Mario vs Donkey Kong: Switch vs Game Boy Advance - An Excellent Remake!

  Рет қаралды 68,438

Digital Foundry

Digital Foundry

Күн бұрын

Tom and John check out the latest Switch remake of a Game Boy Advance classic - Mario vs Donkey Kong. Each level is recreated 1:1 to the original 2004 release, only this time using a visual style akin to the New Super Mario Bros games. As an extra bonus, we also get beautifully animated CG cut-scenes, based on the stills used in the Game Boy Advance version.
Subscribe for more Digital Foundry: bit.ly/DFSubscribe
Join the DF Patreon to support the team more directly and to get access to everything we do via pristine quality downloads: bit.ly/3jEGjvx
Want some DF-branded tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and more? Check out our store: store.digitalfoundry.net
For commercial enquiries, please contact business@digitalfoundry.net
00:00 Overview
00:42 Switch vs GBA Comparisons!
02:39 Donkey Kong 94 on Game Boy Revisited
11:31 Donkey Kong Design Chat
14:15 More Comparisons and Conclusion

Пікірлер: 186
@chutcentral
@chutcentral 4 ай бұрын
Tom Morgan is grossly underutilized on this channel.
@bananachild1936
@bananachild1936 4 ай бұрын
I've always wondered why Nintendo never gave Mario a handstand mechanic in subsequent Mario titles past this game. Also it's always a pleasure to hear Tom Morgan's delightfully articulate voice in a DF analysis video.
@NCozy
@NCozy 4 ай бұрын
The reason why there's no level editor is because the levels are constructed in a very... interesting way. They use tiles for the collision but the levels themselves are built from different chunks that are premodeled. It's a very weird approach to it but because of it including a level editor likely wouldve been a lot more work than they were willing to put in.
@legoboy7107
@legoboy7107 4 ай бұрын
Yeah. Though I wonder what would have really stopped them from making the levels be built using a system akin to the 3D World style in Mario Maker 2. If they had from the start constructed the game with that kind of system then they could have easily included a level editor. Yeah with the path they DID take with this that would be really hard to implement, but why not take the other path in the first place?
@NCozy
@NCozy 4 ай бұрын
@@legoboy7107 It's just easier to develop and optimize this way. Most tile based games use 2D tilesets, you mention SMM2 but that game was built from the ground up to be level editor this game wasnt. If adding a level editor isn't in the scope of the project then it wouldn't really make sense to build it around the idea that it might be implemented.
@jerrysmart5010
@jerrysmart5010 4 ай бұрын
I love how not only have they perfectly remade this game, but some changes like the super high quality clips and even changes like the look of the doors, keys and other objects just feel more Mario. Like the Mario Toy Company building is so much more charming.
@BENergizer1
@BENergizer1 4 ай бұрын
Donkey Kong '94 is the last game with Donkey Kong that came out before Rare reimagined him in Donkey Kong Country, so the Mario vs Donkey Kong games have always been an interesting throwback for me, with them taking DK back to his roots in some ways but also keeping elements of the more codified version of the character.
@RetroCrisis
@RetroCrisis 4 ай бұрын
I'm so glad Nintendo opted for full motion cinematics for the story moments, rather than using the still images. Also John, totally with you on Donkey Kong '94 - fantastic game!
@Marko-ij4vy
@Marko-ij4vy 4 ай бұрын
Would make no sense for the cinematics to have no motion. The only reason they were only static in gba is because gameboy advance probably couldnt handle full cinematics. They were full cinematics in the sequel for DS so that was what they intended anyway.
@FarmerSlideJoeBob
@FarmerSlideJoeBob 4 ай бұрын
Oh ma man is also here😃😃
@RetroCrisis
@RetroCrisis 4 ай бұрын
@@FarmerSlideJoeBob broooo!
@N.i.E.M.O
@N.i.E.M.O 4 ай бұрын
Using still frame images would be a pretty low bar for a full-pricex Switch game... ...even for Nintendo.
@mrs323
@mrs323 4 ай бұрын
Always nice to hear Tom
@1meen1
@1meen1 4 ай бұрын
Impressed at how in sync the cutscenes are to the slides from the GBA, not a single change in the pacing.
@wertywerrtyson5529
@wertywerrtyson5529 4 ай бұрын
I’m happy to see 60fps native resolution games on the Switch lately. Currently enjoying Tomb Raider Remaster in the Switch because it runs so great on the OLED.
@N.i.E.M.O
@N.i.E.M.O 4 ай бұрын
I mean... If this game wasn't running at full resolution 60fps it would be pretty sad. ...even for Nintendo.
@76_SPZL
@76_SPZL 4 ай бұрын
3:00 shot outs to DK 94, I loved how that game starts out basic but opens up substantially in scope as you advance.
@johnmarstall
@johnmarstall 4 ай бұрын
I'd love a remake of that one - or even a rerelease.
@LordMarlle
@LordMarlle 4 ай бұрын
A remake and a full blown reimagined sequel in a single cartridge. An incredible Game boy game
@At-sr1ry
@At-sr1ry 4 ай бұрын
94 should of been the one they remade
@zander3100
@zander3100 4 ай бұрын
​@@At-sr1ry exactly! Nobody cared about this minis shit (whoever says otherwise they just capping). Acrobat Mario in multi-screen puzzle levels is where it's at. Like, at least put the Super GB version on Switch Online ffs.
@mrhobs
@mrhobs 4 ай бұрын
@johnmarstall Did you guys know a remake was in development for GameCube? Blew my mind when I saw a brief clip of it. Look it up.
@willuigi64
@willuigi64 4 ай бұрын
I used to play this game while waiting for my mom to finish her shift at Pizza Hut. Maybe I’ll get this for nostalgia. Or I’ll just play the original. Who knows.
@destroyermcw626
@destroyermcw626 4 ай бұрын
I know my Wii U or 3ds can play the Original
@thanksbetotap
@thanksbetotap 4 ай бұрын
They really put a lot of care and attention to detail into this game. It’s lovely.
@ViewtifulSam
@ViewtifulSam 4 ай бұрын
Really fun and cool format for a remake, thanks for the video and discussion John and Tom
4 ай бұрын
I've always loved this game and I was the only one out of my friends that popped off when they announced it on the Direct. I'm glad to see its made really well!
@Alexander5R
@Alexander5R 4 ай бұрын
We need more Tom!
@bumpndump9643
@bumpndump9643 4 ай бұрын
Nice to have Tom for this one. Feel like we don't see him very often on DF anymore
@waywardlaser
@waywardlaser 4 ай бұрын
People will say this game is soulless, but it's just a simple puzzle platformer. Odyssey and Wonder already gave me the big, inventive Mario games on Switch. Not all of them need to shoot for the moon.
@KidAL0
@KidAL0 4 ай бұрын
I understand the perspective, but the original is the same game yet carries a certain mood/vibe that just isn’t present in the remake. Simplicity isn’t an excuse for a lack of style when it was done better on the GBA two decades ago. This “simple puzzle platformer” is also a first party Nintendo game now priced at fifty bucks
@Anthestudios
@Anthestudios 4 ай бұрын
@@KidAL0 Exactly. The game just looks stale, while the GBA game is bursting with personality!
@Mrjonnyjonjon123
@Mrjonnyjonjon123 4 ай бұрын
The original just had more personality. Those death animations still haunt me till this day lol
@yeahiknow9361
@yeahiknow9361 4 ай бұрын
Tom Morgan is the 🐐 DF analyst.
@RmnGnzlz
@RmnGnzlz 4 ай бұрын
I still think Donkey Kong 94 on the OG Game Boy is the best in the series, but this one was pretty fun too.
@ianfisch7289
@ianfisch7289 4 ай бұрын
Awesome. Love Donkey Kong 94! Need to try this one. Great video!
@nathanstrik
@nathanstrik 4 ай бұрын
Amazing game, and nice comparison between the two. Hats off to you and Tom, John! I always wished for a proper sequel to this game, instead of all the Mini Mario Toy sequels we ended up getting on DS and 3DS / Wii U (developed using the Nintendo Web Framework... remember that?). Those games were also fun, but I kinda like these small little action levels better.
@Nobodyknowsitall
@Nobodyknowsitall 4 ай бұрын
1 of me fav. channels as is. Thanks!
@leospeedleo
@leospeedleo 4 ай бұрын
When I was 5 years old my parents gave me a Mario Edition Gameboy Advance SP with the original game for Christmas 😢 I need to get this game ❤
@xtr.7662
@xtr.7662 4 ай бұрын
I mean id be suprised if this didnt run at 1080p 60 even on switch
@paulanderson929
@paulanderson929 4 ай бұрын
I've been loving playing this game with my sons, looks and plays great. Thanks for the comparison.
@RicardoDRico
@RicardoDRico 4 ай бұрын
I really liked the comparison between the GBA and the new release really let's you see with clarity how the vision is presented now, good stuff both Tom and John in this one
@CJP.-pq3kr
@CJP.-pq3kr 4 ай бұрын
I thought Tom Morgan was dead!
@DigiDonkey
@DigiDonkey 4 ай бұрын
The anxiety between 07:27 - 07:30
@deshaunx776
@deshaunx776 4 ай бұрын
This game is proof that the Switch doesn’t need to be ousted. This is the type of game that Nintendo consumers want. Faster processing and better graphics only improve the overall experience to a point.
@TheSurfheart
@TheSurfheart 4 ай бұрын
Would love a remake of Donkey Kong 64
@Bloodsack1
@Bloodsack1 4 ай бұрын
This and Ninja Five-O are my 2 favorites on GBA
@richtersundeen6105
@richtersundeen6105 4 ай бұрын
This really needs more content and there are so many other games in the series. If this package also redid the DS games in this style that'd be enough content but just the first one?
@demantim
@demantim 4 ай бұрын
Dang, if this is music from the game they did a fantastic job. Really clean and elegant, but with a nice jazzy swagger. Reminds me of Link's Awakening 2019. EDIT: it is, thanks for mentioning it!
@metsallica
@metsallica 4 ай бұрын
Indeed it is, and it was done in secret by the audio faculty of DigiPen, headed up by the original composer.
@mathimatisk
@mathimatisk 4 ай бұрын
this looks really neat, always loved DK94 on GB and Mario vs DK on GBA
@Lock2002ful
@Lock2002ful 4 ай бұрын
Awesome remake. Loving it so far. Hope they just remake all the other Mario vs Donkey Kong games as well and continue the series after that. Like John said, to me as well, this was a clear continuation of the DK94 game and I loved it.
@thetechn1que518
@thetechn1que518 4 ай бұрын
Speaking of WayForward and performance problems on the Switch, is DF going to do a video on Contra: Operation Galuga?
@Wexo
@Wexo 4 ай бұрын
Love these original comparison videos and to hear two opinions about it, Tom obviously checked out the remake very extensively as well 👍
@mrhobs
@mrhobs 4 ай бұрын
I’m glad I own this…. Somehow most people sleeping on it makes it even sweeter. Did not expect that lol
@Kennykazey
@Kennykazey 4 ай бұрын
It's interesting to me that they gave the green blocks a girder pattern, and not the red ones as a callback to other DK games. Perhaps because they thought players may expect them to behave differently then? The game is a neat recreation in a very similar way as Advance Wars. But to me it does feel like a simpler 2D version of Treasure Tracker these days.
@omegawii
@omegawii 4 ай бұрын
Bring back Tom.
@BasedSakurai2024
@BasedSakurai2024 3 ай бұрын
What happened to the guy that used to cover the 4KTVs on your channel back in the day?
@alumlovescake
@alumlovescake 4 ай бұрын
"Remake" !?!? Thats a massive shame I was hoping it was a completely new game in the same style as the other games
@N.i.E.M.O
@N.i.E.M.O 4 ай бұрын
At the very least I feel this should have been a remade compilation of all the Mario vs DK games. I mean, the game looks 'fine'. It's about the bare minimum you'd expect on the Switch. And I feel that charging (almost) full price for this is absurd, but that is the Nintendo way...
@johnmarstall
@johnmarstall 4 ай бұрын
Wholesome content
@RoyHoy
@RoyHoy 4 ай бұрын
I REMEMBER THIS GAME ON THE DSI!
@vxconsulting
@vxconsulting 3 ай бұрын
Hoping they keep making remakes of classic GBA games. Like Wario Land 4
@Adamtendo_player_1
@Adamtendo_player_1 4 ай бұрын
The Switch has always been capable of this level of quality, I’m tired of people underestimating the Switch, it’s still a capable system despite its age and more powerful competitors like the Steam Deck, the Switch is still a fantastic system as this game shows and as for the comparison between the GBA original and Switch versions and the GBA version holds up very well even the stills vs the full cutscenes in the stack up well on the GBA.
@kamikazilucas
@kamikazilucas 4 ай бұрын
i love the look of this game, it shows you can have a game run at 1080p 60 and still look amazing, meanwhile totk looks way worse visually and runs at 30fps with awful taa effects
@axeldeeker5644
@axeldeeker5644 4 ай бұрын
Are you guys going to cover Penny's big breakaway?
@alexbrookner5331
@alexbrookner5331 4 ай бұрын
I just bought this. What a great game. After odessey and bowsers fury I couldn’t find another game I enjoyed. Historically (before the switch) the only games I have ever enjoyed are super Mario world, Mario 64, street fighter 2 and actraiser (Puyo poyo, but don’t think that counts). I just can’t stop playing. Well worth the £40. I thought I was destined to be game less until the next 3D Mario came out. Please god make the next 3D Mario open world or sandbox. I just can’t get into galaxy or 3D world
@crowneproductions9908
@crowneproductions9908 4 ай бұрын
I had the Gameboy Advanced, and the Gameboy Advanced SP back in the early aughts and I had no clue this thing was a remake. Never even heard of this game.
@shinra358
@shinra358 4 ай бұрын
Why the bonus levels have Lethal Weapon music lol
@mrhobs
@mrhobs 4 ай бұрын
Another cool thing is that the Switch version doesn’t have to scroll left and right nearly as much, given its new 16:9 aspect. Less motion, and you can better see where you’re going. Just easy on the eyes.
@kylerclarke2689
@kylerclarke2689 4 ай бұрын
i LOVED this game on the GBA. You can pretty much depend on nintendo to pull out all of the stops when it comes to mario.
@FakYuhGoogel
@FakYuhGoogel 4 ай бұрын
It's a solid remake, the change in visual design is a welcome one, even if its nothing special. I never liked the prerendered look specifically in the original GBA title, I feel like they could've gone for a nicer comic look like in the cover art.
@Poever
@Poever 4 ай бұрын
“You see, Mario vs Donkey Kong uses…an adaptive resolution~”
@CheckmateStallioN
@CheckmateStallioN 4 ай бұрын
Especially for a game that even the gamecube could easily run with the same shaders. Another flop remake nobody asked for just like Mario RPG. Wake me up when they remake the SNES DK Country collection or at least the first game in the series or hell even DK Country Returns remake will do. Tropical Freeze masterpiece is not enough to save them. Only then will this company be relevant again
@rhysjones8506
@rhysjones8506 4 ай бұрын
Wtf are you talking about with GameCube... And also we know the country series are in an awkward place cause rare made those games... ​@@CheckmateStallioN
@WhnNinjasAttack
@WhnNinjasAttack 4 ай бұрын
@@CheckmateStallioN ok
@olteration
@olteration 4 ай бұрын
@@CheckmateStallioNsay that again without crying mate
@PoliMaster64
@PoliMaster64 4 ай бұрын
@@CheckmateStallioN this game could not run on the GameCube you fool
@the8thark
@the8thark 4 ай бұрын
This feels very similar to the Bugs Bunny's Crazy Castle games on the NES/GB.
@mrhobs
@mrhobs 4 ай бұрын
Now we just need that canceled DK ‘94 remake… check out the video of it here on KZfaq, amazing 2D art style!
@belstar1128
@belstar1128 4 ай бұрын
i really liked the one on game boy advance its underrated
@StrtSlct
@StrtSlct 4 ай бұрын
Absolutely rinsed the core campaign of this over the week and loved it.
@slowdaylight
@slowdaylight 4 ай бұрын
seeing these side by side like this i'm honestly disappointed they ditched the industrial backlot backgrounds in favor of some too pleasant storefront scenery. i get it, i guess, but the original backdrops aren't depressingly harsh or anything and they fit the industrial traps you're navigating much better and that angular, future cityscape of the original is just more interesting than the samey extensions of the toy company
@QuentinMatthysBoeckmansYJ
@QuentinMatthysBoeckmansYJ 4 ай бұрын
I've missed Tom !
@rob_i208
@rob_i208 4 ай бұрын
Donkey Kong's design is interesting to me. I'm still not a fan of Mario's design in the recent movie, but I was into DK's retro inspired redesign in that movie. It would make a lot of sense to use DK's movie design in this game but they chose to use very contemporary "New Supe-" and "DKC" designs for both Mario and DK.
@mrp73
@mrp73 4 ай бұрын
Do you think the AMD FSR1 symbol is there for the benefit of the Switch 2 and this game is set to upscale to 4k on it and take advantage of that technology then?
@Marko-ij4vy
@Marko-ij4vy 4 ай бұрын
I still wish they would have remade donkey kong 94 instead. It would make a lot more sense imo. We would see levels from the classic arcade donkey kong in a modern remake, donkey kong Jr with modern visuals, the original game had great soundtrack but low quality due to being only 8bit so those tracks remastered with high quality would be great too. And final boss was a lot more epic than in Mario vs DK even though it played basically the same.
@Matt.Hurley
@Matt.Hurley 4 ай бұрын
GBA was such a great release.
@belstar1128
@belstar1128 4 ай бұрын
a remake (2024) of a remake (2004) of a remake (1994) of donkey Kong (1981)
@iuryPOG
@iuryPOG 4 ай бұрын
fun video
@mrhobs
@mrhobs 4 ай бұрын
I feel like I was one of very few people planning to buy this, but I love this formula and had to have it ha. (DK 94 may be better, but still…)
@9a3eedi
@9a3eedi 3 ай бұрын
I hate to say this but this would work really well as a mobile game
@JonnyLuscious
@JonnyLuscious 4 ай бұрын
It's a fun game, but i dont think I can justify buying it again without more new content (if I had a player 2 to play with, maybe, but i dont). If somebody hasn't ever played it though and like puzzles, I'd definitely recommend it... Even if it is pretty easy.
@peteparker22
@peteparker22 4 ай бұрын
You guys cover this game but not Banishers?
@Kinggoken
@Kinggoken 4 ай бұрын
Completely random comment but I really think Nintendo should have just made a remake of the Donkey Kong game from Gameboy and not Mario Vs Donkey Kong.
@BMW-sd6nn
@BMW-sd6nn 4 ай бұрын
love this game, never played the original
@jmi_music
@jmi_music 4 ай бұрын
I would like a remake of the game boy donkey kong 1994
@haewymetal
@haewymetal 4 ай бұрын
Now do one for that metroid game, a complete downmake.
@CDubya.82
@CDubya.82 4 ай бұрын
Just give me more Donkey Kong
@KarltheBarl
@KarltheBarl 4 ай бұрын
The minis… they’re coming…
@st0rmchild
@st0rmchild 4 ай бұрын
It looks fantastic, but also looks so easy that it'll be over in a couple hours.
@noahsabadish3812
@noahsabadish3812 4 ай бұрын
depends on the level of challenge you seek. are you just going for the exit, or are you collecting all the presents and mini marios? the levels do ramp up in challenge; the levels shown here are mostly early-game. they’ve added two additional worlds as well
@st0rmchild
@st0rmchild 4 ай бұрын
​@@noahsabadish3812Good points. Maybe I'll check it out then. It does look fun.
@iKickBullies
@iKickBullies 4 ай бұрын
One of my fav GBA games. Never thought I'd see it remade. I'm still mad they didn't keep the game like this. They had to go and make it less mario and more toys.
@CBARS82
@CBARS82 4 ай бұрын
I wish we had a remake of Donkey Kong 94 which is better than Mario Vs Donkey Kong imo. M vs D is still a good game.
@verygoodfreelancer
@verygoodfreelancer 4 ай бұрын
it’s striking how soulless the switch version art is compared to the gba, nice to see df comment on it at 12:30
@nonewanted
@nonewanted 4 ай бұрын
Yes, such a shame
@MrCarpediem6
@MrCarpediem6 4 ай бұрын
always hurts me a little bit inside to see these two (2) icons @ it .
@Vashkey
@Vashkey 4 ай бұрын
Baby vs Atomic Bomb
@METR0lD
@METR0lD 4 ай бұрын
I hate that they removed the mechanic of dying from fall damage. It really kills much of the challenge of the original. Still a fun time, but it's just not as good.
@Alex-in8jy
@Alex-in8jy 4 ай бұрын
Very interesting point. Seems like it would have been a good candidate for something that varies between the Casual and Classic modes.
@SoyAntonioGaming
@SoyAntonioGaming 4 ай бұрын
I don't like the enemy hitboxes in this game. If you're slightly off when you jump on top of an enemy, you take damage. Should be a couple of pixels more generous.
@_Quint_
@_Quint_ 4 ай бұрын
John Linneman
@AlexanTheMan
@AlexanTheMan 4 ай бұрын
Wouldn't mind if John headed up several DF Retros for GBA games
@RidgeRacer
@RidgeRacer 4 ай бұрын
Mario Kart vs. Ridge Racer Come on Nintendo.
@nix2939
@nix2939 4 ай бұрын
Just looks like it was made in Mario maker
@beng6149
@beng6149 4 ай бұрын
This and SMRPG remakes are so soulless... Also the DS MvDK game is better. It had a level creator you can share online.
@spaaaaace8952
@spaaaaace8952 4 ай бұрын
John didn't mention the caveats. Why even live.
@greenboots5823
@greenboots5823 4 ай бұрын
Imo the original MvD was the best I didn't like the sequels. This remake looks really good, but there's just to much to play now so I have to skip it.
@DenkyManner
@DenkyManner 4 ай бұрын
The city level looks bland but the matter bits are much nicer and more interesting
@Cylume.
@Cylume. 4 ай бұрын
No
@MrStrangermoon
@MrStrangermoon 4 ай бұрын
jonh rocket knight collection annoced we did it. did you know it basterdo. damn audi why dont you tell us.
@Svante
@Svante 4 ай бұрын
I prefer the Advance version. These cheap looking Nintendo remakes, looks like they belong on smartphones.
@Phelaidar
@Phelaidar 4 ай бұрын
Bowel Toe
@pikachu896
@pikachu896 4 ай бұрын
I'm not a fan of the super generic HUD. It even uses a generic render of Mario for the life counter.
@Alex-in8jy
@Alex-in8jy 4 ай бұрын
That render of Mario sticks out like a sore thumb to me in this game. It just doesn't mesh.
@pikachu896
@pikachu896 4 ай бұрын
@@Alex-in8jy It feels so extremely cheap, like it's a placeholder that somehow made it into the final game.
@Vicvines
@Vicvines 4 ай бұрын
Hey John you're awesome love this video! (I wish I could afford Nintendo prices but their game never gets cheaper)
@DazzlingAction
@DazzlingAction 4 ай бұрын
Now if they did a remaster of the game and watch games like this with all of them as a collection.
@aL3891_
@aL3891_ 4 ай бұрын
bah'le 'oad
The Rise and Fall of Mario Vs Donkey Kong
18:55
Russ Vandy
Рет қаралды 18 М.
Final muy increíble 😱
00:46
Juan De Dios Pantoja 2
Рет қаралды 51 МЛН
ОСКАР vs БАДАБУМЧИК БОЙ!  УВЕЗЛИ на СКОРОЙ!
13:45
Бадабумчик
Рет қаралды 3,9 МЛН
路飞被小孩吓到了#海贼王#路飞
00:41
路飞与唐舞桐
Рет қаралды 50 МЛН
Super Mario 3D All-Stars Tech Review: Remaster, Emulation... or Both?
19:48
What was the N64 Expansion Pak actually used for?
15:03
Modern Vintage Gamer
Рет қаралды 1 МЛН
The Death of New Super Mario Bros.
15:39
Scott's Stash
Рет қаралды 506 М.
How Speedrunners BROKE Donkey Kong 64 | World Record History
49:39
The Worst PC Ports of 2023 - A DF Direct 'Special'
49:52
Digital Foundry
Рет қаралды 209 М.
The History of 3D Graphics on the Gameboy Advance | minimme
34:29
15 "Retro" Facts about The FIRST Zelda Game
10:00
The Bread Pirate
Рет қаралды 608 М.
Super Mario RPG - DF Tech Review - The SNES Classic Shines On Switch
16:36
Why the limitations of the N64 and PS1 mattered
14:52
Modern Vintage Gamer
Рет қаралды 556 М.
СБЕГАЮ ОТ ЗЛЫХ РОДИТЕЛЕЙ в Schoolboy Runaway
44:32