Who Do You Play As in the Original Donkey Kong?
The original 1981 arcade classic, Donkey Kong, puts you in the role of Jumpman, a plucky carpenter trying to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of a giant ape named Donkey Kong. Though Jumpman would later be known universally as Mario, in this first adventure, he was simply a nameless, determined hero with a penchant for jumping and ladder climbing. His mission is simple: navigate a construction site, ascend platforms, dodge barrels, and reach the top to save Pauline. This simple yet compelling gameplay established a foundation for countless platformers that followed, and etched Jumpman (Mario) into video game history.
The Genesis of a Gaming Icon
Before he donned the red hat and overalls we know today, Jumpman was a pixelated figure with an ambitious goal. His design, though simple by today’s standards, was instantly recognizable and established the framework for the iconic character that would soon become the face of Nintendo. The limited graphics of the time made the developers rely on clear and concise movement and action. Jumpman’s actions were basic yet engaging: running left and right, jumping over obstacles, and climbing ladders. These foundational mechanics paved the way for the evolution of platforming games. His character as a determined carpenter, with a simple goal of saving a damsel, laid the groundwork for all of the characters that followed.
Jumpman’s Transformation into Mario
While Jumpman was the star of Donkey Kong, it was only later that he received his now-famous name: Mario. The shift from Jumpman to Mario was a pivotal moment in gaming history. This change cemented the character as an individual with a distinct personality. It was also with Mario that the games started getting sequels. This also helped develop other characters in the universe, such as Luigi.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donkey Kong and its Characters
This section will answer many of the most common questions that often come up when discussing the original Donkey Kong and the characters within.
1. Is Donkey Kong the playable character in the first game?
No, Donkey Kong is not the playable character. He is the main antagonist of the game, the giant ape who captures Pauline. The player controls Jumpman (who would later become Mario).
2. Who is Pauline in Donkey Kong?
Pauline is the damsel in distress, the woman Jumpman is trying to rescue from Donkey Kong. She’s an early example of a main character that you have to save in many video games that followed.
3. Was the original Donkey Kong game the start of the Super Mario franchise?
Yes, the original Donkey Kong marked the beginning of both the Super Mario and Donkey Kong franchises, introducing several of their earliest characters, including Mario (then known as Jumpman) and the original Donkey Kong (who later became Cranky Kong).
4. Who is Cranky Kong and how does he relate to the original Donkey Kong?
Cranky Kong is the elderly version of the original Donkey Kong from the 1981 arcade game. In the later Donkey Kong Country series, he’s presented as the grandfather of the current Donkey Kong.
5. Is Mario really a carpenter in the original Donkey Kong?
Yes, in the original Donkey Kong, Jumpman (Mario) is depicted as a carpenter, rather than the plumber he is known as in later Super Mario games. This also shows how Nintendo took a very simple idea to a whole new universe.
6. How did Mario get his name?
Jumpman was renamed Mario after Nintendo of America staff decided the character bore a resemblance to their landlord, Mario Segale. This shows how much random chance played in the development of the famous character.
7. Is the Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Country the same Donkey Kong from the original game?
No, the Donkey Kong in the Donkey Kong Country series is the grandson of the original Donkey Kong (now known as Cranky Kong). This is one of the things that kept the franchise going for so long.
8. Who is stronger, Donkey Kong or Bowser?
According to some sources, Bowser is considered stronger than Donkey Kong due to having more physical strength and power. This has caused a lot of debate among fans of the game.
9. Is Diddy Kong related to Donkey Kong?
Diddy Kong is Donkey Kong’s nephew or adopted nephew. They are not directly father and son, but they share a strong bond within the universe of the game.
10. Is Funky Kong Donkey Kong’s brother?
Yes, Funky Kong is considered one of Donkey Kong’s brothers. He isn’t Diddy Kong’s dad, but is related to the family. The universe has many different family relationships to explore.
11. Is Candy Kong Donkey Kong’s girlfriend?
Yes, Candy Kong is Donkey Kong’s girlfriend. She has been a key character in various Donkey Kong games, often providing assistance to the main character.
12. How old is Princess Peach?
While her exact age is not confirmed, Princess Peach is hinted to be around 23 years old. This is a common reference point throughout the various games.
13. How old is Bowser?
Bowser is said to be around 34 years old, although his character has been around for a long time. He is a core antagonist for the Mario series and is always seen as a foil for him.
14. Is the original Donkey Kong game endless?
No, the original Donkey Kong has an ending, but it’s a glitch that occurs on level 22 that kills Mario, often referred to as a “kill screen.” This is an interesting part of video game history.
15. Is Pac-Man British?
No, Pac-Man is a Japanese arcade game created by Namco Limited. The lead designer was Iwatani Tohru. He did not intend to create a violent game.
The Legacy of Jumpman and Donkey Kong
The original Donkey Kong is not just a game; it’s a cornerstone of gaming history. It introduced Jumpman, who would later become Mario, and established the platforming genre. The characters, even in their early pixelated forms, are still beloved today. It showed people that games can have a narrative and a story, not just shooting. It was a pivotal moment in game development. The game’s enduring appeal stems from its simple yet challenging gameplay and the memorable characters it introduced. While Jumpman might have started as a basic carpenter, his journey in Donkey Kong is what ultimately led to his fame as Mario, a figure that will always have a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.