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How Metascores Are Calculated
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1 vs. 100
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
In the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario was trying to find all the Mini Marios ... but this time, it's up to them to save the day. Players use the stylus and the touch screen to guide Mini Marios through mind-boggling, obstacle-filled levels. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 allows players to create their own maps with a new level editor. Once a map is created, players can send it across the world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Players also can use Wi-Fi to download maps created by others, check out a player-ranking system and access special bonuses. Pauline returns! Pauline appeared in the original Donkey Kong as the woman that Mario was attempting to rescue, and was one of the first recognizable characters created by Nintendo. After a decades-long hiatus, Pauline is finally returning to the world of video games in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2. Pauline is the object of Donkey Kong's misplaced affections, so players must rescue her all over again. It seems folks love those Mini Mario toys. So much so that the Mario Toy Company has expanded the line to include Mini Donkey Kong, Mini Toad and Mini Peach figures to the series. With all these toys bringing him more money than he knows what to do with, Mario decides to fulfill his lifelong dream and open a theme park called Super Mini Mario World. The opening-day crowd includes Pauline and Donkey Kong, who immediately falls head over heels for the lovely lass. The proud ape tries to show off his Mini DK toy to Pauline, but she picks the Mini Mario toy over his and the jealous Donkey Kong becomes enraged. He smashes the displays, destroys the toys and takes Pauline to the top floor of the amusement park. Players must find Pauline and save the day. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
AceGamez
The gameplay is great fun and varies throughout with new themes, changing obstacles and introducing great new abilities for the minis at a carefully planned and gradual pace. It looks great, it sounds great and the WiFi functionality is a wonderful surprise that we're only used to seeing on the PSP.
 92
PGNx Media
One of the most addicting and entertaining games currently available on the Nintendo DS. The game makes great use of the touch screen (and your logical thinking skills).
90
VideoGamer
Add in the two-player Wi-Fi option and what you've got here is a brilliant game, and one that is an absolute must for all DS owners. Quite simply: if you've got a DS, get this!
88
Cheat Code Central
The story is told by fantastic cutscenes, fully voiced and animated to perfection.
87
eToychest
A fun, challenging, and addictive game. The levels are short, and easily digestible, making this the perfect game to pick up and play for a few minutes on the go, while this very nature makes it difficult to put down.
85
GamePro
As a sequel, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: March of the Minis surpasses the original by leaps and bounds backed by the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, however the new control scheme does take some getting used to.
85
Extreme Gamer
The gameplay all revolves around the touch screen, and the puzzles and boss battles are interesting and well designed.
82
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
The relaxed pace is good for your blood pressure but it's not much of a challenge. [Mar 2007, p.78]
82
GameSpot
The new touch-screen controls, level creator, and colorful presentation make March of the Minis an even better puzzle game than its predecessor.
80
Da Gameboyz
With quality graphics, good sound and a Lemmings like gameplay how can anyone go wrong?
80
WHAM! Gaming
With each level presenting it own unique challenges to overcome, what you have with 'Mario Versus Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis' is not only one of the longest game titles of the year but an accessible and thoroughly addicting puzzle game for thinking gamers of all ages.
80
GameDaily
It's not the most challenging of games, but I think it's cute and very entertaining.
80
G4 TV
An extremely refreshing puzzler that should find a huge audience on Nintendo DS. It may not have the legacy of Lemmings or the multiplayer gaming of Worms, but its stages are brilliantly crafted and the creator can't be beat.
80
NGamer UK
If you're good enough, it'll last ages. If you're just an amateur dabbler, at least you'll get to see the ending. What's not to like? [Dec 2006, p.32]
80
Games Master UK
Just as efficient as its clockwork nature would seem to suggest - this is splendid form. [Jan 2007, p.70]
75
GameBrink
It's a lot of fun while it lasts, and if you have the skills required to get the coveted 'no stopping' bonus then there's plenty of mileage to be had out of beating your own high scores and comparing your progress to your friends over Wi-Fi.
75
NintendoWorldReport
If you appreciate action games with major puzzle and strategic elements, then March of the Minis is for you. In particular, the game is perfect for players interested in level design.
75
Nintendo Power
How much you enjoy Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis will probably correlate directly with how much you like guiding characters via the stylus. [Nov. 2006, p.87]
72
Electronic Gaming Monthly
I like how it's pretty easy to complete any of the levels, but achieving a gold star on each and collecting all the various coins and cards require strategy that's just challenging enough to stimulate the noggin here and there. [Nov. 2006, p.139]
70
IGN
Its similarities to the first game are only in looks; the concept goes in a refreshingly different -- but just not as successful, addictive or challenging -- direction for Nintendo DS gamers.
70
Games Radar
By hooking up with other players via Wi-Fi, you’re also able to play levels that other players create, giving you a virtually endless array of levels to puzzle over even after you’ve completed the main game.
70
GameSpy
A mixed blessing. It's got some fun and elaborate puzzles, although some get a tad too elaborate to manage at once. Also, certain parts of the gameplay mechanic, such as the responsiveness of the touch screen while steering Mini-Marios around, don't function as well as we would have liked.
70
Yahoo! Games
The very definition of a "pick up and play" video game, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 strikes a comfortable balance between bite-sized gameplay and respectable longevity. It could use some tighter controls and a multiplayer mode, but it's a competent addition to the DS' line of puzzlers.
70
games(TM)
Unless you despise puzzle games you can't be disappointed as this does what it sets out to do. It's a charming title and a good way to pass some time. [Christmas 2006, p.137]
70
PALGN
Longevity is unfortunately absent in March of the Minis and is ultimately the thorn in the game’s foot, preventing it from being a much more memorable puzzler.
70
Pocket Gamer UK
An addictive puzzle game that proves to be more Energizer bunny than clockwork mouse.
70
Sydney Morning Herald
Using the Nintendo wi-fi connection service, users can then send their designs to friends to solve, bolstering the game's long-term appeal.
70
Thunderbolt
While it doesn't cover any new ground and isn't pushing the DS in any way, it's a fun and easy to get into puzzle platformer that will keep you hooked if you give it enough time- especially if you play around with the level editor.
70
EuroGamer
Many won't appreciate the simplicity, or the fact that there doesn't appear to be enough of a substantial challenge to grab your attention for very long. Not for everyone, then, but well worth further investigation if puzzling's your thing.
70
Edge Magazine
Smartly thought out, handsomely presented and perfectly showcasing the combination of quick thinking and quick reactions we so often claim videogames encourage. [June 2007, p.89]
60
Game Informer
I'm sure some people will dig March of the Mini's all-ages gameplay, and the chance to share player-created levels via Wi-Fi is a nice touch, but unless someone comes up with stages that are more interesting than the ones in the main game, I'm certainly not interested. [Nov. 2006, p.142]
60
Modojo
A little more development time to polish some control quirks and hide away 20 or so super-difficult levels for the intrepid, and March of the Minis would have been a much more memorable DS release.
Megan H. gave it a10: Grant D. gave it a9: Kung Fu Furby gave it an8: Sean gave it a9: Dree O. gave it an8: |
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