Ok, let's see. The original Donkey Kong first released into arcades in 1981, where it became a smash hit that also happened to introduce us to two of Nintendo's most enduring mascots in the form of a great big agitiated ape and some springy little plumber guy. The game, in this very first incarnation, involved bounding around simple walkway platforms, dodging barrels, and moving ever upwards to smack said angry ape on his bonce before rescuing Pauline.
Fast forward to 1994 and Game Boy players are treated to an updated version of this original arcade escapade. Donkey Kong '94 (as all the cool kids called it back in the day) added some fresh mechanics that introduced a little more variety, platforming, and puzzling to proceedings, and it is this Game Boy adventure that laid the mechanical groundwork for 2004's Mario vs. Donkey Kong on Game Boy Advance. Ok? Good. And now we have a remake of that game in the form of Mario vs. Donkey Kong on Switch.
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At the outset of this particular adventure, Mario is alerted to a robbery at the Toy Factory and it isn't long before he's on the tail of Donkey Kong, who's scurried off with a sack full of Mini Marios, which you'll need to collect. Each level is split into two distinct sections; the first area sees you hunt for a key to open a door, and the second is where you'll find your Mario Mini waiting beyond a bunch of enemies and environmental obstacles. Complete the first six stages of each world and you'll unlock two final challenges comprised of a Mini Mario level, where you'll need to collect three letters to make the word TOY, and then a final boss face-off against Kong himself.
Rather than indulging in his typical super-style of freeform platform bounding, in Mario vs. Donkey Kong our Italian hero is much more grounded and heavy to control. Movements are more purposeful, and you need to focus on the type of jump, somersault and so on that's required to pass obstacles and keep moving forward. Timing is key, waiting for the right moment to move, and even jumping on your foes works a little differently than you might expect. Mario can no longer dispatch an enemy by bouncing on its head — instead, you can now jump on them to use them as makeshift platforms and lift them to throw into each other or onto spikes so you can then stand on them to get across.
The 2004 version was a solid enough game, offering a good mix of exacting platform action, light puzzling across six fun worlds, and some pretty cool variations on the age-old boss battle between Mr. Mario and Mr. Kong to dig into. This shiny new Switch remake serves up all of the content from its predecessor, here presented in a graphical style that brings it in line with modern Mario titles. It also adds two brand-new worlds (more on those in a bit), 'Plus' versions of each world make a return, expert challenges, casual mode, Time Attack, a big fancy orchestrated soundtrack, and, most importantly, a new two-player co-op mode.
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Now, if you've played the Game Boy Advance effort and you're diving in all over again here, especially solo, brace yourself for the fact that the original six worlds, beyond a touch-up in the looks department, are exactly as you remember them. There haven't been any changes of note to how these areas play out. It should also be pointed out for newcomers that this is a game that (for the vast majority of its running time at least) is 100% aimed at younger players. It's not particularly difficult in the default classic mode, you will rarely find yourself pausing for thought, and it's only once you get into the post-game content here that head-scratching becomes a possibility.
Those brand new Plus (+) versions of each world, which you can bound through once you're done with the campaign, challenge you to slightly tougher versions of each level which require guiding a single Mini Mario through the gauntlet with you. It adds just enough spice to give you pause from time to time and, from an adult perspective, it's a more engrossing experience when the heat gets turned up slightly.
Time Attack mode, as expected, serves you the vanilla stages with a timer to see how quickly you can re-run areas, no surprises there. Expert levels, which we don't want to ruin here, are the biggest challenge you can unlock, and you'll need to have beaten the game before you get into them. Adjust your expectations if you're an adult, is all we're saying — you will not be mentally taxed in any way until late into this package.
But this isn't about the adults, so let's not get too hung up on the lack of difficulty. If you're expecting a firm challenge for a seasoned player, it's time to go pick up a different game. This one is all about the younger gamers and, fittingly, the star addition to this remake happens to be that new cooperative play mode. If we sound a little surprised, it's mainly because we've gotten used to the second player's role being severely downgraded to simple support in some recent Mario games. Here though, Player Two gets a decent amount of control, with total freedom of movement and objectives to take care of, meaning that in co-op — with a young child in tow — Mario vs Donkey Kong finds the magic it needs to elevate it from a decent experience to something easier to recommend.
Playing this game with our kids has been a good time (this writer's six-year-old had zero issues picking up the controls and diving in), and by adding secondary keys to pick up in levels, and some new obstacles such as crumbling walkways, there's enough teamwork required to ensure moments of hilarity and chaos as a level's timer runs out whilst you struggle and fail to get your act together. Speaking of timers, the new Casual mode removes the need to rush, a perfect choice for your first run with a younger gamer, with death in this mode seeing you return to life in a protective bubble, giving you the space and time you'll need to figure your way through a level at a child's pace.
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The two new worlds, Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Slope, follow exactly the same format as the old ones, whilst flinging in a few new enemies and obstacles (which we won't spoil here), and they've been crafted to fit into the overall flow without appearing obviously new. There are no great big leaps, advancements, or fancy modern tricks, just more of the reliable same. And hey, as long as you are aware of the easygoing, child-focused nature of this one, more of the same is just fine.
Fine isn't a word you want to see too much in a review, though, is it? It doesn't inspire confidence, and we use it here because at every stage of Mario vs. Donkey Kong there's a feeling that not enough thought has gone into utilising all the potential of Mario's revised skillset. We talked about the slower, heavy movement employed already — the game wants you to slow down and think, to use your moves, but it just never forces this side of things enough. It never gets to a level of 'clever' or 'challenging' that really lights a fire under things. 99% of levels can be worked through without considering your moment-to-moment movements much at all, and so it all feels a little inessential once you step outside of playing it with kids.
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As an example of this, take how Mario can walk on his hands to avoid damage from falling debris with his shoes. We're introduced to this mechanic in a tutorial that has bricks falling down on our location. This never gets investigated any further, and levels stick to chucking a few bricks down from time to time. There's no requirement to combo moves or skills or think fast from one input to the next. Again, perhaps you'd expect that from a game targeting younger players, but we would have liked to see more of the all-ages Nintendo magic, more of that trademark ingenuity across the full running time of the campaign (around about five hours to the initial credits).
On a more positive note, all of the new additions do make for a much more robust package than the 2004 original, and one that performs flawlessly in docked and handheld. The revamped art style and orchestrated soundtrack make it all look and sound very appealing and slick, and overall this one comes off as a safe and solid experience for a younger audience playing solo, or for co-op play with an adult. It might not set the world on fire then, but Mario vs. Donkey Kong does enough through its new co-op mode and post-game challenges to garner a fairly hearty recommendation from us.
Conclusion
Mario vs Donkey Kong serves up a slick return to the 2004 GBA adventure that finds fresh fun in cooperative play. Yep, the new co-op mode really is the star of the show this time out and, alongside two new worlds, 'Plus' versions of each level, a Time Attack mode, and fancy new looks and sounds, there's plenty to dig into and enjoy with a core puzzle/platforming setup that has aged quite well. Just be aware that, if you're a more seasoned player looking for platforming challenges, this game finds its strengths as an experience for younger gamers or as a co-op title to enjoy with your kids. Taken as such, it absolutely earns a recommendation.
Comments 97
Would the co op be great for me and my partner as its rare to get a game with a full fledged co op mode, or is it one of those games where for adults it would get boring fast.
I was excited. I hate reading reviews!
Reads a bit like a 6/10 with how much "fine" is getting flung about! Seems like a decent game, definitely not for me though
I'm not young and I don't have kids, so I'll give it a pass XD
I'm more interested in that Princess Peach game. It seems to be quite fun, it gives me Luigi's Mansion vibes.
I liked the demo and I loved DK94 when I played it on the 3DS. I think I'm picking this up when I have the money for it... but I would have preferred if they remade DK94 first. Idk why they skipped it
Should've remade DK 94 instead. The demo was not bad, but I really hoped the game gets more challenging.
I have to say, I wasn't interested in this game when it was originally released on the GBA. I wasn't interested when they revealed the remake. And now, after reading the review of the remake, I have to say: meh.
I knew this game would be too easy for me because I am an adult, without question. I do taxes, make my own dinner, talk about the weather, and do all the other tough adult things. Since this game is not for me, I’m off to buy stocks and drink coffee without sweetener.
But yeah, I don’t think I’ll grab this one. Had it on the GBA and wasn’t wowed by it then, and the demo did little to change my mind.
Personally, I'm still looking forward to revisiting the game and finally finish it thanks to this remake, just waiting for my discounted physical copy to arrive!
"Fine" is how I would describe the original, too. I thought from the start this was an odd choice for a remake.
That's disappointing; I was hoping the new content would be better. I still think the game looks super cute, but I may wait for a sale.
Harsh as it may sound, this game to me feels like it’s straight out of the bland era of Mario that plagued the Wii U and 3DS years. Clearly just something made to capitalize on that Mario movie hype.
Really don't like the tone in this review, even if it IS just a fine game. Sure, I'm mainly playing it for the mid 2000's nostalgia. I loved playing through it as a Jr. High kid. I don't care about playing an easy game now and then. It can be a nice break from playing something hard like Side Order in Splatoon 3!
Nintendo clearly remade this just because the original would've looked bad on NSO. Those prerendered graphics haven't aged well at all.
I’ve never been a huge fan of the Mario Vs Donkey Kong games. It’s missing some of that creative magic we’ve come to expect from the main games.
This really had to be at least a 9 for me to pick it up, so no chance of that happening now.
I don’t understand why the remake removes the score. Getting a high score and trying to get a star on each level was genuinely challenging in the original game. I know they have time attack, but it’s not the same.
Also, the Plus worlds are NOT brand new. They were in fact in the original.
“Nintendo on auto-pilot” is a great way to explain how I think of this remake.
@PJOReilly "Won't provide a satisfying challenge"
Even with the "Plus" version of each level ?
I remember the original was tough to get all on perfect but seems like the score has been removed...
@FawfulDX It is a shame indeed. Makes absolutely no sense.
I'm going to get through the remake as a memory refresher because the original still stands as one of my favourite videogame experiences but this is disapointing.
Yeah, definitely sounds like a, "Maybe wait and grab it if you can catch it for $30," kind of release.
Not looking for a challenge. Just looking for a game that pairs nicely with a glass of wine after getting my toddler to sleep!
I liked the demo so it’s on the list. But I am still buying last year’s games. Gonna be a while before I switch to this year’s games.
Against my better judgment, I am getting this on Friday…..this is really the type of game I will enjoy. I just wish it was not $60.
@rockodoodle It's $49.99 USD.
I must know, did they remove the voiceline
"Come back here, you big monkey"?
It'll be pretty silly to remove a line that Mario refers to a monkey, that's an actual monkey.
@PJOReilly
@nintendolife
@anyonethatknows
" If we sound a little surprised, it's mainly because we've gotten used to the second player's role being severely downgraded to simple support in some recent Mario games. Here though, Player Two gets a decent amount of control, with total freedom of movement and objectives to take care of, meaning that in co-op — with a young child in tow — Mario vs Donkey Kong finds the magic it needs to elevate it from a decent experience to something easier to recommend."
"overall this one comes off as a safe and solid experience for a younger audience playing solo, or for co-op play with an adult. It might not set the world on fire then, but Mario vs. Donkey Kong does enough through its new co-op mode and post-game challenges to garner a fairly hearty recommendation from us."
"Mario vs Donkey Kong serves up a slick return to the 2004 GBA adventure that finds fresh fun in cooperative play. Yep, the new co-op mode really is the star of the show this time out and, alongside two new worlds, 'Plus' versions of each level, a Time Attack mode, and fancy new looks and sounds, there's plenty to dig into and enjoy with a core puzzle/platforming setup that has aged quite well. Just be aware that, if you're a more seasoned player looking for platforming challenges, this game finds its strengths as an experience for younger gamers or as a co-op title to enjoy with your kids. Taken as such, it absolutely earns a recommendation."
"Co-op mode makes for a whole new world of fun with a young player in tow"
What exactly are the differences between playing as Mario and Toad in this game?
Hey Nintendo, why isn’t DK94 on NSO? (Or Mario Land 1 for that matter)
@AlexanderDaniels still too expensive…..but …..Shut up and take my money!
So it’s just mid
I don't understand the emphasis on the younger target audience in this review. Every main Mario game since New Super Mario Bros Wii has only had high difficulty in special worlds and the rest is an enjoyable breeze.
Some of the other reviews made it sound more challenging. Maybe PJ O'Reilly is just really good at it.
I shall make it tougher for myself by refraining from using the handstand and challenging myself to destroy all the enemies.
The demo was definitely very easy, maybe this is why I was so disappointed by the game back in '04 after highly anticipating a sequel to the GB game?
I am a big fan of puzzle games and I am still planning to get this. I also have family that will borrow the game when I am finished.
If you are curious and don’t want to wait for a discount, buy a physical copy and sell the game after you finish it.
Appreciate the review. Hard pass for me even though I loved DK 94. Don't understand why they'd make a puzzle game so easy (even for kids). An easy puzzle game is just sort of a chore. Real tired of Nintendo making most of their games brain numbingly easy. Put an actual veteran mode in your games! That's a massive part of your audience. Just take the time and money to build out that mode.
@Dr_Corndog I also thought it was an odd choice for a remake, but I’ve changed my mind.
With the Switch being a hybrid console, I was afraid that handheld experiences would be overshadowed for 1st party titles. I am glad that Nintendo is bringing titles like this, Miitopia, and Link’s Awakening to Switch.
I never got this back then, and I love DK94, so I might give it a chance if it goes on sale at some point. I wish the remake was a little bit more ambitious.
"Those brand new Plus (+) versions of each world"
No, they are not. The GBA original had the ordinary worlds, the plus worlds and the expert levels.
"The two new worlds, Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Slope..."
That is correct, those are the new levels.
I'm still down to clown. Sounds like a relaxing, laid back experience that will be great to chip away at just before bed.
Not sounding that good and still way over priced
Played the demo and really enjoyed it. I will be getting it. Just going to finish what I'm currently playing first. The game is available for about 30 quid so it is inexpensive.
@Lord Value is subjective. I respect that. However, just one point on the price.
In the States, this game launched at $30 on the GBA in 2004. With inflation and twenty years, that is very close to $50 today.
I loved the Demo. Most places I have seen it on offer for 30 pounds, which i think is fair. I am still very interested. Not an instant buy as working through Sam and Max 2 just now, but on my radar.
I never played the original, so it's not like I have zero interest... But this seems like a prime candidate to hold off on until the price gets slashed on Black Friday.
@PJOReilly How does the Time Attack scoring work please? Do you get different medals for different times or is at least tight to beat? I don't really understand how it's different to the main game otherwise because that already has a timer in it...
@UltimateOtaku91 If you've never received a lobotomy I'm sure you'd finish it in an hour or two max.
The aggregate score on Metacritic is currently a 77. Another rare instance of Nintendo Life scoring a Nintendo game lower than many reviewers.
I don't care for reviews on this one. I'm still pretty excited. I enjoyed the (brief) demo, and I'd never played the GBA original. I've also been hankering for a new Mario vs. Donkey Kong for a while seeing as we haven't gotten one since the 3DS/Wii U era. Perhaps the asking price is a touch steep for what it is, but I think the only real omission here is a level editor. Now that's lazy.
And I would have loved it if they had included a port of the amiibo game for Wii U/3DS as a bonus. Seriously, Nintendo. Do you not want to sell more of your own bloody merchandise?!
Still excited for this one, as I loved the original, which was a game that I really don't think was as easy as this review suggests.
Also, the music in the original was great, so I'm excited to hear the new renditions. Especially the absolutely amazing final boss music.
@LXP8 Yeah, I've played the original game and I didn't think it was that easy.
@PJOREILLY I'm a bit confused because the original game, while not "difficult" was still challenging enough for me as an adult to be fun, and almost universally well regarded. What exactly changes in this version to make it worse?
Nintendo's marketing was spot on.
Reading the review, I felt like somebody was writing what I imagined the game would be.
I didn't play the original, but watched my 9 year-old play the demo, she loved it and I am getting it for her.
She's also really looking forward to the new Peach game and the Luigi's Mansion 2 remake. Both are actually not tempting me, I do need a challenge in my games.
@SuperBro64 Yeah, this game's soundtrack is underrated. Besides the Final, REALLY Final Battle, I'm looking forward to hearing the swing music for Spooky House and the tribal music at Mystic Forest.
The game's a little trickier than this review makes it out to be. The difficulty picks up starting with Mystic Forest. I managed to beat Mario vs. DK to the true ending as a young teen, but I also somehow cleared the Pit of 100 Trials in Paper Mario Thousand-Year Door too, and I can't even remember how I did it!
@UltimateOtaku91 try the demo.. my daughter was bored quite fast and in the boss level only the main player had to something... for me the co-op is more co-existence
@harrystein There's still a reason to be excited. You can't let reviews skew your opinion. Play the demo and see if you like how it controls - if you do, you know you're in for a treat especially if you've played the one for GBA.
Here's my review: If you are a Nintendo fan, you will love this game. That's pretty much the only review anyone needs.
Wow, I’m surprised at the 7 score. I just played Mario vs. DK on the DS for the first time last month and it was wonderful. Really looking forward to this, even if the difficulty isn’t as pressing. The DS game lacked difficulty too, unless you plan on 100% collecting everything in each level.
@Sisilly_G it’s pretty clear this is quick and easy filler material until the next console comes out. A level editor would have been amazing, but I guess they don’t see the need to dedicate resources to it since a new console is on the horizon…,
I had to order it from Curry’s after seeing above that it’s £31.99 with that code. Get Nectar points too. Can’t grumble at that.
I don’t mind an easy game, plus that makes it better for my young daughters to enjoy it.
Tried the demo and it's fine/cute enough. Would maybe pick it up at the inevitable 30% off discount.
Interesting to see that this remake got a lower score than the original, even though from the sound of it, it's the same game but with extra content and greatly enhanced presentation. Still, I'm definitely gonna pick this up at the weekend. It's been far too long since we've had a game in this style, and if this remake does well, hopefully that'll show Nintendo that there's still demand for the old puzzle-platformer style of gameplay.
@FawfulDX As someone who beat the original 100%, I really don't know whether to trust this review or not.
The original is NOT easy to complete 100%. The game certainly starts simple but going for all the stars is where the real difficulty kicks in, and it was fantastic.
My thoughts reading this review are:
1) Did the game seem so easy because the reviewer played it co-op? I could see that substantially mitigating the challenge.
2) Did the reviewer go for 100%
3) Is the star system removed in this remake?
I’m looking forward to getting my copy on Friday I enjoyed the demo it
was fun 😁
@sketchturner @Poodlestargenerica The star system was removed for this remake and there are no scores at all now.
Getting a star was originally based on time + killing enemies + getting presents. Mastering the level essentially. That's gone. Now you can only get ONE star from collecting all the presents.
This will significantly reduce the replay the value and I don't know why Nintendo did it. They already added an Easy Mode, so why make the normal game easier still? Fall stun has also been greatly reduced, you don't get it often, if at all.
@sketchturner @Poodlestargenerica It does add a Time Attack mode that lets you beat your own time, but that doesn't make up for what they took out IMO
The demo left me with exactly that feeling. Might not enjoy this one enough. I was going to buy it, but now maybe not.
Oh and since the review mentions the absence of “Nintendo magic” so much: This game was developed by a US subsidiary, NST in Redmond. That’s why, I think.
@FishyS Exactly what I think.
Besides, I think they should have made a new entry in the series, closer to DK94 than the minis thing, but new after all. They didn't.
@Clyde_Radcliffe
Thanks so much for explaining. That is super disappointing to me and has destroyed my desire to buy the game. Nintendo removed exactly what I loved about the original!
This feels like a sad way to tarnish the legacy of the game. The required mastery of this game's levels was one of the most satisfying Nintendo challenges ever to me, and now... POOF! It's gone.
I wish the review would have explained this very pertinent info. When you review a remake, any differences between the new and original version should be key elements.
@Clyde_Radcliffe Thank you!
@Poodlestargenerica @sketchturner I just double checked on the demo and the star system isn't removed completely but there's now only ONE star which you get just from collecting all the presents. So basically you can complete the level or complete the level with a star by getting all the presents and that's it.
I totally agree with everything else you wrote. I don't know what they were thinking... it's not like it would force anyone to play it that way. If they didn't want to they could just play through the levels as they are? Really makes no sense, Nintendo is such a frustrating company sometimes with their baffling choices.
Also didn't see any reviewers mentioning many of the death animations being removed, eg him burning to death. A poor show.
@Clyde_Radcliffe Yeah the first game was kind of pitch perfect, I wish they had left that alone. I buy a lot of first party Nintendo games, but honestly I've found most of their remakes on switch to not live up to the originals. Which after the 3ds nailing remakes and remasters left and right is frustrating, but I guess most people want different things now.
Tried the demo and liked it. Can understand the «to easy/just fine» comments, but for me, thats what im looking for right now. Sometimes i solve the hard sukdokus, sometimes the easy ones. 😊
@GravyThief Is there anything more adult than 'Ah, but at least I'll get Nectar points...so that justifys it'. I am exactly the same though. Hording 200 pounds plus worth at the moment. My goal is not to pay a penny for a Switch 2, whenever that might be!
This is NOT the Donkey Kong game I wanted...! It's a bitter pill to swallow on the TEN year anniversary of Tropical Freeze launching, too.
As if it has been a decade without a new Donkey Kong game. Switch era is undoubtedly a successful one for Nintendo, but it is a shocker that they've not invited DK to join in that success.
@Ryu_Niiyama Hang on, do you strictly buy games by year? If so, why?
I still want to buy this at some point. Always nice to have a more relaxing, easy going game.
Cant wait to play this on Friday!
@Jiggies So ima love it xD
Disappointing that it's so easy as that's completely changed my inclination to buy it. I'll get it one day at 50% off. Clearly this game was something slapped together to fill the void while we wait for the Switch 2.
This is all fine it seems although I am still not sure if it is worth it if you have access to the GBA version.....? However, I strongly hope that this is not THE rumoured Donkey Kong game that is supposedly somewhere out there in development
Great for children and great to play with children. For me, that makes it excellent, not "mid" as some seem to think. But each to their own!
50 dollars is a bit much for this. I'll wait for a sale.
Not sure what most are on about here. The demo was great and my daughter and I can't wait to play the full game.
It's almost as if they shouldn't have bothered remaking this at all and instead should've rereleased the original given that they had the means to do so
@N00BiSH But then we wouldn't have gotten the two new worlds.
@MirrorFate2 you'd still live
Sounds good enough for me to download and give a spin. Cheers for the review. I think there has been around 8 Mario vs DK games but the DS and 3DS games were the very height of the series. I didn't play much of the GBA iteration so I will DL this.
@Mana_Knight discount codes and Nectar points for Switch games. That’s living the (grown up) dream!
Although I’m clearly an amateur if you’ll be able to get the next Switch on 100% Nectar points. I need to up my game! 🤣
@GravyThief Shop at Sainsburys if you can! Then get the Nectar App or Use the hand set scanner! Every week you get 20 major bonus points vouchers for common bought items (you have to remember to log on and view/save the vouchers each week). An additional 10-120 points per item - it adds up quickly! That is how I get so many so quickly. Plus there is the 'your nectar prices' which gives you 10 of your common bought items at a discount price every week too.
Went into the demo completely unaware that it's an update of a GBA game and I really liked it. Will wait for a price drop and pick it up.
Picked it up today and I’m liking it. The original was one of my favorite GBA games and so far the remake is great. I enjoy these “simpler” Mario games, honestly.
It just looks like good fun.
@FawfulDX The high score thing was LITERALLY the main reason to play it. That's what added replayability. To see if you can get a better score and or more stars the next time you played. Also, they took out the end of level minigames, the controls feel off, and there's so many cheap deaths because they made the hitboxes bigger and nerfed your jumps. Anyone that played the original a lot will know what I mean. It's hard to explain the control and hitbox changes unless you played it for a bit.
Rolled final credits on this game and perfected all levels (barring the Time Attack medals) after 8.5 hours. Very much a 7/10 game for me, and not worth the price tag. I’m not too bothered by the lack of difficulty and the presentation is very nice, but the amount of new content really does not justify the price tag.
What score had you never played it before?
@Shepdawg1
@Satan Yes, I’ve played the original (a lot). This remaster doesn’t add substantial new content to justify the price point when 80% of the remaster’s content can be played for 40% of the price.
I played the demo and found that the gameplay was just too slow for my liking. Was excited for it but meh I'll pass. I'll stick to playing Wonder (oh my god that games awesome!!!!)
I am playing this now, and its pretty fun!
Just bought today. I love it!!!!
I have the full game (physical) and really enjoying it!
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