Donkey Kong was not only Nintendo’s first major blockbuster hit for the company but also heralded the launch of two of its most popular mascots: Mario (initially referred to as “Jumpman”) and Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was originally released in the arcades in 1981.
In the platform-action game Donkey Kong, Mario must navigate through four distinct industrial-themed stages (a construction zone, a cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) to rescue the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the giant gorilla before the game’s timer expires. When the pins on the last level are removed, Donkey Kong can descend, reuniting the two lovers. After that point, the classes restart with an increased level of difficulty.
A never-ending onslaught of barrels, “living” fireballs, and spring weights must be avoided by Mario as he makes his way through the level. The hammer that Mario can find gives him the ability to destroy the barrels and fireballs for a short period. Still, it is not as powerful as the hammers appearing in the series’ next game series. In addition to that, Mario has the opportunity to earn additional bonus points by locating Pauline’s hat, purse, and umbrella.
Donkey Kong is also famous for being one of the first video games to provide a whole story entirely within the game itself. The story is delivered through straightforward cutscenes that develop the plot. It is also important to note that in many adaptations of the original coin-op game for consoles and computer systems released in the early 1980s, Donkey Kong only utilized two or three of the initial levels, with the cement plant being excluded from the vast majority of the time.
