Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s remake on the Switch is introducing co-op mechanics, and there are a few characters that would be great to see. Although the titleMario vs. Donkey Kongimplies only the two facing off, co-op can ease the burden on Mario and give him more of a chance in the ensuing puzzles. It offers a new way to play, and it remains to be seen how much more content can be added from the feature. While players will be able to play together, the real question is who will be available to assist Mario.
Unlike mostMariotitles, theSwitch comeback ofMario vs. Donkey Kongdoesn’t focus on Mario’s incredible acrobatic ability. Instead, the game is more of a puzzle platformer, with Mario needing to use switches and other stage elements in order to find his way to the finish. Without access to moves like his triple jump or wall kick, players will need to rely on the resources provided in each level in order to succeed. This remake’s addition of co-op gameplay allows two players to play on the same stage at once. Depending on how this is implemented, it could make certain levels far easier to complete.
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Several Super Mario Characters Could Help in Mario vs. Donkey Kong
In the trailer, the only co-op character shown wasNintendo’s lovable mushroom man, Toad. A few levels are shown with Mario traversing a stage alongside a classic red-spotted toad. However, a blue toad can be seen in the scene where Donkey Kong is stealing the Mini-Mario toys, so it’s possible that this Toad may not be the only one playable in-game. While the idea of more than one Toad being playable is good, that could also be extended to a variety of characters from theSuper Mariouniverse. In fact, there are a good amount of characters that could copy Toad’s co-op role.
One character that comes to mind is another small character, that beingSuper Mario Bros.' Shy Guys. The Shy Guys have been regularly occurring NPCs, with several appearances in spin-offs likeMario Kart. Although they are often enemies, a Shy Guy could make a fitting co-op companion inMario vs. Donkey Kong. In addition, since Bowser isn’t the antagonist, a Koopa Troopa could potentially play the role as well. Despite being Bowser’s main minions, Koopa Troopas would be a good contrast to the Toads. It may be good to take the rare opportunity to have Mario and a Koopa Troopa work together.
Of course, one character that should immediately come to mind is Mario’s brother Luigi. AlthoughLuigi has his own games, he got his start as Mario’s Player 2, soMario vs. Donkey Kongcould be the latest instance of Mario and Luigi working together. In addition, if there’s one character aside from Luigi that Mario is closely associated with, it’s Princess Peach. The princess has been appearing regularly alongside Mario in his adventures as of late, and is even getting her own game soon.Mario vs. Donkey Kongcould be the opportunity for the classic duo team up against Mario’s original rival.
Co-op can bring a new layer of gameplay toMario vs. Donkey Kong, and it could also bring other characters into the spotlight. ThisMariospinoff deserved a Switch port, and it already looks to be making the most of the opportunity. Bringing back the series' problem-solving approach to platforming could be made even better with two players to work on the task together. It’s possible that Toad will be the only co-op companion in the game, since only he appeared in the trailer, butMario vs. Donkey Kongcould do players a favor with a selection of co-op characters.
Mario vs. Donkey Kongwill be released on June 05, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
