Donkey kong screen retro

Donkey Kong, released by Nintendo in 1981, is a classic arcade game that introduced the world to Mario and defined the platforming genre.

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Donkey Kong is a landmark in video game history. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, it was released by Nintendo in 1981 as an arcade game. The game introduced the world to the character Jumpman, later renamed Mario, and the gorilla Donkey Kong. The simple yet innovative plot involved a carpenter trying to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from a raging ape. It was one of the first games to feature a narrative and cutscenes, a rare feature at the time.

The game screen, displayed on CRT monitors, featured colorful raster graphics with a limited palette. The pixel art and animations, though simple by today's standards, were impressive in the early 1980s. The hardware was based on a Zilog Z80 processor, with sound chips producing iconic melodies and sound effects. The main gameplay involved jumping over barrels and obstacles on platforms, laying the foundation for the platforming genre.

Donkey Kong had a huge cultural impact. It became a commercial success, with thousands of cabinets sold worldwide. Mario became Nintendo's mascot, spawning a billion-dollar franchise. The game is also famous for its 'kill screen', which occurs at level 22 due to a timer bug, a phenomenon studied by retro gaming enthusiasts.

Today, Donkey Kong is celebrated in high-score competitions, such as those promoted by Twin Galaxies. Its influence can be seen in countless modern games. The retro visual style and simple yet challenging gameplay continue to attract new players, especially in the retro gaming movement and speedrunning culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Donkey Kong released?

Donkey Kong was released by Nintendo in 1981 as an arcade game.

Who created Donkey Kong?

The game was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, who later became famous for franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.

What is the 'kill screen' in Donkey Kong?

The kill screen is a bug that occurs at level 22, where the game freezes due to a timer overflow. It is one of the most studied phenomena in retro gaming.