Atari Donkey Kong -Atari 7800
Retro Gaming Review

Title:	Donkey Kong
Manufacturer:	Atari
Platform:	Atari 7800
Release Date:	1988
Part #:	CX7848
Rating:	3.5 out of 5
ESRB Rating:	N/A

Atari Donkey Kong Screenshot:

Donkey Kong is one of those classics that's evolved across many different consoles, in varying forms, on the 2600, Colecovision, N64 and Wii - to name a few. Typical to console releases, the 4th screen (pie factory with conveyor belts) is absent on the 7800 version, but like many Atari 7800 arcade conversions - this one is a pleaser. The fourth screen was only included on some of the computer-based releases - go fire up your ADAM.

I can't say I pumped endless quarters into the arcade cabinet since this one frazzled my arcade skills. However I was stoked to find this version on the 7800 that built up my princess-rescue skills. I've always found this game fun, but also frustrating in that I suck at it. I love playing it, but never seem to get too far. The fact that I keep playing it tells me its a pretty good game!

With 3 lives Mario has to navigate barrels and fireballs on the Ramp, Elevator and Rivit screens. He'll easily cruise up the ramped girders and ladders to rescue his sweetheart then it's off to the elevators where he must avoid the springs at the top of the screen. The Rivit screen has the same (although the graphics are much better) 8 rivits to remove as he dodges, jumps and smashes fireballs. These 3 screens will repeat with added difficulty until you run out of lives. In this version you will get an extra life at 20,000 points.

Game Variations for Donkey Kong

Similar to the Atari 2600 version, you can begin game play by pressing the player 1 fire button. You can cycle through the game options with the Select button.

The 2-player option lets me suck at it along with a buddy. I attribute my low scores to beer.

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