SO YOU WANT TO COLLECT…
The simian superstar may have been overshadowed by that pesky plumber, but Donkey Kong has been no stranger to great games over the years. Here are some you’ll go ape for – and others reserved for only the most bananas of collectors
EXPECT TO PAY
£30+ USA
EXPECT TO PAY
£35+ EUROPE
DOUBLE DUTY
DEVELOPER: NINTENDO EAD
RELEASE: 1988
■ As one of the most popular arcade games of the early Eighties, Donkey Kong’s home releases were a big deal for licensees Coleco and Atari. But Donkey Kong is a Nintendo property and we’re going to focus on the Nintendo console releases here to keep things simple – and this is the most cost-effective way to enjoy some classic Donkey Kong on real 8-bit Nintendo hardware.
Donkey Kong Classics doesn’t just contain the original platform hit, but its sequel Donkey Kong Jr in which the titular protagonist goes on a mission to rescue his dear old dad from that dastardly Mario. The games aren’t quite perfect – Donkey Kong is notably missing the cement factory stage from the arcade game – but they are good fun. These versions are among the most accurate contemporary home versions of the games, too.
The cartridge comes in a distinct orange box and while it’s not the cheapest NES game you’ll find, your partner isn’t likely to go ape over budgets if you unexpectedly grab it.
EXPECT TO PAY
£100+ EUROPE
EXPECT TO PAY
£1,300+ USA
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
DEVELOPER: NINTENDO R&D2/SRD C
