Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis

[quote name='Roufuss']I'm not getting the urge to pick it up and keep playing it... in fact, I started a new game entirely, so I guess that sums up my feelings on it.[/QUOTE]
I did play the demo, and kinda enjoyed it, but I played it before I started replaying DK and it seems like everything I like about that game is missing in this game. Not that it's bad, I'm just not sure it's a $30 pickup (or even a $24). I pretty much was hoping it would get more fun as the levels progressed, but that would appear to not be true.

Maybe I'll just wait and see if it drop to $15 or $10 in a year or so.
 
[quote name='daroga']I did play the demo, and kinda enjoyed it, but I played it before I started replaying DK and it seems like everything I like about that game is missing in this game. Not that it's bad, I'm just not sure it's a $30 pickup (or even a $24). I pretty much was hoping it would get more fun as the levels progressed, but that would appear to not be true.

Maybe I'll just wait and see if it drop to $15 or $10 in a year or so.[/QUOTE]

I finished the first two worlds completely (9 levels to a world) and so far it's not really getting any better... the boss fights are incredibly lame to, since so far it's just variations on the same thing.

The fun factor just isn't clicking for me, for some reason.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']I finished the first two worlds completely (9 levels to a world) and so far it's not really getting any better... the boss fights are incredibly lame to, since so far it's just variations on the same thing.

The fun factor just isn't clicking for me, for some reason.[/QUOTE]
*nods* I appreciate the honesty. Anyone else care to offer a second opinion? I'm thinking if I've got time, it's going back tomorrow as I wanted to check for a game or two at stores near where I pick this up.
 
im really bummed. after playign mvdk for a little bit i thought it was great and was REALLY lookign forward to this. I bought it for my wifes bday and i will be takign it back and picking somethign else up, whatta bummer.
 
Now I'm bummed.

Mario Vs Donkey Kong was my favorite GBA game.

Now this one is starting to sound like a dog.

I wish they wouldn't force the touchpad on every game. It's cool (and great) win it fits. When it doesn't, though, it just seems like a lot of needless frustration for the sake of doing it.
 
The best advice I can give everyone is to try the demo in the DS stations. I loved MvDK, I didn't know ANYTHING about this game buying it, I just blind bought it based on how awesome the other two were... I'll never make that mistake again.
 
Wow. Y'all are really blasting this game to bits. I like it.

I can see how it's not for everyone and I have to agree that it's not as good as DK '94, but (IMHO) it's almost as good as the first Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

The controls do take some getting used to, yes, but once you do, you'll be moving right along in the game.

And, from what little I've tinkered with the level creator side of it, I think I'm going to love it (if only I could get someone who has it to trade levels with me...)

If you're on the edge with this game, play the demo (download it from a DS Download Station)... Don't blindly pass on it because of some bad reviews, but, then again, don't blindly buy it either - but do give it a shot.
 
Im going to buy it on 10/1. I was about to buy it today at target, but I had a feeling I shouldnt buy it! Spooky
 
[quote name='Roufuss']The best advice I can give everyone is to try the demo in the DS stations.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the advice! It should help me decide whether or not it's worth the $24. With the high profile 360 and DS titles coming up in the next couple of months, I have a feeling this will get lost in the shuffle. Not to mention the Wii launch! Whew!
 
[quote name='deadite76']Thanks for the advice! It should help me decide whether or not it's worth the $24. With the high profile 360 and DS titles coming up in the next couple of months, I have a feeling this will get lost in the shuffle. Not to mention the Wii launch! Whew![/QUOTE]

No problem... should be able to just grab the demo from a parking lot of a TRU or BB if you don't want to go in, either.

My friend tried it, he kind of likes it but he agrees with me that it's missing a certain spark that pushes the game into AAA territory like the other MvsDK games. He's a bit further than me and commenting on how he thinks the game is going to be short and not alot of replay value, since he's easily getting golds.

To be honest, it's the first time in awhile I've bought a game and haven't wanted to keep playing it... haven't touched it since Wednesday.
 
I have, it's pretty good... If you've got the game, I've got my first real attempt at a level up, if you'd like to check it out...

FC: 0516-1878-9812
 
Just finished playing it for review. I gotta say it was a lot more fun than I thought it'd be. It's in the same vein as Lemmings or Worms, but much better in my opinion -- not as micro-managey. It's not terribly difficult, but it still introduces new things often and has good replay. I really like in World 4 where you get to walk on walls. and swing on poles. The creator is cool, too.

Boss battles aren't that great and it's annoying when minis change direction after touching, but those are my only real gripes. I think those on here who only played a little and are bagging on it may not be giving it a fair shake.
 
My main annoyance with the controls was tapping a mini makes it stop - and you lose points if you stop your minis - and when you're in a hurry, sometimes what you think is a slide, the DS thinks is a tap. Aside from that, the controls are great.

The standard boss battles are, yeah, repetitive. But the final boss battles are great. Should have been more of those.
 
Not really feeling this game, either. I got through the first world (9 levels) and wasn't really compelled to continue. Seemed like a neat concept, but in practice....not all that exciting.

Definitely try the demo. I'm taking mine back, I think.
 
[quote name='Synergy']Not really feeling this game, either. I got through the first world (9 levels) and wasn't really compelled to continue. Seemed like a neat concept, but in practice....not all that exciting.

Definitely try the demo. I'm taking mine back, I think.[/QUOTE]

Again, what you see in the first world is such a small portion of what's in the game. You get new gameplay elements revealed all the time. Remember that all Mario type games are for broader audiences, so they err on the side of being too easy and simplistic at first. Think Mario & Luigi, and how that starts with the timed hops then moves on to so much more. This is like that, but in puzzle form.
 
[quote name='ViolentLee']Again, what you see in the first world is such a small portion of what's in the game. You get new gameplay elements revealed all the time. Remember that all Mario type games are for broader audiences, so they err on the side of being too easy and simplistic at first. Think Mario & Luigi, and how that starts with the timed hops then moves on to so much more. This is like that, but in puzzle form.[/QUOTE]

I'm just finding that it dosen't click... I tried World 3, and the game just isn't fun to me. It's easy, simplisitic, the controls annoy the shit out of me (I've had too many mini's stop when I told them to move and there goes my bonus), and I'm just not feeling the spark that compel's me to play this game over any of the other one's I may have.

I mean, it's not a bad game I suppose, but it's nothing like any of the other MvsDK games, and just makes me want to play Lemmings more than this.

I just expected more and, imo, didn't receive a AAA game.

I like the Lemmings concept, I just don't like how this game does it.
 
That's cool. Games of this nature are pretty subjective anyway. I'm just surprised more people haven't liked it as much as I did. Maybe it was because my expectations were low going in, and I found it to be a lot better than I thought.

Honestly, when Nintendo sent me a copy, I had no interest in playing it. Then one of my outlets pitched me on a review, and I agreed. Glad I did, and I've played it even more since I submitted the review -- a sure sign that I like a game and something that warrants an 8 out of 10 equivalent on the scale of how I review games. 7s are decent, but going back on the shelf after I submit.
 
You cannot go into this based on Donkey Kong for Gameboy or Mario Vs. DK on GBA, this is a completely different game. The controls take a few moments to get used to but after finishing level 1 and being almost done level 2 I am having A LOT of fun with it. I loved DKong on GB and couldn't stand Mario Vs. DK on GBA, but this is a fun little Lemmings type puzzle game. Its got its little nitpicks however overall nothing to drag it down...Well worth the $23.99 price and a great title to pick up and play for a few minutes while on the crapper. :)

Just go into it with a clear mind. Be aware though that this was made by Nintendo's US branch and much like Mario Vs DK GBA it feels it as well, its hard to explain but people will know what I mean.
 
Through the DS Download stations located in retail stores like Target and Best Buy. It's a simple process to use--just note that the Minis download is at stores with Version 3 of the download software (earlier versions have different games).



[quote name='topnotch97']someone mentioned that the game demo can be downloaded, where can i download it?[/QUOTE]
 
BTW, a cool tip...If you don't have your DS with you simply reboot or turn on the kiosk DS and choose Download Play from its menu and load it up in there.

I did it the other day and left Elite Beat Agents on it, the cart in it was Big Brain Academy...:::sigh:::
 
[quote name='UncleBob']I have, it's pretty good... If you've got the game, I've got my first real attempt at a level up, if you'd like to check it out...

FC: 0516-1878-9812[/QUOTE]I'd like to check your level out, but BOTH players need each others friend codes for it to work.

B:L (B:L) - 3136.1228.6448

Check out my levels while you're at it. :cool:


I really love this game, as it reminds me of Gyromite. I think those that hate on it aren't playing it right; instead of pre-planning and preparing, they're trying to run and gun with improvisation (i.e. having your units bump into each other and move without your consent), and that just doesn't work with this game. It needs to be treated like a Sudoku puzzle rather than Tetris, there's an answer but you need to think ahead several steps (or all the steps) before committing.

As for the controls, they're fine. You lose direct control in favor of indirect control, and since Mario is giving those little fellas orders, that's fine by me. I have no problem with them, as I plan all my strokes beforehand and execute them smoothly, even in hectic situations.
 
I've added you. Both my First and Second real attempts at levels have been uploaded. The First one was made before I had beaten the first world...

I've downloaded three of yours and played through Ice Climbers.. neat design idea. I'll be playing the other two at work tommrow. :)
 
[quote name='UncleBob']I've added you. Both my First and Second real attempts at levels have been uploaded. The First one was made before I had beaten the first world...

I've downloaded three of yours and played through Ice Climbers.. neat design idea. I'll be playing the other two at work tommrow. :)[/QUOTE]Golded your second level with a score of 27780. VERY nicely designed level. :applause:

Loved the use of magnetic walls and crusher monkeys.


ICECLIMB is a decent level, but I really couldn't do much with it due to the limitations of the game. Couldn't add anything more beyond those few things.


Oh, just so you know, when you synchronize your levels to upload them, make sure you select every level you want up again. I'm not seeing your first level there, and it might be because you only selected the second level when you last synchronized.
 
I have to agree on the limitations of the Construction Zone. Mind you, it's very good and there's a wide range to play with... I just wish it was tons bigger. ;)

Thanks for the compliments. I've re-synched both my levels now, so please feel free to check again for the first level.

Also if you (or anyone else) didn't know, when you're downloading levels, if you click on the Nintendo logo, you can download special Nintendo logos. They suck, but, well... they're there....
 
Picked this up yesterday.

Don't know if anyone read the EGM review, but the 3rd reviewer pretty much echos my thoughts.

It's really easy to just clear each level, but trying to get a gold medal is where the challenge can come in.

I'm about halfway through the 4th floor and so far I've been clearing each level and then playing it again until I get a gold star and the mario card. There are 2 or 3 on the 2nd floor I just have a silver star on ATM, but everything else up to 4-5 is golded.

The mini games and boss battles are pretty lame. Having the minis stop when you didn't mean to tell them to stop can be annoying (kills the non-stop bonus) Might have been nice if the game let you toggle a 'never stop' option so that even if you accidently clicked on a moving mini it didn't stop, the command would simply be ignored.

Overall I'm really liking it. Pretty sure I'll get through all of the levels within a week or two and then sell it off as I don't see this having a ton of replay value outside of trading levels and my router doesn't work with N wifi.
 
ok Im on the 6th floor now, but have played enough to give my thorough thoughts on the game:

What kills the game is its scoring system. The way the game scores is in itself the game's ultimate flaw. The score is irrelevant of how you play thru the stage, jus as long as u get a full mario non-stop combo. If you can get that, you are guaranteed a gold star.

I have gold starred every stage thus far without a problem.

what made MvDK so great was that you had to play each level perfectly. The timing was crucial, you had to kill certain enemies, and you had to collect all the bonuses in the stage to get the top score. Doing this caused you to use all the skills that the game offered you, specifically your jumping skills.

In this game, you dont need to collect a single coin to achieve a gold star in any stage, nor do you have to kill any shy guys. As long as you can keep a group of mini marios moving back and forth, you can focus on a mario in another section of the stage and still get a full combo.

The game thus becomes to open ended creating way too many solutions to each stage. There is no satisfaction in passing them, nor is there that "aha" moment when you find out the exact way to play the stage, where everyting will move in perfect clockwork, picking up each and every item along the way.

the game is nothing more than a big disappointment to me. It's getting sold once I beat it.
 
[quote name='JEKKI']The game thus becomes to open ended creating way too many solutions to each stage. There is no satisfaction in passing them, nor is there that "aha" moment when you find out the exact way to play the stage, where everyting will move in perfect clockwork, picking up each and every item along the way.

the game is nothing more than a big disappointment to me. It's getting sold once I beat it.[/quote]Well...you're missing out on the user-created content.

These level designs that I'm coming across are amazing, and they more than meet that "aha" and satisfaction criteria.
 
[quote name='JEKKI']ok Im on the 6th floor now, but have played enough to give my thorough thoughts on the game:

What kills the game is its scoring system. The way the game scores is in itself the game's ultimate flaw. The score is irrelevant of how you play thru the stage, jus as long as u get a full mario non-stop combo. If you can get that, you are guaranteed a gold star.

I have gold starred every stage thus far without a problem.

what made MvDK so great was that you had to play each level perfectly. The timing was crucial, you had to kill certain enemies, and you had to collect all the bonuses in the stage to get the top score. Doing this caused you to use all the skills that the game offered you, specifically your jumping skills.

In this game, you dont need to collect a single coin to achieve a gold star in any stage, nor do you have to kill any shy guys. As long as you can keep a group of mini marios moving back and forth, you can focus on a mario in another section of the stage and still get a full combo.

The game thus becomes to open ended creating way too many solutions to each stage. There is no satisfaction in passing them, nor is there that "aha" moment when you find out the exact way to play the stage, where everyting will move in perfect clockwork, picking up each and every item along the way.

the game is nothing more than a big disappointment to me. It's getting sold once I beat it.[/QUOTE]

I rarely get a gold star anymore (I'm on floor 8), and haven't been for a while. In fact, I sometimes have to replay just to get a silver.
 
[quote name='JEKKI']what made MvDK so great was that you had to play each level perfectly. The timing was crucial, you had to kill certain enemies, and you had to collect all the bonuses in the stage to get the top score. Doing this caused you to use all the skills that the game offered you, specifically your jumping skills.[/QUOTE]

See, to me, that sounds like Hell. It's just pattern memorization. And at that point, why not just play Pac-Man? I much prefer a game design that allows for some creativity and flexibility in achieving the game's objectives. Sounds like I'll enjoy MvDK2 more than the first one.
 
[quote name='Tybee']See, to me, that sounds like Hell. It's just pattern memorization. And at that point, why not just play Pac-Man? I much prefer a game design that allows for some creativity and flexibility in achieving the game's objectives. Sounds like I'll enjoy MvDK2 more than the first one.[/QUOTE]

It IS hell and its one of the reasons I hated MvDK especially when compared with its original GameBoy brother which allowed you to play as you perfectly described. I play games to relax, not stress myself out over.
 
Beat the game earlier today. Wasn't thrilled with the last boss or ending, but the fact that I played through it is testament to it being a good game. No motivation to go through and try to get all golds, though. I stand by my 4 out of 5 review.
 
[quote name='Womp']It IS hell and its one of the reasons I hated MvDK especially when compared with its original GameBoy brother which allowed you to play as you perfectly described. I play games to relax, not stress myself out over.[/QUOTE]but the thing is, it's not like the game doesnt allow you to relax,

by no means does the game stop you from beating each level.

however, a gold star should be a way to reward gamers for playing the game right.

it should be an ultimate achievement of conquering the game,

instead the game hands them out with a blindfold.

all they had to do was increase the point threshold for a gold star,

the game would still stay the same but the challenge would be upped that much.

anyway, I beat this yesterday, gold stars all levels and both secret stages beaten.

$22 shipped, PM me if interested.

tybee>> haha, actually Pac Man and other classic games is what influences my take on games.

high scores, challenges, and thoro game knowledge should come back into making and playing games,

instead games have become too easy and flashy

becoz gamers just like to have their hands held the whole time.
 
[quote name='JEKKI']but the thing is, it's not like the game doesnt allow you to relax,

by no means does the game stop you from beating each level.

however, a gold star should be a way to reward gamers for playing the game right.

it should be an ultimate achievement of conquering the game,

instead the game hands them out with a blindfold.

all they had to do was increase the point threshold for a gold star,

the game would still stay the same but the challenge would be upped that much.

anyway, I beat this yesterday, gold stars all levels and both secret stages beaten.

$22 shipped, PM me if interested.

tybee>> haha, actually Pac Man and other classic games is what influences my take on games.

high scores, challenges, and thoro game knowledge should come back into making and playing games,

instead games have become too easy and flashy

becoz gamers just like to have their hands held the whole time.[/QUOTE]

What beautiful free verse. ;)
 
Finished the game over the weekend (held off on playing it to save it for a trip) and it was too short IMO, but a very good game. Well worth purchasing ESPECIALLY if you plan to buy it, beat it, and then sell it. Since I picked it up on the CC sale I figure I'll probably end up being out $5 to breaking even on the game after selling on eBay, so I can't complain at all.

Oddly the game almost seemed to get easier on a couple of the later floors, but the last floor did ramp it up again. Got all gold stars on the levels - getting golds on the boss battles doesn't interest me/seem like fun at all. Wish N had put in at least twice as many levels. Also might have been nice if it gave you some extra bonus for collecting every coin on a level (easy task if you aren't concerned with the total score) and then maybe a platinum star for getting the gold level points + collecting every coin and the mario card on a level. Of course I could try doing those things on my own, but the geek in me just isn't motivated if it won't earn me a different colored star. :mrgreen:

The final boss battle is pretty cool, and a nice surprise (won't ruin it.)

But I was really peeved when I got to the Roof level and discovered it wasn't 9 new boards with a boss battle, but simply the one boss battle. Luckily I had brought Trauma Center on the trip as well.
 
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