dtm-artist16 Mar 2024
A superb translation of the arcade classic, capturing the feel and pacing perfectly. The visuals have been given a makeover on the "arcade redux" version, so if you're discovering Donkey Kong for the first time, make it that one.
Gildahl9 Jul 2022
Another short review just to add my appreciation for this title, and how it was the best of the translations at the time. The Colecovision had DK as a highly touted launch title--which wasn't bad--but it didn't compare to this one with its very tight control, fluid motion, more complete animation, excellent sound, and all 4 screens. I played this one nearly every time I turned on my Atari and consider it one of the system's defining titles.
AbbotKinneyDude31 Oct 2020
It's really too bad that Atari Corp. was not able to retrieve some of the artwork produced under Atari Inc. as the XEGS Blue Box version of Donkey Kong offers an *atrocious* illustration compared to its 1983 silver box ancestor.
Punkydudester10 Dec 2014
I always loved this game. I did notice that this one had all 4 levels and I could never understand why the NES version didn't, especially when Nintendo made it, WTF?!
Hillsy_11 Oct 2013
Great game. A classic. Managed to get to L6, but I could never finish it. Some of the jumps were hilarious! Fond memories of this one :)
KrazyPengwin21 May 2013
As others have said, this is the best of the home conversions... despite Kong being on the wrong side of the screen.
misterZZzzz17 May 2013
Great conversion, best ever.
Daniel Thomas MacInnes16 Oct 2012
This is the best home version of Donkey Kong, and includes all four arcade screens (something missing from even the NES version!) and sterling gameplay. One of the Atari 800's crowning achievements.
velde102347 Jul 2012
This is by far the best version of DK for home computers. Except for the arcade version but MUCH better than on Coleco, 2600, 7800, ...
Gwobby27 Nov 2011
Simply awesome. For fun try jumping the oil drum on the pie factory; also jumping off the platform ends into the screen edges is neat for avoiding barrels!!
http://www.freewebs.com/gwobby/
rjohnson1 Feb 2011
Donkey Kong for the Atari 8 bit computers was the best Donkey Kong that was made except for the arcade version.
The Atari 400 Donkey Kong has all four screens. Unlike the Colecovision, NES and Atari 7800 versions. It even includes the How high can you get? intermissions.
If you want a damn good Donkey Kong, buy the Atari 400 version. You can find it and the Atari 8 bit computers on Ebay.
AtariKSI31 Aug 2010
I like this over the arcade version and all other versions I have tried-- C64, Atari 7800, Colecovision, Coco, etc. Excellent controls, collisions are very good, and can't be improved much unless you stretch the screen.
Jim H.4 Mar 2010
Hi jlw! What "that other guy" is talking about is simply personal preference. I like this game a lot and play it regularly, I just feel that Atari could have done a better job with the movement of Mario going on and off the ladders. In my estimation its a little funky. On the DK Junior cart the movement has none of this stickiness and allows for split second motions. Just my opinion, though...Cheers!
jlw3 Mar 2010
I don't know what that other guy is talking about. This is the most playable version of Donkey Kong ever. This is the ONLY version where the barrels bounce when they fall. This is the best home version ever.
Jim H.19 Feb 2010
I'm surprised that all the comments here are so positive. While the graphics and sounds are wonderful, I have always felt that Atari could have done better with the playability of this game. Most notably the transitions off the tops of ladders onto the next platform...Mario often seemed to catch or freeze slightly before being able to move side to side, and at the higher levels even the slightest delay is often the kiss of death. I always prefered their Donkey Kong Jr. to this original.
Fres26 Jul 2009
I'm with Greg B. on this one. The C64 version had some good playability, but the screens are all out of order. It's like the authors never played the original coin-op.
Lane23 Jul 2009
For the time, this was an excellent port; though I prefer the Ocean C64 version ( http://www.lemon64.com/games/details.php?ID=750 ) .
But it did have the benefit of coming out three years later.
Greg B.5 Nov 2008
Simply put, this is the best home translation of a coin-op game EVER. Period.
wazoox8 Mar 2008
Read the fantastic story of the code from the programmer himself on his blog :
http://www.dadhacker.com/blog/?p=987
eppy200018 Feb 2008
This was excellent as most Atari home conversions were. You had all four screens of the arcade version, plus you also got to see Kong fall on his head in the second screen level. It had everything going for it: good graphics & sound with smooth, challenging game play.
The only problem was that it was released one year after ColecoVision got all the publicity (and sales) for its new game machine, which came with Donkey Kong! Coleco also entered the video game market and put out a laughable rendition of the game for the 2600. So when Atari finally arrived with their own, excellent version of Donkey Kong for the 8-bit, it got lost in the shuffle. It's still a classic!
Jonny EOL12 Feb 2008
Possibly the best 'home' conversion of this game I've played. All four of the screens, difficulty balanced just right (5 levels to choose from) and basically a convincing run through Mario and DKs first big hit.
Flypaper15 Aug 2007
This version of the classic offers four complete levels. A very satisfying gameplay situation, since there were many others released for a variety of systems that lacked all levels. The graphics are a little chunky - to be expected with the Atari 8-bit generation - but the little extras more than make up for it. Top drawer from Atari's programmers. Highly reccomended!
vsc king (qtone)15 Jun 2004
simply the best donk i have ever played. all 4 leves are complet and very fast. better than atari 2600 or 7800, Coleco or anything else.
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