Donkey Kong is a game that has different versions. For this review, the focus will be the Atari 2600 version. Previously, the NES version was looked at. Mario made a rare appearance outside of Nintendo. Granted, he may have had a different name known as Jumpman, he is the same character.
There are only two levels in this version. Due to the limitations of what the Atari 2600 could manage, Donkey Kong can only play two levels. For context, the levels missing are the ones with the pie factory and the other with the springs. In short, it is a short game.
Gameplay wise only has just controlling your character going from the bottom to the top on the first level. Be sure to watch out for the barrels. To do so, just simply jump over them if there is enough room of course. There are hammers in the first level and you can use it. Once completing the first level, you proceed to the last level. The last is requiring strategy and walking over platforms to create gaps.
There is no animation of Donkey Kong falling. Once the final level is complete, you repeat the cycle again. Again, this has more to do with limitations than anything.
Donkey Kong is a fun little game but there is not a lot. There may be other versions that can be better like the NES or even the Arcade. It is not a terrible game to play at all. Finding this one will be a challenge at stores. It may even be more challenging if you are attempting to play on an Atari 2600. For context, the Atari 2600 was never set up to go for modern TVs.
Your best bet is to potentially have a Retron77 system since it will work with modern TVs. The cartridge might be hard to find but it is likely to be available on Amazon or eBay. If you want a piece of gaming history, this would be one to check out.
