Game

Donkey Kong

1981 · Arcade · Platform · Arcade

72IGDB player score
216 ratings

Previously Take

That 72 average hides a game its 216 fans would defend to the death. Platformer fundamentals, from Nintendo, done right. Sometimes that's plenty. Best experienced alone, preferably with nowhere to be.

About this game

Donkey Kong is not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marks the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong. The game is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out. Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story.

Donkey Kong has kidnapped the beautiful Lady and taken her to a dangerous construction site. Mario must climb to the top of the construction site and rescue Lady from the giant ape.