Released in 1981, Donkey Kong was a groundbreaking arcade game that marked the beginning of one of the most iconic video game franchises in history. Created by Nintendo and designed by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, Donkey Kong introduced players to the world of arcade gaming with its unique blend of platforming, action, and a memorable storyline. The game was a massive success and laid the foundation for the creation of some of the most beloved characters in gaming history, including Mario (who was originally known as Jumpman in this game). This article delves into the fascinating backstory, interesting facts, secrets, and effective strategies surrounding Donkey Kong.
The Origins of Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was conceived in the early 1980s as a response to Nintendo’s desire to create a new arcade hit. At the time, Nintendo was struggling in the American market, having previously failed with games like Radar Scope. Shigeru Miyamoto, who was still a relatively unknown designer at the time, was tasked with creating a new game to help Nintendo’s American arm recover from its failures.
Miyamoto drew inspiration from popular stories and films of the time. The game was initially going to feature a pirate theme, but the design soon evolved into a more familiar scenario: a heroic carpenter (Jumpman, who would later become Mario) trying to rescue a damsel in distress (Pauline) from the clutches of a giant ape (Donkey Kong). The game’s premise of a hero navigating treacherous obstacles to save a damsel from a powerful villain quickly resonated with players and set the stage for the platforming genre.
Released in 1981, Donkey Kong was one of the first arcade games to tell a story and was highly innovative in both gameplay and design. The game was an immediate hit, becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade games of all time and solidifying Nintendo’s reputation in the gaming industry. The success of Donkey Kong also marked the beginning of what would eventually become a long-lasting and iconic franchise.
Fascinating Facts and Trivia about Donkey Kong
- The Birth of Mario: The character that would later become Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong as Jumpman. Mario’s original design was rudimentary, but as the game became a success, the character was refined and developed into the beloved plumber we know today.
- Pauline’s Role: The original Donkey Kong featured a female character named Pauline, who was kidnapped by Donkey Kong. Pauline was one of the first female video game characters in history, and although she was later overshadowed by Princess Peach in subsequent Mario games, she made a notable appearance in Super Mario Odyssey (2017) as the mayor of New Donk City.
- The First Real Villain in Video Games: Donkey Kong was not just a giant ape; he became one of the first true video game antagonists. While early arcade games featured obstacles or enemies, Donkey Kong was a character with personality and purpose, and his actions helped drive the plot forward.
- The Birth of the Platformer: Donkey Kong is often credited with popularizing the platformer genre. The game introduced key elements such as jumping, climbing ladders, and dodging obstacles, which became staples of the genre in subsequent games. The concept of vertically-scrolling stages was revolutionary at the time.
- The Famous Barrel Puzzle: One of the most iconic elements of Donkey Kong is the barrel-throwing mechanic. Donkey Kong would toss barrels at Jumpman (Mario), who would have to jump over or climb past them. This gameplay feature was highly innovative for its time and remains one of the most memorable parts of the game.
- The Original Arcade Cabinet’s Success: Donkey Kong became one of the most successful arcade games of its era, grossing more than $1 billion in revenue in the years following its release. It quickly became an arcade mainstay and helped cement Nintendo’s role as a major player in the video game industry.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
- The Hidden “Kill Screen”: Similar to Pac-Man, Donkey Kong has a “kill screen” that occurs when a player reaches the 22nd level. The game’s level design was too complex for the hardware at the time, and the screen would become impossible to navigate due to programming limitations. Players could get stuck in an endless loop, unable to continue.
- The Extended Storyline: While the original Donkey Kong arcade game was relatively simple, it had a few hidden features. One interesting quirk was the game’s looping storyline: Donkey Kong would repeatedly capture Pauline, only for Mario (Jumpman) to rescue her, creating a cyclical narrative that was unique for its time.
- A Name Confusion: The character “Donkey Kong” was chosen based on a mix of miscommunication and translation. Miyamoto wanted a name that conveyed “stubborn” or “foolish,” but when he discussed the name with an English-speaking colleague, the term “donkey” was chosen, giving us the now-iconic Donkey Kong. The word “Kong” was meant to reflect the character’s strength and size.
- Mario’s Name: Mario wasn’t originally named Mario; he was called “Jumpman.” His new name was inspired by Mario Segale, the landlord of a warehouse that Nintendo had rented in the United States. His personality and appearance helped shape the beloved character we now know.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Donkey Kong
- Plan Your Jumps Carefully: Donkey Kong is a game that requires precise timing and careful decision-making. Jumping too early or too late can result in falling into gaps or getting hit by barrels. It’s essential to plan your movements in advance, especially when climbing ladders or jumping between platforms.
- Use the Hammer Wisely: The hammer power-up in Donkey Kong is a powerful tool that allows you to smash barrels and enemies. However, it is temporary and limited, so use it strategically. Only pick it up when you’re in a difficult spot or need to clear a path, and be mindful of when it runs out.
- Focus on Barrel Patterns: Donkey Kong’s barrels tend to follow predictable patterns, making it easier for skilled players to avoid them. Pay attention to the speed and direction of the barrels and plan your movements accordingly.
- Don’t Rush: One common mistake is rushing through levels without paying attention to obstacles or enemies. Take your time to analyze the situation and anticipate where Donkey Kong will throw barrels. Patience and careful planning are key to making progress.
- Know When to Climb: The ladders in Donkey Kong play a vital role in navigating the levels. Be strategic about when you climb them, as jumping at the wrong time can lead to an unfortunate encounter with Donkey Kong’s barrels. Use ladders to avoid obstacles and find safe spots.
The Legacy and Cultural Impact of Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong holds a special place in the history of video games. As one of the first major arcade hits, it helped solidify the early days of the gaming industry and laid the groundwork for future platformers. The game’s success led to sequels like Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong 3, and eventually, the more expansive Donkey Kong Country series for the Super Nintendo.
Beyond its commercial success, Donkey Kong also had a significant cultural impact. It marked the beginning of the Mario franchise, which would go on to become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. Mario’s adventures, alongside his loyal companion Luigi, would define the gaming landscape for decades.
The legacy of Donkey Kong extends to the modern day, where the game remains a symbol of arcade gaming’s golden age. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and influence on the platforming genre have ensured its place as one of the most iconic and important video games of all time. Whether you’re rediscovering it in a retro arcade or playing a modern version, Donkey Kong continues to provide entertainment and inspiration to gamers old and new.