Review: Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis – Nintendo DS

October 11, 2006 on 4:10 pm | In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, ds, nintendo, review, video games | 2 Comments

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
Developer: Nintendo Software Technology Corp.
ESRB: E (Everyone) | Game Type: Action Puzzle

iBT Score: 80%

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, is much more than just a sequel to the original 2004 release of the Game Boy Advance title Mario vs. Donkey Kong. This time you take control of the Mini Marios that you frequently rescued in the original game. The best way to explain this game is by comparing it to Lemmings. If you like Lemmings, you’ll love this game! It’s far simpler with a few added twists. March of the Minis will provide you with hours of entertainment, and with simple game play.

Just like Lemmings the point of the game is to navigate your mini Marios through each level and reach the exit. You will have to manipulate their environment, and help them get around obstacles and enemies to exit safely.

There are 8 levels, and each level has 8 sections. Once you have successfully navigated through each section you will reach the boss stage of that level. The boss stage offerings are completely different from normal gameplay in which you will need to defeat DK.

The Story
It seems folks love those Mini Mario toys. So much so that the Mario Toy Company has expanded the line to include Mini DK, Mini Toad and Mini Peach figures to the series. With all these toys bringing him more money than he knows what to do with, Mario decides to fulfill his lifelong dream and open a theme park called Super Mini Mario World.

The opening-day crowd includes Pauline and Donkey Kong, who immediately falls head over heels for the lovely lass. The proud ape tries to show off his Mini DK toy to Pauline, but she picks the Mini Mario toy over his and the jealous Donkey Kong becomes enraged. He smashes the displays, destroys the toys and takes Pauline to the top floor of the amusement park. Players must find Pauline and save the day.

The Controls
Differing from the original game, this spin-off title is completely controlled by the touch screen simplistic and effective. The player controls the individual mini-Marios by tapping them in the direction then want them to move to put them in motion. You can also make them stop moving, or make them jump onto different objects. Tap a mini-Mario that is already in motion to make him stop moving.

Unlike Lemmings however, the minis can interact with each other by bumping into one another and setting minis which are standing still in motion. Once the minis bump into an object or another mini they’ll start moving into the opposite direction. Controlling the game becomes much more challenging when there is a large group of minis which all start to bump into one another. It can get rather frustrating at times.

The player can change the environment by tapping on specific blocks to remove them and place them in holding to use elsewhere when they are needed. You will have to build platforms, protective barriers, or whatever else is necessary to be able to safely navigate your minis to safety.

Graphics & Sound
March of the Minis has great presentation. However, the in-game graphics do not push the DS to it’s limits, nor do they really need to for a game such as this. The sounds are fun with a lot of speech and great music.

Lasting Appeal
This game is hours of fun. There are plenty of levels to go through, and each level has a boss stage. One of the most fun aspects of the game are the boss stages which can be just amusing. However, this is a puzzle based game and at times it does tend to get rather frustrating. You will have to try levels more than once to be able to complete them, but once you get the feel and understand the level and environment it’ll be doable.

The game also offers the “Construction Zone” which is a way to build your own map from the ground up, or just a template which you have unlocked from the main game. It takes some getting used to as there will be a learning curve before you can make your own levels quickly. Once you have made a level you can play it and share it with friends. The WiFi option allows you to swap your custom level with your buddies online.

In Closing
March of the Minis is a good mix between puzzle and action games. While the puzzles are not extremely hard to figure out, you will have to restart and try a lot of them many times. The fact that you can put the minis in motion, stop them and make them interact with different obstacles which you might be able to use to your advantage, makes this game much more than a simple puzzle game. It’s really hard not to make a Lemmings comparison with March of the Minis. So, if you are a fan of Lemmings or games alike, but you are looking for just a little more action.. this game is perfect for you.

iBT scores this game 80%
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is available for purchase now.