1. The Birth of Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong, the gorilla we all know and love, first made his appearance in arcades in 1981. Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the game was an instant hit. Donkey Kong introduced the world to a unique blend of platforming and puzzle-solving, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
2. Mario’s Genesis
While Donkey Kong may have stolen the spotlight initially, it didn’t take long for his trusty sidekick to shine. In the same year, Mario (known then as Jumpman) made his first appearance in the Donkey Kong arcade game. Mario was a carpenter tasked with rescuing a lady named Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. This was the birth of the legendary rivalry between the two characters.
3. Super Mario Bros. – The Turning Point
The debate about who appeared first may seem clear-cut, but it gets a little complicated. In 1983, Nintendo released the immensely popular game “Mario Bros.” This game featured Mario and his brother Luigi working together to defeat various enemies in the sewers of New York City. This release confused many as it seemed to place Mario before Donkey Kong. However, it was later explained that “Mario Bros.” was actually a sequel to the original Donkey Kong game, making Donkey Kong the original game in terms of chronology.
4. Mario Takes Center Stage
Despite the chronological confusion, Mario ultimately became the star of his own franchise. In 1985, Nintendo released “Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game catapulted Mario to superstardom and introduced us to the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom and its unforgettable cast of characters. From there, Mario featured in countless sequels, spin-offs, and even became the face of Nintendo itself.
5. The Continuing Adventures
Donkey Kong didn’t fade into obscurity after his initial success. In fact, he found new life in the wildly popular Donkey Kong Country series, starting in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). These platforming masterpieces rejuvenated the Donkey Kong franchise and introduced new characters like Diddy Kong and the villainous King K.Rool.
The chronological conundrum of Donkey Kong and Mario has finally been unraveled. While Donkey Kong may have been the first game to feature both characters, it was Mario who ultimately took center stage and became one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in the world of gaming. The race between Donkey Kong and Mario may have been tight, but it is clear that both characters have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
- Did you enjoy diving into the history of Donkey Kong and Mario?
- Are you Team Donkey Kong or Team Mario?
- What is your favorite game featuring these iconic characters?
Let us know in the comments and keep the nostalgic gaming memories alive!