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The classic mallet item can be thrown upwards and can be used again if Mario catches it, allowing him to bring it to different parts of the stage. At any point, Mario can flip over onto his hands, which allows him to catch falling barrels, and can also perform higher jumps by timing his jumps from flipping, or by performing a jump while changing direction.
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If the key is left alone for a certain amount of time, it will return to its original place. 2, he is able to pick up and throw items or certain enemies, which he will need to use to carry the key over to the door. Mario will also lose a life if he hits an enemy or obstacle, though some instances allow Mario to withstand the hit, such as being hit while carrying an item. Mario is able to survive falling from certain distances, though will lose a life if he falls further. The game features various gameplay enhancements from the original game. Extra lives can be earned via mini-games, unlocked by collecting three special items in each level, or at the end of each set based on the total unused time from that set. At this point, players are allowed to save their progress, including their time for each level or for the total set. After the fourth level is cleared, a cutscene is shown depicting a player's abilities that may be needed for the upcoming levels, or to introduce new kinds of traps. Every fourth level is a "battle level" in which the player must either try to reach Pauline, like in the original levels, or defeat Donkey Kong by using his own barrels against him. He must pick it up and carry it to a locked door elsewhere in the stage. The subsequent levels follow a completely different game mechanic in which the player must guide Mario through each level to locate a key. The player is then presented with 97 additional stages spanning nine worlds, for a total of 101 stages with the very last one a fight against a mutated, larger Donkey Kong. After these four initial stages are completed, the usual arcade ending begins, but after a few notes of the "victory theme" Donkey Kong revives, grabs Pauline again, and takes off with her, with Mario giving chase. The Super Game Boy border used in the game was based on the actual arcade cabinet of the original Donkey Kong.ĭonkey Kong begins with the four levels found in the original arcade game, in which Mario must reach the top of the level and save Pauline.
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