Donkey Kong

aka: Donkey Kong '94
Moby ID: 5547
Game Boy Specs
Note: We may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made via eBay or Amazon links (prices updated 3/26 3:12 PM )
See Also

Description official descriptions

The big ape has returned in this update of the classic Nintendo arcade game. Although at first it appears to be just a port, the familiar levels from the arcade game are just a prelude to the real platform jumping adventure. Instead of rescuing Pauline at the end of the fourth level, Donkey Kong makes off with her once again!

There are 96 levels spread out over 12 worlds. These levels are much more complex than the originals, featuring scrolling backgrounds, numerous objects to collect, and enemies to avoid. Along the way, you will encounter several "boss" style battles with Donkey Kong, as well.

Spellings

  • ドンキーコング - Japanese spelling

Groups +

Screenshots

Promos

Credits (Game Boy version)

17 People (16 developers, 1 thanks)

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 87% (based on 30 ratings)

Players

Average score: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 59 ratings with 1 reviews)

A Donkey Kong fans Mini-dream

The Good
Donkey Kong on the Game Boy (AKA Donkey Kong '94) is an overlooked game in my opinion, not many people heard about it. The many people that never heard of it, need to get at least an emulator and play through this remake of the 1981 Arcade classic released by Nintendo. It does include 4 of the original maps, but also includes a whopping 97 additional stages, spanning 9 worlds, bringing the stage total to 101!

The enhanced graphics for this GB version are, of course, mediocre in this day and age, but back then, they were top-notch, gaining acclaim for not only the graphics, but the music, the gameplay, and the additional moves (Handstand, Handstand Jump, A back handspring)

The objectives are simple, yet a fun addition. after getting to the top of the first 4 stages, it turns into multi-world adventure, where Mario has to collect a key, to progress on to the next stage. The key gets harder to collect as stages go on. The game focuses on Action/Puzzle concepts, Mario uses mechanical bridges and ladders, items to pick up and throw, switches to flip and more. At the half-way point, Mario faces D.K. as a mini-boss, and at the end of each world, Mario faces D.K. again in a boss fight.

The Bad
Not really much to complain about in this game, honestly? I cannot think of anything to complain about.

The Bottom Line
Donkey Kong, an Action/Puzzle game released in 1994 for the original Game Boy, pits Mario against Donkey Kong in a 9 World, 101 Stage fight for Mario's girlfriend, Pauline. Mario must use different items, and many techniques to defeat his old nemesis. If you are a fan of the original, then this remake will quench your thirst. With over 100 stages, and a slathering of challenging puzzle-like environments, it's not hard to see, that this game will truly appeal to puzzle and action game enthusiasts.

Game Boy · by Crazy Horse (10) · 2008

Trivia

Super Game Boy

This was the first Game Boy game specially adapted for Super Game Boy. When played on the Super Game Boy, Pauline can be heard shrieking out "HELP! HELP!" during the game, instead of a Game Boy sound effect that's supposed to resemble a scream.

Awards

  • Electronic Gaming Monthly
    • August 1994 (issue 61) - Game of the Month
    • 1995 Buyer's Guide - Game Boy Game of the Year
    • November 1997 (Issue 100) - ranked #67 (Best 100 Games of All Time)
  • Game Players
    • January 1995 - Best Game Boy Game in 1994
  • VideoGames
    • March 1995 - Best Game Boy Game of 1994

Information also contributed by Ben K and Big John WV.

Analytics

MobyPro Early Access

Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings!

Related Games

Donkey Kong Junior
Released 1983 on NES, 1983 on Atari 2600, 2002 on Game Boy Advance...
Donkey Kong 3
Released 1984 on NES, Game Boy Advance, 2008 on Wii...
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Released 2014 on Wii U, 2018 on Nintendo Switch
Donkey Kong Country
Released 1994 on SNES, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance...
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
Released 2007 on Wii
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Released 2013 on Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Land III
Released 1997 on Game Boy, 2000 on Game Boy Color, 2014 on Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Land 2
Released 1996 on Game Boy, 2014 on Nintendo 3DS
Donkey Kong Jr. Math
Released 1983 on NES, 2007 on Wii, 2014 on Wii U

Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 5547
  • [ Please login / register to view all identifiers ]

Contribute

Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.

Contributors to this Entry

Game added by quizzley7.

Nintendo 3DS added by Joshua J. Slone.

Additional contributors: Joshua J. Slone, Alaka, gamewarrior, Patrick Bregger.

Game added January 3, 2002. Last modified October 13, 2023.