Review: Nintendo mines old concepts for fresh ideas in 'Mario vs. Donkey Kong'

As a remake, Mario vs. Donkey Kong won't break any new ground in the genre, but it does show how this style of puzzle-oriented platforming still has legs and the potential to surprise players despite its simplicity. — Photos: Nintendo

Before Mario was Mario, Nintendo referred to him as "Jumpman," and he was the protagonist who battled Donkey Kong in the legendary arcade game of the same name. The great ape kidnapped Pauline, Mario's girlfriend, and held her atop a building with steel girders as he tossed barrels at Jumpman.

It's a simple premise and one that occurred on a static screen. Players could see all the action as Mario leaped over barrels, grabbed power-up hammers and climbed to the top. Although Mario and Donkey Kong have gone their separate ways and had success in side-scrolling platformers, the concept of leaping over obstacles, climbing ladders and grabbing hammer power-ups still had level design and gameplay potential.