Donkey Kong 1981

About

Donkey Kong is not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marks the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong. The game is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out. Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story.

Story

Donkey Kong has kidnapped the beautiful Lady and taken her to a dangerous construction site. Mario must climb to the top of the construction site and rescue Lady from the giant ape.

What is happening now

Donkey Kong, the 1981 arcade platform game that launched one of Nintendo's most enduring franchises, continues to generate interest decades after its original release. Recent coverage has highlighted several developments surrounding the classic title and its legacy. Nintendo and Lego are collaborating on a new set aimed at adult collectors, while a rare video from CES featured voice actor Charles Martinet performing Donkey Kong dialogue. On the collectibles front, original promotional artwork from the arcade game sold at auction for over $329,000, setting a record price. Meanwhile, the fan community remains active with a multi-year Game Boy Color remaster of Donkey Kong '94 reaching a significant development milestone, and archival interest in the game persists following the auctioning of materials from a former Nintendo employee's collection.