DONKEY KONG

Play Donkey Kong Online - A Classic Arcade Adventure

Welcome to Donkey Kong, the arcade classic that introduced the world to Mario and kick-started one of the most iconic franchises in video game history. Developed by Nintendo and released in 1981, Donkey Kong became a cultural phenomenon, captivating players with its challenging platform gameplay and memorable characters. In this game, you play as Mario, a carpenter who must rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of Donkey Kong, a giant barrel-throwing ape.

History of Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and marked a turning point for Nintendo, helping establish the company as a major player in the arcade gaming industry. The game was initially intended as a replacement for the unsuccessful Radar Scope arcade units. Miyamoto crafted a new story-driven arcade experience that featured unique characters and gameplay mechanics, and the result was Donkey Kong. It became one of the most influential games of its time, introducing the concept of jumping as a primary game mechanic and laying the foundation for future platformers.

How to Play Donkey Kong

In Donkey Kong, you take on the role of Mario, who must navigate through multiple levels filled with obstacles and enemies to save his girlfriend, Pauline. The goal is to climb to the top of each level while avoiding barrels, fireballs, and other hazards thrown by Donkey Kong. The game consists of four unique levels that repeat with increasing difficulty as you progress. Players must jump over or avoid obstacles, climb ladders, and use their quick reflexes to outsmart Donkey Kong and rescue Pauline.

Donkey Kong Game Rules

- **Objective**: Rescue Pauline by climbing to the top of each level while avoiding obstacles thrown by Donkey Kong.
- **Movement**: Use the arrow keys to move Mario left or right, and press the jump button to leap over barrels or gaps.
- **Barrels and Fireballs**: Donkey Kong will throw barrels down the platforms. Players must jump over or avoid these hazards.
- **Ladders**: Climb ladders to reach higher platforms. Be cautious of obstacles as you climb.
- **Points**: Gain points by jumping over barrels, collecting items, and reaching the top of the level.
- **Lives**: You start with a limited number of lives. Losing all lives will result in game over.

Tips and Tricks to Master Donkey Kong

- **Stay on the Move**: Always be aware of incoming barrels and other obstacles. Keep Mario moving to avoid getting trapped.
- **Use Ladders Wisely**: Climb ladders at the right time to avoid barrels. Wait for the right moment to minimize the risk of being hit.
- **Jump Strategically**: Time your jumps carefully, especially when dealing with barrels. Jumping too early or too late can cost you a life.
- **Collect Bonus Items**: Throughout the levels, items such as Pauline's purse, hat, and umbrella appear. Collecting these items gives you extra points.
- **Anticipate Barrel Movement**: Watch the direction in which the barrels roll. Some barrels may roll down ladders, so always be prepared to react.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Donkey Kong

1. Who is Mario in Donkey Kong?

Mario is the protagonist in Donkey Kong. He is originally introduced as a carpenter who must save his girlfriend, Pauline, from Donkey Kong. This game marked Mario's first appearance, and he would later become the face of Nintendo as the beloved plumber.

2. How many levels are in Donkey Kong?

There are four unique levels in Donkey Kong. These levels repeat with increasing difficulty as the game progresses. The levels include ramps, elevators, and conveyor belts, each presenting its own challenges.

3. How do I earn points in Donkey Kong?

You can earn points by jumping over barrels, defeating enemies, collecting bonus items, and reaching the top of each level. Collecting items such as Pauline's hat or purse adds extra points to your score.

4. What happens when I lose all my lives?

When you lose all your lives, the game is over. You can then restart and try to improve your score and progress further through the levels.

Discover More Classic Arcade Games

If you enjoy Donkey Kong, you might also love these other classic arcade games available online for free:

• Pac-Man: Navigate through the maze, eat pellets, and avoid ghosts in this iconic arcade game that defined an era of gaming.
• Moon Patrol: Drive a lunar buggy across the rugged moon surface, avoiding craters and blasting enemies in this retro side-scrolling adventure.
• Space Invaders: Defend the Earth from alien invaders in one of the first and most popular shoot 'em up games.
• Star Castle: Destroy rotating shields and take down the central cannon in this strategic arcade shooter.
• Pong: Experience the simplicity and fun of Pong, one of the earliest arcade games, where you must outscore your opponent in a classic game of virtual table tennis.
• Snake: Guide the snake to eat the food and grow longer while avoiding collisions with the walls or itself in this timeless game of strategy.
• Tetris: Arrange falling blocks to create complete lines and prevent the screen from filling up in this world-famous puzzle game.