle-platform game, where Donkey Kong has broken into Mario’s toy factory and stolen all the Mario Toys, as well as some presents and other things. The sad thing is that he only wanted to buy one Mario Toy, but the stock had run out… So now it’s Mario’s job to rescue the Mario Toys as well as the other collectibles.

There are six stages in each world with two sections per stage and, when you finish all six stages, a seventh stage is unlocked, where in the first part you have to advance together with the rescued Mario Toys and in the second part you have to face a boss (in other words, Donkey Kong himself).

New things for Mario vs Donkey Kong – Remake

In the original version of the game, for Game Boy Advance, the game has 6 worlds in the traditional campaign, while in this new version the game has 8 worlds and some new mechanics. In other words, an expansion compared to the original game.

The gameplay is a lot of fun and it also has a 2-player system, as well as a more accessible difficulty mode probably for kids (and you can switch between the difficulties at any time during the gameplay).

This game has a lot of charisma and features two well-known characters from Nintendo’s history, making it very interesting to livestream. The public will be interested because it’s a franchise that not everyone may have heard of and, for those who have played the original game, to see what’s new and different.

To complete the main campaign, the game lasts between 5 and 7 hours (maybe less), while the stages and extra content can last 15 or more hours of gameplay. This game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch and the big obstacle to bringing it to livestream, at first, may be the price, but it’s surprising how much more fun it is when you experience, play and engage with the stages.

Mario vs Donkey Kong – Remake

Nintendo Switch (2024)

Performance

Streamability

Audience Engagement

Replayability

Summary

Mario vs Donkey Kong, in its remake, improves a lot on the original, bringing new content, mechanics and stages. Despite this, the game doesn’t have as much content for the price it’s offered for. Even so, this doesn’t undermine the game’s quality, care and amount of detail, making it an excellent Mario and Donkey Kong spin-off that brings the origins of the two characters back to Nintendo’s current console. It’s a good game and even though it doesn’t have a huge amount of content, it’s practically guaranteed to be a hit on a livestream.

4.3

NINTENDO ESHOP

Ludovicoluka

I have 25 years, I produce content to internet for 4 years and I like retro games, indies and I’m an enthusiast for new launches. I have as my favorite games Donkey Kong Country 2, Super Mario World, Hollow Knight and Red Dead Redemption II, per example. I like to experiment everything and the more, the better, but I never get sick of my comfort games!