Summary
Among the many changes found withinMario vs. Donkey Kong’s remake, one that stands out is the ability to change between two difficulty options. Presented as ‘Play Styles’,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s difficulty options are excellent for accessibility.
In addition to a co-op mode, the different playstyles are part ofMario vs. Donkey Kong’s new content. The playstyles (accessible at any time on the pause menu or the level-select screen) come as two options: Classic and Casual. Classic is what it says on the tin, presenting unaltered gameplay. Casual is the newcomer, switching things up to make the experience more accessible.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s Casual Mode Is A Great Accessibility Option
The Differences In Playing Casual Mode
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s Casual modeinfers a variety of benefits to make things easier. It gives the player infinite time to beat the level, rather than the time limit assigned in Classic mode. Furthermore, some stages will have checkpoint flags dotted throughout them. The player is also given five bubbles that serve as additional hit points. If hit whilst they still have bubbles, the player will be floated to the start of the screen or to their last checkpoint flag. The bubbles will also sometimes reset enemies back to their original location if they’ve been moved, although this doesn’t always happen. A bubble is consumed once Mario is hit. If all bubbles are consumed and Mario is hit again, a life will be consumed—resetting the bubble count.
Casual Mode Goes Beyond Typical Accessibility Features
No detriments are received from playing a level in Casual mode; once a stage is passed, it is counted as beaten and stars are awarded if conditions are met, exactly like how Classic mode works. This is a change from how many games treat different difficulties.Cuphead, known for its tough-as-nails tussles, doesn’t count a boss as beaten for the purposes of progression if completed on easy difficulty. It also cuts out content, denying players who want an easier experience from seeing more of the game.Cuphead’s not alone in this regard, with these attitudes extended to many games—with other titles dubbing easier difficulties as ‘baby mode’ or with other condescending monikers.
The view that easier difficulties are somehow a way of gaming the system may have a point in multiplayer titles (though even then there should still be means for the game to assist those who need a hand) but is patently false in singleplayer games. There’s no harm in letting players have an easier time, and there’s no point in demeaning those who take that road. To that latter point, calling the modes ‘Casual’ and ‘Classic’ is a great way to differentiate them without insisting upon the superiority of one over the other. All these aspects make Casual mode one ofMario vs. Donkey Kong’s best new inclusions.
Other Nintendo Games Could Take Notes From Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Nintendo has been fairly consistent about adding in accessibility features, especially in modern times. However, it doesn’t always succeed as much as it could. An examplewould beSuper Mario 3D World’s Assist Block (which also appears in other games in the same or different forms). This block appears after five or more deaths, offering the player a helpful boon. Whilst this is a good step, it often feels like a tease for players failing at a section—rubbing the loss in their face.
By being an optional play style available whenever the player wants it, Casual mode avoids this problem.Whilst Nintendo’s accessibility features haven’t always been perfect, it’d be great to see the company retain this concept throughout its future releases.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
WHERE TO PLAY
The rivalry reignites! Donkey Kong has stolen all the Mini-Mario toys from the factory, and it’s up to Mario to get them back! Run, jump, and backflip your way to retrieving them across over 130 levels in this puzzle-style twist on classic platforming action. The rivalry that originally heated up on the Game Boy™ Advance system returns on the Nintendo Switch™ system with newly added co-op play, brand-new worlds, updated music and visuals, and other new ways to play.Put your brain to work and figure out the best way to reach the Mini-Mario toys in puzzle-platforming challenges across eight distinct worlds. Watch for enemies, dodge hazards, and use the tools scattered around. See if you may earn a Perfect rating on each level!
