System: Game Boy
Release date: June 1994

Clamber up ladders and dodge barrels with Donkey Kong on the Game Boy, the June 1994 platformer-puzzler from Nintendo that reinvents the arcade classic into a sprawling, portable adventure. Mario’s back to rescue Pauline from that pesky ape—but does it still swing in 2025? Let’s dive in and see if this monkey business is a timeless gem or a rusty wrench.

Gameplay: Jump, Climb, and Outsmart

Donkey Kong kicks off with the iconic arcade stages before expanding into a 100-level epic across nine worlds. You guide Mario through platforming puzzles, using tight controls to jump, climb, and toss keys to unlock doors. New mechanics like switches, springs, and vine-swinging add brainy depth, while enemies—barrels, flames, and critters—keep you on your toes. Power-ups like hammers and invincibility stars spice up the action, blending arcade reflexes with clever problem-solving.

The snag? Later levels crank the difficulty with tight timing and devious traps that’ll test your patience. The controls, while sharp, can feel sluggish in hectic moments, and some stages lean heavily on trial-and-error. Still, the mix of platforming and puzzles hooks you like a barrel to the face.

Graphics: Monochrome Magic with Charm

Mario’s sprite is sprightly, with slick animations for flips, throws, and tumbles. Donkey Kong’s menacing grin and the varied worlds—from construction sites to pirate ships—burst with detail. Backgrounds like crumbling ruins or jungles use clever dithering to pop. The crisp art and cinematic cutscenes make every level a visual treat.

Sound: Catchy Chiptunes That Clang

Bouncy chiptunes remix the arcade’s classic jingles with fresh, upbeat tracks for each world. Sound effects—barrel rolls, Mario’s jumps, and DK’s roars—are punchy and nostalgic, nailing the vibe. The music loops can grate during long sessions, but the infectious energy keeps you bopping like Mario on a springboard.

Replayability: A Barrel of Challenges

With 100 stages, hidden bonus rooms, and three difficulty modes, Donkey Kong begs for replays to perfect scores or speed through levels. Unlocking secrets and mastering tricky puzzles add depth, while the portable format suits quick bursts or marathon runs. The steep difficulty might frustrate casual players, but the bite-sized stages and tight design keep you coming back like a monkey to a banana stash.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Donkey Kong on the Game Boy is a brilliant reimagining that transforms an arcade icon into a puzzling, platforming masterpiece. Its clever levels, charming visuals, and catchy tunes shine bright, even if the tough spots and occasional control niggles sting like a tossed wrench.