Mortal Kombat, on Sega Genesis, is the best video game ever.

I disagree, it's a very good game, but I think Donkey Kong is the best game ever.

Donkey Kong sucks.

You know something? YOU SUCK!

Donkey Kong is one of those iconic games that has become a part of our culture. From it's familiar theme music to the easily recognized level design and it's beloved characters that are popular to this day.

The game is notable for introducing the gaming world to not only Donkey Kong himself, but also to the iconic character Mario, who was then known only as "Jumpman." Mario went on to be featured in many games through the years since this game made its debut in 1981.

The game starts out simple enough, with its very familiar construction site with Mario at the bottom attempting to save his girlfriend Pauline. You dodge barrels and fireballs to make it to the top and once you do you are sent to the next level.

(I am reviewing the NES version of this game, which does not feature the conveyor belt stage.)

The game is pretty simplistic in nature, but was innovative for its times. Controls are easy as all you need to do is run, jump and avoid enemies. Sometimes making a certain jump may not go the way you want it to, but for the most part Mario does what you need him to do. There are a few items to pick up along the way which serve no real purpose other than adding bonus points to your high score.

Graphics for this version look as good as they can get for this era. DK looks like a gorilla, Mario looks like his usual self ... though Pauline may look a bit unusual for her female form.

The sound is the usual beeps and chimes that you expect from a game like this, though it does feature the oh so familiar Donkey Kong theme music which has rung though many of our childhoods.

Graphics - ***
Sound - ***
Control - ****
Fun - *****
Overall (Not an Average) - ****

Also recommended is the version of Donkey Kong that was released in 1994 for the Game Boy, which also works quite well for the Super Game Boy so it can be played on your SNES.

It starts off very familiar but then you end up going through a lot longer adventure and face many new challenges. This game along with Donkey Kong Country contributed a lot to DK's revival in the 90's.

Review by Rob Grayson