An old rivalry resurfaces when Mario must rescue his miniature version from the clutches of Donkey Kong

Where do we know? Mario vs Donkey Kong once again?

From the game Boy Advance. Do you remember that device? One of Nintendo's early easy-to-use game consoles that you had to connect a separate light to if you wanted to play in the evening. Twenty years ago, Mario and Donkey Kong appeared together in a puzzle adventure, and now it's time for a polished version for Switch.

what is he talking about?

The mini story is minor, but Donkey Kong wants to buy a mini Mario and it looks like it's sold out. This results in an angry monkey who invades the toy factory and steals all the Mario minifigures. And of course, big Mario can't ignore that.

What should you do?

Mini Marios are free in eight worlds, two of which are brand new. Each world contains six normal levels. You have to solve the puzzle to reach the key that opens a door to Mini Mario. By pressing buttons, jumping on enemies, swinging between ropes and horizontal bars and thinking carefully, you can reach the keys. After the six levels, there's a level where you have to guide the less mobile Mini Mario characters to the chest. If this succeeds, another final boss battle will follow. Sometimes you throw skins at him, other times you throw garbage at him. Once Donkey Kong is defeated, he escapes to the next world.

Is it a challenge?

The further you advance, the more difficult the levels become. It gets really challenging when you complete the 8 levels and are ready for the extras. In the additional worlds, little Mario holds the key. Then you have to pay attention to two numbers. Another addition is the time attack. The name says it all. Normally the timer is already running, but in this mode the time is limited. Then there are the expert levels. These things are really difficult, because you only have so little time to overcome some obstacles. You can unlock these levels by collecting three gifts in the regular levels, for which you get gold stars.

Can you play together too?

Sure enough, the frog will appear on the screen and you can solve the puzzles together.

Is the game similar to the original Mario games?

In terms of gameplay, it's completely different, but of course the influences of the traditional platformer are visible everywhere. Take the lava world that every Mario fan is familiar with. Everything feels just like Mario, as you also have to jump, climb, crouch and move away. Only in puzzle form.

Does the game have a long life?

It's a really addictive puzzle game that you put aside out of frustration because the level is too big for you. Only to pick up the key again after a while to solve this puzzle. With the additional challenges you unlock, there's plenty to do. So a new version is in order.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong for Nintendo Switch. Developer and publisher Nintendo. Age 3+.