Donkey Kong Jr. is a game for the NES. It is the second game in the original Donkey Kong games. For context, these games were more along the lines of being an arcade game. They didn’t have true endings per say and would continue the player would eventually lose. It is also noted as being the one that has Mario as the villain. Today, when Mario is mentioned, it is primarily as a hero.
For the main plot, this would follow the first game. Mario had captured Donkey Kong and had locked him up in a cage. His son, Donkey Kong Jr. must go through challenges to release his father from the clutches of Mario. While there is nothing regarding world domination, it is simply a rescue mission.
Graphically, the game itself is not that bad considering the translation from the arcade to the NES. Donkey Kong Jr. looks about the same. Obviously, it won’t be 100% the same at all but for a port, it was fine. The arcade version would look like the Super Nintendo, which would be the best comparison.
There are four levels of play. Each level requires a strategy to get through the section without dying at all. One hit and it’s a loss life. There are three lives by default. Scoring over 10,000 will guarantee an extra life.
The main difference has to do with a cut scene in the Donkey Kong Jr. game at the arcade. The NES version does not have that at all. Going to the next level is going to be the focus since there is no cut-scene.
Much like the original Donkey Kong game that came out, as you complete the cycle, it does become more challenging. The timer will increase by 1000 but there will be more hazards that will get in the way making it more difficult. Donkey Kong Jr. is a fun little game to play if you are going for the high score. Essentially, that is what the primary goal is when playing.Â
Buying the game has multiple options if you are looking for an authentic NES experience. One way is to buy the game by itself, and the other is Donkey Kong Classics which has this game and Donkey Kong as well. The Nintendo Switch has the game as well. There is the version that is for the arcade that could be purchased as part of the Arcade Archives.
