Donkey kong screen retro

Donkey Kong, the classic 1981 arcade game by Nintendo, introduced Mario and Jumpman, revolutionizing video games with its platform gameplay.

About this subject

Donkey Kong was released by Nintendo in 1981, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto as a replacement for a failed licensed property. The game features Jumpman (later renamed Mario), a carpenter who must rescue his girlfriend Pauline from a giant gorilla named Donkey Kong. The screen shows four distinct levels: metal platforms, elevator cables, conveyor belts, and a final rivet structure. Each stage requires the player to dodge barrels thrown by the gorilla while climbing ladders and collecting items such as an umbrella and a hat.

The game became a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels, home console ports, and a multi-million dollar franchise. Donkey Kong established fundamental platform mechanics, including precise jumps and patterned enemies. The simple yet memorable soundtrack, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, became iconic. In 1982, Universal City Studios sued Nintendo for alleged copyright infringement, claiming Donkey Kong resembled King Kong, but Nintendo won the case.

The original arcade hardware used a proprietary board with a Z80 CPU running at 4 MHz and a resolution of 256x224 pixels. The retro screen we see evokes CRT aesthetics with scanlines, vibrant colors, and pixelated sprites. The game has been re-released in many compilations, such as the Arcade Archives series and Nintendo Switch Online. Today, Donkey Kong is celebrated in speedrun tournaments, with world records documented by Twin Galaxies. Its influence extends to films, TV series, and theme parks, cementing it as a cornerstone of video game pop culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was the Donkey Kong arcade game released?

Donkey Kong was released in arcades in 1981 by Nintendo, originally conceived as a game based on Popeye, which fell through.

Who created the character Donkey Kong?

The character was created by designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who also designed the game mechanics. Donkey Kong was the first game to feature the hero who later became Mario.

How many different levels are there in the original game?

The original game has four distinct stages: the construction site with platforms, the elevator cables, the conveyor belts, and the rivet structure where players must knock out supports to defeat Donkey Kong.