Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Ikegami Tsushinki, Nintendo
- Publishers: Nintendo
Donkey Kong (1981): The Birth of a Legend
Donkey Kong, released in 1981, is not only Nintendo’s first major arcade hit, but it also marks the debut of two of the company’s most iconic mascots: Mario (originally known as Jumpman) and Donkey Kong himself. The game is a simple yet addictive platformer that has Mario scaling four different industrial-themed levels in an attempt to rescue the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the clutches of the giant ape, Donkey Kong.
Donkey Kong is notable for a number of reasons. First, it was one of the first video games to feature a complete narrative, told through simple cutscenes that advance the story. This was a major innovation at the time, and it helped to set Donkey Kong apart from other arcade games.
Second, Donkey Kong introduced a number of gameplay elements that would become staples of the platforming genre. These include the use of ladders, elevators, and conveyor belts to navigate the environment, as well as the ability to jump on enemies to defeat them.
Third, Donkey Kong’s graphics and sound were cutting-edge for their time. The game’s vibrant colors and detailed sprites were a major departure from the simplistic graphics of earlier arcade games. The game’s music is also catchy and memorable, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Donkey Kong was a massive success upon its release, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of all time. The game’s success helped to launch Nintendo into the forefront of the video game industry, and it paved the way for the creation of some of the most beloved video game franchises in history.
Gameplay
Donkey Kong is a simple yet challenging platformer. The player controls Mario as he climbs four different levels of a construction site, avoiding obstacles and defeating enemies in order to rescue Pauline.
The first level is a construction zone, where Mario must climb ladders and jump over barrels to reach the top. The second level is a cement factory, where Mario must navigate conveyor belts and avoid falling into the cement below. The third level is an elevator-themed level, where Mario must ride elevators to reach the top. The fourth and final level is a girder maze, where Mario must remove rivets from girders in order to reach Pauline.
Each level is timed, and Mario must reach the top before the timer runs out. If Mario runs out of time, he loses a life. Mario can also lose a life by falling off the screen, being hit by an enemy, or being crushed by a barrel.
Mario has a number of abilities that he can use to navigate the levels and defeat enemies. He can jump, climb ladders, and use a hammer to break barrels and defeat enemies. Mario can also pick up items, such as umbrellas and fireballs, that can help him to progress through the levels.
Development
Donkey Kong was developed by Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Miyamoto was inspired to create the game after seeing the 1980 film King Kong. He wanted to create a game that was similar to King Kong, but with a more lighthearted tone.
Miyamoto originally envisioned Donkey Kong as a pinball game, but he eventually decided to make it a platformer. He wanted to create a game that was challenging but also accessible to players of all skill levels.
Donkey Kong was developed in just six months. Miyamoto and his team worked tirelessly to create a game that was both fun and addictive. The game’s simple yet challenging gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music all contributed to its success.
Legacy
Donkey Kong is one of the most important video games of all time. It was one of the first games to feature a complete narrative, and it introduced a number of gameplay elements that would become staples of the platforming genre. The game’s success helped to launch Nintendo into the forefront of the video game industry, and it paved the way for the creation of some of the most beloved video game franchises in history.
Donkey Kong has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular with gamers today. The game has also been adapted into a number of other media, including a television show, a film, and a comic book series.
Donkey Kong is a true classic that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple yet challenging gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music continue to entertain players today. Donkey Kong is a must-play for any fan of video games.
Additional Information
- Donkey Kong was originally going to be called “Monkey Kong”, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with the King Kong film.
- The character of Mario was originally called “Jumpman”. His name was changed to Mario in honor of Nintendo of America warehouse manager Mario Segale.
- Donkey Kong is the first video game to feature a female protagonist, Pauline.
- Donkey Kong was a huge commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.
- Donkey Kong has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Wii.
- Donkey Kong has been adapted into a number of other media, including a television show, a film, and a comic book
Review Score
9/10
