20 Donkey Kong (1981) Facts, Gameplay Tips, Walkthrough and Quotes

“Donkey Kong” is an arcade video game released in 1981 by Nintendo. It was designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, marking his debut as a game designer. “Donkey Kong” is widely considered one of the most important and influential video games in history.

The game features the character Jumpman (later renamed Mario) as the player-controlled protagonist. The objective is to rescue Jumpman’s girlfriend, Lady (later renamed Pauline), who has been captured by the giant ape known as Donkey Kong. The game is divided into four stages or levels, known as “screens.”

Donkey Kong Facts

1. “Donkey Kong” was the first arcade game to feature Mario, who was originally known as Jumpman.
2. The game was initially intended to be a Popeye-themed game, but due to licensing issues, Nintendo created new characters, including Donkey Kong.
3. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of “Donkey Kong,” drew inspiration from various sources, including King Kong and Popeye.
4. “Donkey Kong” was developed by Nintendo and designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, marking his debut as a game designer.
5. The original arcade cabinet of “Donkey Kong” featured a unique design with colorful artwork and a distinctive shape.
6. “Donkey Kong” introduced multiple levels or screens, with players progressing through four different stages to rescue Pauline.
7. The game popularized the platforming genre and introduced gameplay mechanics such as climbing ladders, jumping over obstacles, and timing jumps.
8. The characters in “Donkey Kong” were initially unnamed in the game’s instructions. They were later given names: Jumpman became Mario, Donkey Kong remained Donkey Kong, and Lady was renamed Pauline.
9. “Donkey Kong” was a commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling arcade games of its time.
10. The game’s success helped establish Nintendo as a major player in the gaming industry and set the foundation for future Nintendo franchises.
11. “Donkey Kong” introduced the concept of cutscenes, short animated sequences that advanced the story between levels.
12. The game’s design was influenced by Miyamoto’s observations of the movement and behavior of real people, particularly the movement of construction workers.
13. “Donkey Kong” was one of the first games to feature a “kill screen,” a glitch that occurs after reaching a certain level where the game becomes unplayable.
14. “Donkey Kong” has been ported to numerous home consoles and computer platforms, allowing players to enjoy the game outside of arcades.
15. The success of “Donkey Kong” spawned multiple sequels, including “Donkey Kong Jr.” and “Donkey Kong 3.”
16. “Donkey Kong” has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, including television shows, movies, and music.
17. The character of Donkey Kong went on to become the protagonist of his own successful game franchise, starting with “Donkey Kong Country” in 1994.
18. “Donkey Kong” inspired the creation of the Game & Watch handheld game series, also developed by Nintendo.
19. In 1999, “Donkey Kong” was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
20. The enduring popularity of “Donkey Kong” led to the creation of the competitive gaming community, with players competing for high scores and speedrun records.

Donkey Kong Gameplay Tips

• Observe Donkey Kong’s Patterns: Take note of Donkey Kong’s movement patterns in each level. Understanding his behavior can help you anticipate when and where he will throw barrels.
• Time Your Jumps: Timing is crucial when jumping over barrels or other obstacles. Wait for the right moment to jump to avoid getting hit.
• Climb Ladders Cautiously: Climbing ladders is a key mechanic in “Donkey Kong.” Be careful when climbing, as enemies can move on the platforms above. Time your ascent to avoid collisions.
• Watch for Hammer Power-ups: Occasionally, you’ll come across a hammer power-up. Grab it to temporarily gain the ability to destroy barrels and enemies by swinging the hammer.
• Plan Your Route: Take a moment to assess each level before making your move. Plan your path to avoid unnecessary obstacles and maximize your chances of reaching Pauline.
• Use Rolling Barrels to Your Advantage: Rolling barrels can sometimes be used strategically. If positioned correctly, you can jump over them and let them continue rolling, clearing your path.
• Be Mindful of Fireballs: In later levels, fireballs become an additional hazard. Watch out for their movement and time your jumps accordingly.
• Pay Attention to the Rivets: In the final level, focus on removing all the rivets to defeat Donkey Kong. Keep track of which rivets you’ve hammered and which ones are left.
• Be Quick: Time is of the essence in “Donkey Kong.” Act swiftly, but also think before making your moves. Rushing can lead to mistakes.
• Learn from Mistakes: If you fail, don’t get discouraged. Analyze your mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use each attempt as a learning experience.

Donkey Kong Quotes

1. Help! Help!” – Pauline’s distress call as Donkey Kong captures her.
2. “It’s-a me, Mario!” – Mario’s iconic catchphrase when the player starts the game.
3. “Ook! Ook!” – Donkey Kong’s distinctive vocalizations heard throughout the game.
4. “Nice try!” – Announced when the player loses a life.
5. “Game Over” – Displayed when the player runs out of lives.
6. “Congratulations!” – Shown when completing a level and advancing to the next stage.
7. “Jumpman to the rescue!” – A line from the game’s promotional materials, referring to Mario’s original name.

Donkey Kong Walkthrough

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