NES Game Reviews #15 – Donkey Kong Jr
With the success of its predecessor, Donkey Kong, Nintendo knew a sequel was essential. DK Jr took much of the gameplay that made the first a smash and twisted it around to create a new yet familiar experience.
Perhaps the biggest difference in Donkey Kong Jr vs Donkey Kong is that this time, Mario (known as Jumpman still), is in fact the villain of the piece. Instead of saving Pauline from Donkey Kong, you control Donkey Kong Jr (better known simply as Donkey Kong on Super Nintendo), and must save your dear pa (the villain of the first game) from the clutches of Mario. It’s a nice touch to spin on the way heroism is portrayed and credit to Nintendo for a fresh approach.
Graphically the game is very much the same as Donkey Kong, but the game play influence is on climbing rather than jumping. Also like the first Kong, the game is very short and very easy, at least to make it to the first loop.
Highly enjoyable even if Donkey Kong Jr is a very short experience. Of course playing for points is a different matter.
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