Play Donkey Kong Classics Online

Donkey Kong Classics came out on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, a compilation from Nintendo that bundled the original Donkey Kong and its sequel, Donkey Kong Jr. It was a straightforward release for its time, offering two substantial arcade ports on a single cartridge when many games still felt short or experimental. This was a practical way to own two early hits without hunting down separate carts.

You control Mario in the first game, climbing ladders and jumping over barrels to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong. In Donkey Kong Jr., you play as the ape's son, navigating vines and chains to free his captured father. The core mechanics involve precise jumping, avoiding enemies like sparks and birds, and sometimes using switches or keys. The pacing is relentless, with each screen presenting a new hazardous layout, and the difficulty ramps up quickly across four distinct stages per game. It feels tense and immediate, demanding quick reflexes and careful route planning with every attempt.