National Game Registry 1981: Donkey Kong

DONKEY KONG
original platform
arcade
developer/publisher
Nintendo
key personnel
Shigeru Miyamoto

Donkey Kong introduced the run and jump-based gameplay that would become the hallmark of the Donkey Kong and Mario series spread across four single-screen stages.  The character designs are detailed and expressive; the title character taunts, grimaces, and dances from the top of the screen while Mario negotiates hazards like barrels and sentient fireballs to make his way to save his beloved Pauline. 

 

Donkey Kong was inducted on May 16th, 2009.

Return to the National Game Registry to view more inductees.