Donkey Kong Junior
Main Game
RELEASED
7.2
Jun 30, 1982
ArcadebyNintendo R&D1•Nintendo
Overview:|
Released in 1982, Donkey Kong Junior is a classic arcade platformer where you play as Donkey Kong Jr. on a rescue mission. The core gameplay involves ascending through four distinct levels—Vines, Springboard, Chains, and Mario's Hideout—to collect keys and free your captured father from Mario. Players must master vertical traversal using dynamic elements like swinging on vines and utilizing springboards to navigate the antagonist's obstacles.
This is a classic arcade platform game, originally released in 1982. It functions as a direct sequel to the previous arcade hit, fundamentally altering the roles of the established characters. The core premise involves a dramatic reversal of fortune: the human antagonist from the first game has captured the large ape and imprisoned him in a cage. Players assume the role of the ape's offspring, tasked with navigating perilous, multi-stage environments to locate the necessary keys required for the rescue.
Core Gameplay and Mechanics
The primary gameplay loop centers on ascending through four distinct, vertically oriented environments, each presenting unique traversal challenges. Players must interact with various environmental elements to progress upward toward the objective of freeing the captive ape.
Traversal Challenges
The central mechanic involves climbing and maneuvering across different types of vertical pathways. These include vines, which demand precise timing for safe passage, and springboards, which are used to launch the player across gaps or up to higher ledges. Later stages introduce chains, adding another layer of dynamic movement complexity to the ascent.
What is the Story Setting?
The narrative establishes a clear revenge scenario. Following the events of the preceding title, the human character, now established as the captor, has locked the large ape away. The atmosphere is one of urgency, as the young protagonist must overcome obstacles specifically designed by the antagonist to prevent the rescue.
The game is structured across four primary, increasingly difficult levels, each designed to test the player's mastery of the movement mechanics:
- Vines
- Springboard
- Chains
- Mario's Hideout
What Additional Content is Available?
As a main game originally launched in the arcade format, this title currently has no officially released downloadable content (DLC) or expansions. Furthermore, there are no official remakes or remasters associated with this specific original release version.
Platform Availability
This title was initially released exclusively for the Arcade platform.
Game Details
Primary Name: Donkey Kong Junior
Alternative Names:
Donkey Kong Jr (Other)
DK JR (Acronym)
Donkey Kong Jr. (Alternative spelling)
Type: Main Game
Series: Donkey Kong Jr.
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Information
Release Date: Jun 30, 1982
Genres & Themes
Genres: Platform, Arcade
Themes: Action
Platforms
Arcade
Game Modes
Perspective: Side view
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player
Age Ratings
ESRB:E (Everyone)
PEGI:3+
CERO:A (All Ages)
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