The game is quite simple to figure out. Move Mario left and right on the girders, up and down the ladders and avoid any obstacles in the way (either by jumping over them, smashing them with the hammer, or going around them). The arcade games consists of 4 different boards, which you play in a different order (depending on what level you are on).
After the introduction (How high can you get?), the game will display the first level, which in this case appears to be a construction yard. At the top of the level is your arch enemy, Donkey Kong, as well as your dearly beloved Pauline. Between you and Pauline lies a large concoction of girders and ladders. To make matters worse, Donkey Kong has bounced up and down on the girders, causing them to bend downwards, so he can throw barrels down the girders to prevent you from reaching him.
When you gain control of Mario, move immediately to your right, as Donkey Kong will drop a barrel right away. This barrel will combine with the flaming drum at the bottom of the level to produce a fiery enemy. This enemy will pursue you throughout the level, so you must act fast. Continue to move right, past the broken ladder, and proceed to climb the ladder at the end of the platform.
On the second platform, you have three options at your disposal for methods of advancing to the next platform. First of all, we can grab the hammer. The hammer is useful for those chasing a big high score, as you get 300 points for each barrel you smash, and it gives you an opportunity to dispose of the flame guy. NOTE: Be careful when using the hammer. When the hammer is raised over your head, a barrel can sneak under and still hit you. Watch your timing! The second option is to take the middle ladder, being weary that a barrel may take that path. Finally, you can take the ladder at the end.
By now, Donkey Kong's first barrel should be about to hit you. Jump over the barrel for 100 points. Once you reach the third platform, you have two options. Run to the right, past the broken ladder, as it is completely useless, and jump over any barrels in the way. The first ladder is longer than the other, but you reach it much more quickly.
On the fourth platform, run left, past the broken ladder, and take either of the two unbroken ladders to the second last platform.
On the second-to-last platform there is a hammer. Take it, and clear a path through the barrels, and take the ladder at the end of the path to the top platform.
On the top platform, jump any barrels, and climb the ladder to Pauline's platform. Now watch in dispair as your flea ridden foe steals Pauline and takes her away again.
As you progress through the game, this board is repeated and becomes much harder. Barrels move faster and are more prone to acting unpredictably. Donkey Kong also throws the barrels in many different directions.
Back to Top
This board invovles a series of elevators and a bunch of remote platforms, some connected by ladders. To make matters worse, there are two balls of flame, no mallets, and a ridiculous stream of bouncing springs.
You start off on a platform in the middle of the screen on the far left. At the top of the ladder is an umbrella, which gives you a small points bonus. Next to this structure is an elevator going upwards, and next to that is a small structure with two platforms, two ladders and a flame going up and down them. Time your jump onto the elevator so you can jump onto the ladder platforms without any risk of contact with the flame. Do not get crushed by the elevator when it reaches the top!
On the other side of the ladder platform is another lift, this time going downward. Jump onto the lift, and take it down to a point where you can jump onto the next series of platforms. Jump up the series of steps, avoiding the springs that are raining down, and then climb up the ladder. You will notice that a flame is looming overhead, so do your best to avoid contact. Once again, avoid the constant stream of springs, and work your way up the step-like platforms until you reach Donkey Kong's platform.
Because the springs move so fast, you must be very careful when timing your run and climb up the ladder, as springs are likely to hit mario if you are too slow. Another option is to quickly move mario under the arc of a bouncing spring - not the best option, but there is a safe spot. Once you climb up the ladder, Donkey Kong snatches Pauline, and we go to the next level.
Back to Top
You'll start on the bottom level. Climb the ladder. Avoid being hit by the pies on the converyor belt (or "coal" as others like to call it) and climb up to the central "safe" platorm. Note that there are alot of flame balls - be sure to avoid them or jump to the next platform and grab the hammer.
Now, you need to make it to the right hand side of the screen, so you can reach that conveyor. Climb the ladder onto the conveyor, being wary of the pies (or "coal"), and climb the moving ladder. Make sure you don't climb the ladder when Donkey Kong is above you.
Upon reaching the platform, Donkey Kong will snatch Pauline again.
Back to Top
You start at the bottom level of the structure. Donkey Kong and Pauline are at the top. The trick is to remove each of the yellow blocks from the structure, so that Donkey Kong will fall off the structure, so you can rescue Pauline.
As was mentioned before, you start at the bottom. Climb the ladder to the second platform and steal the brick, being weary of the flame dude. Jump over the gap you just created, and climb the ladder to the third platform. Keep doing this until all the bricks on the right hand side are gone.
By the time these bricks are gone, there will be 3 or 4 flame balls around, so you must be careful. The way to go about this is to remove the bricks in a manner which traps the flame guys in the middle platform, so they cannot threaten you (easily). Once all the bricks are gone, Donkey Kong comes crashing down, and you win Pauline.
And then, the game starts over with the first board...
Back to Top