Mario vs. Donkey Kong stands out in Nintendo's trend of reviving older titles, a common practice since the introduction of the Switch. By resurrecting the 2004 GBA gem, the game not only pays tribute to Nintendo's legacy but does so in a more compelling manner.
Nintendo has a penchant for revamping classic games, evident in Switch remakes of Super Mario RPG, Link's Awakening, and Metroid Prime. Additionally, the company's remasters, ports, and flagship titles often reference their predecessors. Mario Odyssey features retro platforming segments and a recreation of Peach's castle from Super Mario 64, while Super Mario 3D World includes an NES Mario Bros. with a Luigi twist, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder incorporates musical nods to Super Mario World and a reimagined bonus stage from Super Mario Bros. 3.
Reimagining Classic Mario Elements
Nintendo's homage to its past peaked with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was laden with Easter eggs, from a Mario-themed soundtrack to obscure franchise references. However, the recent influx of nostalgic nods in Mario games risks becoming overly self-congratulatory. While many titles celebrate Mario's history, Mario vs. Donkey Kong manages to refresh the past more innovatively than its counterparts.
A Modern Take on Donkey Kong Classics
The foundational Donkey Kong arcade games inspired Mario vs. Donkey Kong to reimagine their formula in a new light. Set in urban, jungle, and iconic Mario settings, the game incorporates classic elements like limited jumps, the hammer power-up, fire and barrel obstacles, and rope mechanics from Donkey Kong Jr. Even the boss battles with Donkey Kong feature a revamped version of the original game's theme.
Unlike typical Easter eggs, Mario vs. Donkey Kong integrates old Donkey Kong mechanics into a fresh experience, blending platforming with puzzles. While the game retains the short, parkour-style levels of the original, it elevates the platforming challenges and introduces puzzle sections, evolving the concept of solving single-screen levels from classic Donkey Kong games.
Mixing Modern Mario with Classic Appeal
The 2004 GBA release laid the groundwork for Mario vs. Donkey Kong's transformation. The remake not only enhances the visuals but also introduces substantial new content. The addition of Slippery Summit and Merry Mini-Land seamlessly integrates with the original game's design ethos, offering enjoyable new puzzles.
Furthermore, the remake cleverly references modern games through its platforming elements. Merry Mini-Land incorporates a mechanic from 3D World—teleportation boxes—but with a twist. Unlike their original purpose of character transportation, these boxes now pose challenging puzzles, requiring strategic thinking from players. By incorporating color-switching puzzles, the game deepens its complexity and enriches the puzzle-solving experience.