Twenty years before it became a challenge to track down certain Mario toys in the form of amiibo, Nintendo made a Game Boy Advance game about the challenge of tracking down certain Mario toys in the form of wind-up Mini-Marios. That game was Mario vs. Donkey Kong, a puzzle-platformer that portrayed the popular plumber pursuing the barrel-heaving ape through a series of trap-filled levels, grabbing as many Mini-Mario toys as he could get his hands on along the way. Now the 2004 original has been remade for the Nintendo Switch, complete with a couple of new worlds, additional modes, and a significant visual makeover. It may still be fairly brief and light on challenge for the most part, but nonetheless I found retrieving the Mario Toy Company’s stolen stock against the pressure of a ticking clock to be a mostly engaging endeavour.
Yes, you read that right: in addition to being a plumber, a go-kart racer, an athlete across several different sports, and even a pill-slinging doctor, Mario is apparently also the head of his own toy company. Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch brings back the classic puzzle-platforming action with some new elements to keep fans engaged. With additional modes and a visual overhaul, the 2004 original has been revitalized for a new generation of gamers.
The game, originally released for the Game Boy Advance, now makes a comeback on the Nintendo Switch, offering players the chance to once again join Mario in his quest to recover the stolen Mini-Mario toys. The game features new worlds and modes, providing an enhanced gaming experience while retaining the essence of the original puzzle-platformer. The updated visual design adds a fresh look to the classic game, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
While the game may still maintain its brevity and relatively low level of difficulty, the thrill of rescuing the Mario Toy Company’s merchandise against the backdrop of a ticking clock remains a captivating pursuit. The remake introduces new challenges and levels, injecting a sense of novelty into the familiar gameplay. Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch offers a nostalgic yet rejuvenated experience for players of all ages.
