Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U
- Developers: Nintendo Software Technology
- Publishers: Nintendo
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (2006)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is a puzzle game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It is the sequel to Mario vs. Donkey Kong, which was released in 2004. The game was released in Japan on July 20, 2006, in North America on September 11, 2006, and in Europe on November 3, 2006.
The game’s story follows Mario as he opens a theme park called Super Mini Mario World. Donkey Kong falls in love with Pauline, and when she chooses a Mini Mario toy over his Mini DK toy, he becomes enraged and kidnaps her. Mario must navigate through the amusement park’s various levels, using Mini Marios to defeat enemies and solve puzzles in order to rescue Pauline.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 introduces several new features to the series, including a level editor that allows players to create their own maps. Players can then share their maps with others via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game also features a player-ranking system and access to special bonuses.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming visuals, challenging puzzles, and innovative level editor. However, some critics found the game to be too easy and repetitive.
Gameplay
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 is a puzzle game in which the player controls Mario as he navigates through various levels, using Mini Marios to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. The game features over 80 levels, each with its own unique challenges.
Mario can use Mini Marios to attack enemies, push blocks, and activate switches. Mini Marios can also be stacked on top of each other to create taller structures, which can be used to reach higher platforms or crush enemies.
In addition to the main story mode, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 also features a level editor that allows players to create their own maps. Players can then share their maps with others via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game also features a player-ranking system and access to special bonuses.
Development
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 was developed by Nintendo’s EAD Tokyo studio, which had also developed the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong game. The game was directed by Kensuke Tanabe, who had previously worked on the Super Mario 64 and Luigi’s Mansion games.
Tanabe wanted to create a sequel to Mario vs. Donkey Kong that would be more challenging and feature more variety than the original game. He also wanted to add new features that would take advantage of the Nintendo DS’s unique capabilities.
The development team spent a lot of time designing the game’s levels. They wanted to create levels that were challenging but also fair. They also wanted to make sure that the levels were varied and interesting, so that players would not get bored.
The development team also spent a lot of time developing the game’s level editor. They wanted to create a level editor that was easy to use but also powerful enough to allow players to create complex and challenging levels.
Reception
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming visuals, challenging puzzles, and innovative level editor. However, some critics found the game to be too easy and repetitive.
The game was a commercial success, selling over 2.8 million copies worldwide. It was the best-selling Nintendo DS game of 2006 and the fourth best-selling Nintendo DS game of all time.
Legacy
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 is considered to be one of the best puzzle games on the Nintendo DS. The game’s innovative level editor and online features have made it a popular choice for puzzle fans and Mario fans alike.
The game has been praised for its charming visuals, challenging puzzles, and innovative level editor. However, some critics have found the game to be too easy and repetitive.
Overall, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 is a solid puzzle game that is sure to please fans of the Mario franchise and puzzle fans alike. The game’s innovative level editor and online features make it a great choice for those looking for a challenging and rewarding puzzle experience.
Review Score
8.5/10