Donkey Kong Jr.
A Surprising Role Reversal
This game was a shock to many of us. Mario, the hero who saved Pauline, was now the villain who had captured Donkey Kong! Playing as DK's son to rescue him was a brilliant twist. The gameplay, focusing on climbing vines, felt so different from the original's ladder-based action. It showed that Nintendo wasn't afraid to experiment with its own characters and formulas right from the start.
Game Details: Donkey Kong Jr.
| Release Date | July 15, 1983 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Platform | Family Computer |
| Players | 1-2 Players (alternating) |
| Original Price | 4,500 yen |
| Cartridge Size | 24 KB |
| Key People | Shigeru Miyamoto, Gunpei Yokoi |
| Significance | The only game to feature Mario in an antagonistic role, it offered a unique climbing mechanic that set it apart. |
| Trivia | In the arcade version, the sound of Donkey Kong Jr. falling from a height is a comical electronic splat, a sound etched into the memory of many players. |
| Gameplay Video |