Released in the arcades in 1981, Donkey Kong was not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marked the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out. Once the rivets are removed from the final level, Donkey Kong falls, and the two lovers are reunited. From there, the levels start over at a higher difficulty.

Along the way, Mario must dodge a constant stream of barrels, "living" fireballs, and spring-weights. Although not as powerful as in other future games, Mario can find a hammer which allows him to destroy the barrels and fireballs for a limited amount of time. Additionally, Mario can also find Pauline's hat, purse and umbrella for additional bonus points.

Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story. It should also be noted that in versions of the game for early 1980's consoles, Donkey Kong only used 2-3 of the original levels, with the cement factory usually omitted.

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Alternate Titles

"Donkey Kong-e" -- e-Reader Title
"DK" -- Common Abbreviation
"Crazy Kong" -- Donkey Kong's name in Japan
"ドンキーコング" -- Japanese Spelling

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Part of the Following Groups

Merchant	Title	Platform	Price
	Donkey Kong
	Donkey Kong	NES	$16.10
	Donkey Kong 3	NES	$3.89
	POPEYE	NES	$2.75
	Donkey Kong Jr Math	NES	$16.99
	Donkey Kong Jr	NES	$2.89
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User Reviews

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The Press Says

The Good Old Days	Aug 15, 2006	5 out of 6	83
Nintendo Land	2003	60 out of 100	60

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Trivia

Donkey Kong is referenced in the Futurama episode Anthology of Interest II. The episode consists of three shorts; one of which involves Fry asking the "what-if" machine "what if life was more like a video game." In the short, Donkey Kong is one of the aliens that invades Earth. Mario also makes an appearance as the ambassador from Italy.

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This entry was contributed by Corn Popper (62801), Trixter