Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Miniland Mayhem! / JAP

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! for the Nintendo DS is a clever puzzle platformer adventure that takes you into a colorful theme park setting - combining strategy, timing and creativity. It is the fourth installment in the popular Mario vs. Donkey Kong series and brings the tried and tested mini-game principle to perfection.

The story of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! begins with the opening of the brand new "Mini-Land" amusement park. Mario wants to give Pauline - known from Donkey Kong's very first appearance - a special treat, but Donkey Kong beats him to it and is disappointed when he doesn't get a mini Pauline figure. In typical style, he then kidnaps Pauline and Mario sets off on a rescue mission with his mini toy robots.

Unlike classic platformers, in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! you don't control Mario directly, but guide a group of small, independently running Mini-Marios through dangerous levels full of obstacles, enemies and traps. Using the touch screen, you place platforms, conveyor belts, springs and other elements to pave the way for the Minis to reach their goal - under time pressure and with limited resources. Each level in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a logical puzzle that requires planning and precision.

What makes Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! special is the constant introduction of new mechanics and obstacles that provide fresh fun and increasing challenges. The levels of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! are lovingly designed, the level of difficulty increases pleasantly, and the game rewards forward thinking as well as creative solutions.

A big plus point of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is also the extensive level editor: you can build your own levels and share them with others - back then via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - or download new challenges. Even though the online functions of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! are no longer active today, the editor also offers many hours of fun for creative minds locally.

With its colorful style, charming animations, catchy soundtrack and accessible but challenging game mechanics, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a real highlight of the DS library. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a game for on the go, for short brain teasers in between or long puzzle evenings - and of course a must for fans of Mario, Donkey Kong and clever level design.