Nintendo repackaged two of its definitive arcade platformers for “Donkey Kong Classics”, a single cartridge containing the previously released NES versions of “Donkey Kong” and “Donkey Kong Junior”. “Donkey Kong”, the original Nintendo triumph, set the tone for an entire generation of platform games when released into the arcades in 1981. This genesis of a certain mushroom chomping plumber has our Italian hero climbing the structure of an unfinished skyscraper in a struggle to save his girlfriend from the clutches of a crazed simian. Frantic climbing and dodging was the order of the day with an occasional hammer bestowing a respite oft too brief. Its smash status insured that it would be summarily ported to almost every conceivable console and home computer. Fortunately, the NES is no exception. Though not the most faithful rendition of the original from a game play standpoint (that honor goes to the Commodore 64 version), the NES version looks the best. Only slight sprite differences and changes due to monitor orientation mar an admirable job of visual duplication. The sound is also very good, though not quite as precise in fidelity as the graphics. Also slightly troubling are the controls. Though accurate and responsive, they seem to demand a higher level of precision, making ladder climbing slightly more difficult than the original. Still, even this annoyance is overcome with a bit of practice. Finally, like almost every other port, the conveyor belt screen is missing from the NES version and the screens progress differently than the arcade version. These oversights are disappointing, but do not drag greatly upon a thoroughly excellent game. The first of many, many sequels and spin-offs, “Donkey Kong Junior” hit the arcades in 1982. Surprisingly, our cherished Mario plays villain to the player’s protagonist, a toddler ape seeking to free Daddy, er Donkey Kong from the cage of the vindictive plumber. Players were challenged to master a completely new method of navigating around in this platform game. Junior, slow and awkward on the ground, is quick and nimble in the vines and chains that connect the various platforms. Dodging and climbing is still the rule of the day, though the level design is somewhat more subtle and sophisticated than its predecessor. The graphics suffer from similar monitor orientation and sprite differences. Still, the overall visual presentation is quite pleasing. Sound is also excellent, doing a superb job of recreating the audio from the arcade version. Control is nearly flawless. Only a few glitches blemish this excellent port. On the first screen, Junior doesn’t seem to earn any points for leaping over snapjaws. I also witnessed a snapjaw or two disappear completely from the top platform on the screen. There was also some goofiness with the jumpboard on the second screen, leading to some frustrating deaths. I’m pleased to report that the NES version of “Donkey Kong Junior” features all four screens from the arcade version, though they play in a somewhat different order. Despite this and other glitches, “Donkey Kong Junior” is a sheer thrill to play. By themselves, either of these games would make an excellent cart destined for many evenings of fun. Together, “Donkey Kong Classics” is easily one of my favorite NES games, and comes ardently recommended.
Donkey Kong Classics is a compilation of Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Junior. Two famous arcade games now released on the NES in one package. These two titles are very fun but they don't really pack all too much value to ... Read Full Review
Donkey Kong Classics was one of the first games I managed to obtain for the Nintendo Entertainment System. I was amazed at how well it duplicated the classic arcade Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. games. The only problem... Read Full Review
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