The game begins with DK watching television and seeing a commercial for the cute new Mini-Mario toys. He heads out to the local stores only to find out the toys are so popular that everyone is sold out. Not the patient type, DK runs straight to the factory to take a bunch of the wind-up action figures for his private collection. Mario shows up just in time to see the big ape running off with the goods and runs after him to recover the toys. Thus begins this new adventure.

Each level in Mario vs. Donkey Kong is laid out in the same fashion. The first part of the world harbors a key that must be found and carried to the locked door. Passing through the door will open up the second part of the stage where Mario will have to locate and nab the Mini-Mario action figure. Each stage is filled with obstacles and enemies that will impede Mario’s progress. Most levels will have colored switches that will change the level layout. At first it’s very easy to locate the key, pick it up, and deliver it to the door. Later levels in the game become much more devious and require some serious thinking to get the key to the door in time. Not only is there a time limit, but there’s also a countdown for how long you can set the key down for. See, sometimes it’s necessary to pick up the key and set it down to change a switch or whatever, and if you don’t get back to the key before the countdown hits zero, the key will disappear and warp back to it’s starting point. Presents are scattered throughout each stage that can be collected for points and to open up the bonus levels that will offer free 1-Ups to the victor. Points are awarded after each stage completion based on the amount of enemies killed, items collected, and time remaining. Beating the predetermined high score for that level earns you a star and collecting all the stars will open up the expert levels.

As the game progresses, more items and special moves are introduced into the levels to give the game more gameplay mechanics. At the start, Mario can pick up objects and throw them (ala Mario 2), jump, climb ladders and ropes (similar to Donkey Kong Jr.), do a handstand to deflect falling objects with his feet, perform a handstand jump and a double jump, and even do his trademark back flip from Mario 64. Mario will need to utilize all of these maneuvers to make it through each of the world’s 6 levels. After completing six levels, Mario will need to complete a Mini-Mario level. In these levels, the 6 Mini-Mario toys that were rescued must be guided safely to the toy box. Much like Lemmings, the toys will follow Mario’s moves, but they can’t climb ladders or perform many of the jumps. In order to complete the level Mario must lead the toys to collect the letters “T”, “O”, “Y” and deliver them to the box. After this level is the boss fight with Donkey Kong. For every Mini-Mario that was rescued you get a health bar. To defeat DK you’ll have to hit him with objects and deplete his health meter.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s graphics and music are adequate. The visuals are sharp and clear, but with somewhat small levels there isn’t much in the way of parallax scrolling or special effects. Mario and the enemies are animated very well and have a rendered look to them, which is what really separates this game from the Donkey Kong released on the original Game Boy. The music is a mixed bag. The title screen is an awesome remix of the original Super Mario Bros. theme mixed with Donkey Kong Country, but the ambient music tracks heard in most of the levels are forgettable. As if to drive the point home that voice can be implemented on the GBA, every single move Mario performs is accentuated with a blurb from the fat guy. At first it’s amusing and seems to fit the game, but after a few hours of play the voices become tiresome.

The end product is one that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great action game mixed with some truly unique puzzles that will keep fans coming back for more. This is a game that is especially good for traveling since the levels are somewhat small and can be beaten in a few minutes instead of hours. The game saves after every level completion, which creates a game that can be enjoyed in small doses or for hours at a time. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a very fun game that shouldn’t be missed.