Mario vs. Donkey Kong's 2024 remake introduces a duo of new worlds and bosses into the mix. These fresh confrontations not only seamlessly blend with the original battles but also introduce unique elements that enrich the Mario vs. Donkey Kong experience.
Being a Game Boy Advance release, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is relatively short. To enhance its value, Nintendo included additional content in the remake. Two new worlds were added, each receiving a post-game '+' version. The first, Merry Mini-Land, features a circus theme with teleporter blocks and gusts of wind. The second, Slippery Summit, set in an icy terrain, utilizes altered physics to present sliding-based puzzles.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong's Revamped Boss Fights
Mario's adventures are not often centered around boss battles, but Mario vs. Donkey Kong breaks that trend with its intriguing bosses. By blending world mechanics into clashes with DK, each battle offers a unique experience while adhering to a consistent formula. These boss fights introduce a twist by granting DK four hit points instead of the usual three, adding an extra layer of challenge compared to typical Mario encounters. The new boss fights accompanying the remake's additional worlds continue this trend by incorporating world mechanics into engaging and challenging battles. One of them even diverges into a new direction, offering both difficulty and enjoyment.
Merry Mini-Land's Boss Encounter Fits Perfectly
As players delve into Merry Mini-Land, the initial new world in Mario vs. Donkey Kong, they are greeted by a circus-themed amusement park featuring innovative mechanics, including directional wind gusts. These gusts can propel Mario vertically, horizontally, or downwards based on their orientation. Color-coded and controlled by active color switches, the gusts play a key role in the DK battle within this world. DK is positioned on a small platform above left and right platforms, using color-switching buttons similar to those in the Spooky House and Toy Factory worlds. Amid throwing spiky barrels at Mario, DK manipulates the wind gusts, the primary means for Mario to reach him.
The variability of wind gusts adds depth to the encounter. DK's manipulation of gusts can disrupt Mario's attacks or impede his approach. However, astute players can leverage gusts to suspend projectiles. Although suspended items cannot be collected, they will drift towards DK if the correct gust is active, hitting him in the process. This mechanic taps into the puzzle-solving essence of Mario vs. Donkey Kong, rewarding savvy players who have honed their skills through previous levels by enabling them to utilize hazards to their advantage.
Challenge Escalates in Slippery Summit's Showdown with DK
Slippery Summit emphasizes the platforming aspect of Mario vs. Donkey Kong, delivering one of the toughest DK battles in the game. DK hurls spiky barrels across various ice platforms, intermittently launching regular barrels that can be thrown back at him. Simultaneously, he changes positions to target different levels with his barrel throws while releasing ice projectiles from above.
This intense skirmish between Mario and Donkey Kong tests players' mastery of Slippery Summit's icy physics, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience. It's a fast-paced duel where Mario must maintain control on the slippery surfaces and grab barrels swiftly before DK destroys them.