Donkey Kong is the legendary 1981 arcade platformer by Nintendo that introduced the world to both Mario (originally known as Jumpman) and the titular barrel-throwing ape. You must navigate a series of hazardous construction sites, dodging obstacles and climbing ladders to rescue Pauline. As one of the earliest games to define the platforming genre, it combines precise jumping mechanics with intense, score-driven arcade action.
How to play
Use the arrow keys to move left and right, or to climb up and down the ladders. Press the Z or X key to jump over barrels, fireballs, and springboards. Use Shift to insert a coin and Enter to start. Your objective on each screen is to reach the top level where Pauline is held. Grabbing a hammer allows you to smash incoming hazards for bonus points, but be carefulโyou cannot jump or climb ladders while wielding it.
Tips
- When jumping over barrels on the girders, steer your jump slightly against the barrel’s direction to clear it safely without colliding.
- The hammer is powerful but temporary; plan your path so you aren’t left stranded and defenseless when it runs out.
- On the final “rivets” stage, you must run over all the yellow plugs on the floors to collapse the structure and defeat Donkey Kong.
Leave a Comment / Review: