Donkey Kong Junior

A classic arcade experience on home consoles

Donkey Kong Junior was released by Coleco for the ColecoVision in 1983, offering an excellent home version of the arcade hit. This game was the sequel to the original Donkey Kong, but this time, players control Donkey Kong’s son, Junior, rather than Mario. The objective is to rescue Donkey Kong from Mario, who has captured him. The ColecoVision version stays remarkably faithful to the arcade original, featuring similar levels, vibrant colours, and smooth gameplay. The home console port managed to capture the essence of the arcade game, making it a standout title for the system.

Graphics and gameplay on the ColecoVision

The ColecoVision, known for its impressive graphics and sound capabilities for the time, made Donkey Kong Junior a visually appealing game on the home console. The game features the same iconic platforms, vines, and ladders that fans of the arcade original would recognise. The levels are filled with creative hazards such as moving platforms and bouncing fruit, requiring skill and precision to avoid obstacles and save Donkey Kong. The colourful sprites and fluid animations stood out on the ColecoVision, providing players with a satisfying home console experience that closely mirrored the arcade.

A key part of the ColecoVision library

Donkey Kong Junior on the ColecoVision is considered a vital part of the console’s game library, helping to establish the system’s reputation for delivering arcade-quality experiences at home. This game contributed to the ColecoVision’s success during the early ’80s, showcasing the potential of home consoles and their ability to bring popular arcade titles to living rooms. For collectors and fans of the system, this version of Donkey Kong Junior remains a beloved part of the ColecoVision legacy, offering a memorable and enjoyable experience that holds up well against its arcade counterpart.

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