Donkey Kong (GB)

Donkey Kong (GB), released for the Game Boy and compatible with the Game Boy Color, is a unique puzzle-platformer that significantly deviates from the original arcade classic. The game begins with the familiar scenario: Donkey Kong kidnaps Pauline, and Mario must pursue him to rescue her. However, after the initial four stages that faithfully recreate the classic arcade screens, the game expands into a vast new world featuring a total of 101 stages spread across nine distinct worlds.

The gameplay of Donkey Kong (GB) heavily emphasizes puzzle-solving and Mario's expanded movement capabilities. Mario isn't just about running and jumping; he possesses an impressively versatile set of skills. Players can control Mario to perform actions such as handstand jumps to reach greater heights, grabbing and throwing objects like barrels, blocks, or even stunned enemies. The most crucial ability is Mario's capacity to pick up keys and carry them to locked doors to progress to the next stage.

Each stage presents a distinct challenge, requiring players to strategically think about the correct path. Obstacles include various enemies, traps, moving platforms, and switches that need to be activated. The primary objective in most stages is to locate the key and bring it to the corresponding locked door while avoiding or dispatching enemies. Once Mario touches the key, it attaches to his back, and he must carry it to the door. If Mario is hit while holding the key, it will drop, and he must retrieve it.

After every few stages, Mario will confront Donkey Kong in a mini-boss battle. In these encounters, Donkey Kong typically throws barrels or other projectiles, and Mario must utilize the environment or provided items to retaliate or evade until Donkey Kong is defeated and flees, leading to the next world. This blend of fast-paced platforming action and clever puzzle-solving made Donkey Kong (GB) a highly acclaimed and classic title on the Game Boy system.