DOUBLE DUTY
DONKEY KONG CLASSICS
DEVELOPER: NINTENDO EAD
RELEASE: 1988
◼ As one of the most popular arcade games of the early Eighties, Donkey Kong’s home releases were a big deal for licensees Coleco and Atari. But Donkey Kong is a Nintendo property and we’re going to focus on the Nintendo console releases here to keep things simple – and this is the most cost-effective way to enjoy some classic Donkey Kong on real 8-bit Nintendo hardware.
Donkey Kong Classics doesn’t just contain the original platform hit, but its sequel Donkey Kong Jr in which the titular protagonist goes on a mission to rescue his dear old dad from that dastardly Mario. The games aren’t quite perfect – Donkey Kong is notably missing the cement factory stage from the arcade game – but they are good fun. These versions are among the most accurate contemporary home versions of the games, too.
The cartridge comes in a distinct orange box and while it’s not the cheapest NES game you’ll find, your partner isn’t likely to go ape over budgets if you unexpectedly grab it.
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
DONKEY KONG JR MATH
DEVELOPER: NINTENDO R&D2/SRD CO
1983
