Donkey Kong Junior

Donkey Kong down under

Released in 1983 for the Atari 2600, the Donkey Kong Junior Australian version brought the arcade classic to the home console in a special and memorable way. Developed by Coleco Industries, Inc. and published by CBS, Inc., this version allowed players to control Donkey Kong’s son as he ventured through platforms, dodging enemies and rescuing his father from Mario. The graphics and sound were significantly simplified compared to the arcade original, but the core gameplay elements remained intact, offering a fun and engaging experience for Atari 2600 owners.

Gameplay with a unique touch

In the Donkey Kong Junior Atari 2600 version, players faced challenges similar to the arcade game, including jumping over enemies, swinging from vines, and navigating platforms to reach Donkey Kong. The gameplay was straightforward yet challenging, capturing the essence of the original. However, due to the Atari 2600’s technical limitations, the graphics were much more basic, and the sound was reduced to simple beeps and boops. Despite these compromises, the game was still a satisfying experience for fans of the series and offered a new way to enjoy the Donkey Kong universe at home.

The distinctive clam shell case

One of the standout features of the Donkey Kong Junior Australian version is its unusual clam shell case. Unlike the typical cardboard boxes used for many Atari 2600 games, this version was packaged in a hard, clam shell case that was both durable and distinctive. The clam shell design made the game feel more premium and helped protect the cartridge over time, making it a unique piece for collectors. This packaging choice has made the Australian version of Donkey Kong Junior a rare and valuable find for those seeking to add an extra layer of history to their retro gaming collection.

---