Mario vs. Donkey Kongadds two new worlds to the original, both of which bring some fun mechanics. The first ofMario vs. Donkey Kong’s exclusive worlds, interestingly, goes the extra mile to referenceSuper Mario 3D World.
The game does a lot to bump up the original’s content. In particular,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s new worlds bring a significant level increase. Slippery Summit is a traditional ice world, a staple ofMariotitles, brought into the game’s fold. On the other hand, Merry Mini-Land takes cues from circuses and amusement parks, creating a world that’s something of a unique theme for aMariogame.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2024’s Merry Mini-Land Gives Super Mario 3D World The Respect It Deserves
Another clear source of inspiration for Merry Mini-Land (and some aspects of the whole game, in fact) isSuper Mario 3D World. Sometimesovershadowed bySuper Mario Odysseyand what that title represents,3D Worldwas a shift away from open-world exploration on mainline hardware, leading to many favoringOdyssey. Nonetheless, its fantastic course design, brilliant soundtrack, and fun thematic pulls deserve recognition—and it’s great to seeMario vs. Donkey Kongkeep its impact alive.
Merry Mini-Land Runs With 3D World’s Funland Theme
Whilst Slippery Summits adds atraditional world type toMario vs. Donkey Kong, Merry Mini-Land is themed around an amusement park with some additional bits of circus flavoring. These exact aspects are all over3D World, with bosses and areas taking cues from this idea. The end of the game even takes place in a similar place to Merry Mini-Land, albeit taken to the nth degree. World Bowser is glossed up with neon lights; a rollercoaster runs sprawling across the locale whilst a Ferris Wheel spins in the background. Both World Bowser and Merry Mini-Land are united in having this shared theme.
In addition,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s new coat of remake paint isresonant withSuper Mario 3D World. Though similar to theNewseries of Mario platformers, theslight2.5D aspects and more well-rounded design are derived from3D World. The plastic and metal sheens given to the mechanical redesigns of classic foes—such as boos, thwomps, shy guys, and piranha plants—also take notes from the more toy-like aesthetics found in many parts of3D World.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Takes Warp Boxes And Runs With Them
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s new worldscome with new mechanics, including one lifted from3D World. Warp boxes are small boxes that function near-identically to warp pipes, teleporting Mario to a different area in the level upon his entering one.3D Worldexpands on them greatly, including a new locked form of the box that requires key coins to open it.
Taking this idea from3D Worldand3D Land,Mario vs. Donkey Kongincorporates these gameswhilst doing them one better. Rather than locking them down or having them lead to bonus rooms, Merry Mini-Land’s warp boxes are attached to color switches and brought into puzzles. Objects can be carried through them, allowing throwable parts to be taken into areas otherwise gated by ladders or other barriers. Bringing them into the puzzle fold is a great way to uplift this mechanic beyond just being a pseudo-warp pipe.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
WHERE TO PLAY
The rivalry reignites! Donkey Kong has stolen all the Mini-Mario toys from the factory, and it’s up to Mario to get them back! Run, jump, and backflip your way to retrieving them across over 130 levels in this puzzle-style twist on classic platforming action. The rivalry that originally heated up on the Game Boy™ Advance system returns on the Nintendo Switch™ system with newly added co-op play, brand-new worlds, updated music and visuals, and other new ways to play.Put your brain to work and figure out the best way to reach the Mini-Mario toys in puzzle-platforming challenges across eight distinct worlds. Watch for enemies, dodge hazards, and use the tools scattered around. See if you can earn a Perfect rating on each level!
