While we've already seen four of these arcade classics released as NES titles on the Virtual Console, we've yet to see Nintendo bring their own arcade games to the Virtual Console Arcade, despite many third party companies already doing so. So why exactly is Nintendo dragging its feet on these arcade classics and will we ever see them finally made available at some point?
There has already been countless debates on various gaming forums regarding whether or not Nintendo should release their arcade titles given that the NES releases are in fact, quite similar to the originals. Some have even gone on to claim that the NES versions were really no different than the arcade releases, making it redundant for Nintendo to charge gamers more money for what is essentially the same game.
While all of us here at Nintendo Life have varying opinions on the subject, we decided to take a look at five of Nintendo's most popular arcade releases and compare them side-by-side with their NES counterparts. You can check out the results below, along with a few talking points for each of the games, making a case as to why they should or should not be released in their original arcade forms on the Virtual Console Arcade.
Donkey Kong was a huge hit in arcades upon its release in 1981 and is really the game that put Nintendo on the map in the early 80's. The game saw a release on just about every console imaginable at the time, including rather shoddy ports on such popular game consoles as the Atari 2600 and Mattel Intellivision.
It wasn't until the game's release on the Colecovision system that fans were finally treated to a home console port that actually resembled the arcade release in terms of visuals and sound effects.
Of course when it comes to the best home version of the game, nothing can touch the game's release on Nintendo's own Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. Not only was the game extremely faithful to the arcade version in terms of visuals and sound effects, but it also replicated the layouts of each level almost perfectly, aside from the trademark missing Cement Factory level that seems to be missing from almost all home releases of the game.
There's no denying the quality of the NES release of Donkey Kong, but the missing Cement Factory level is a deal breaker to most die-hard Donkey Kong fans and makes this arcade release easily the most desirable choice of the group to release on the Virtual Console Arcade.
After the monstrous success of Donkey Kong in arcades, it came as no surprise when Nintendo released the sequel Donkey Kong Jr. into arcades in 1982. Not only was the gameplay itself radically different from the original, it also transformed our lovable plumber Mario (who was, at the time, moonlighting as a carpenter) into the game's villain.
While Donkey Kong Jr. never reached the type of sales success of its predecessor, it still went on to become a very popular game in arcades throughout the 80's and, much like the original Donkey Kong, was ported to just about every major console of the time period to varying degrees of accuracy and playability.
Most home releases of the game omitted the Mario's Hideout level, but when it came time to release the game on their NES console, Nintendo made sure not to leave any levels out as was the case in their NES Donkey Kong release. The levels were a bit out of order, but they were still all intact and accounted for just the same.
Overall, Donkey Kong Jr. is a very accurate port of the arcade version of the game, but there's still something special about the original arcade release that keeps die-hard fans of the game tracking down original arcade boards to this very day, making this yet another extremely desirable candidate for a Virtual Console Arcade release.
Donkey Kong 3 is generally regarded as the red-headed stepchild of the series and is easily the least successful of the three arcade releases. Not only is the gameplay a complete departure from the previous two games, Nintendo also decided to cut out Mario in favour of introducing a brand new character named Stanley the Bugman. Instead of the usual dose of climbing and platforming, Donkey Kong 3 presented more of a fixed shooter-style of gameplay, obviously alienating many fans of the series right off the bat.
While the game still fared decently in arcades, it never came close to capturing the same level of popularity of the first two Donkey Kong games. Some arcade game dealers even went so far as to remove the Donkey Kong 3 arcade board from the cabinet and replace it with one of the first two Donkey Kong games, not even bothering to change the arcade cabinet artwork.
Unlike the previous two Donkey Kong titles, Donkey Kong 3 never saw a release on many of the game consoles of the early 80's. Instead, it was released almost simultaneously on Nintendo's Famicom system and then three years later on the NES console in North America.
The NES port of the game tends to be very accurate to the arcade release, although there are some visual omissions in the home version of the game that some long-time fans might appreciate having on the Virtual Console Arcade. Given the game's lack of popularity, however, a release on the Virtual Console service seems even more unlikely than that of the other Nintendo arcade titles.
Mario Bros. hit arcades in 1983 and became Nintendo's first arcade offering to allow simultaneous 2-player action. The arcade cabinet itself was even made wider so two players could operate the controls on the cabinet at the same time. The game also brought Mario back into the fold, along with his green-jeaned brother Luigi.
Mario Bros. was fairly popular in arcades in North America, but didn't fare as well in Japan, a territory normally very receptive to Nintendo game releases. Many attribute its success outside of Japan to the unique ability for two players to play the game at the same time even allowing the players to choose to play in either a cooperative or competitive manner.
The game was ported to many of the home consoles and home computers of the time period, although it wouldn't be until the Famicom and NES releases that gamers would get an extremely accurate home release of the arcade version. While the NES release wasn't perfect, it was about as close as you could get to playing the arcade game in the comfort of your own home without hauling in the actual arcade cabinet.
Given how many times the game has seen releases on the various Nintendo consoles, especially the inclusion of a slightly updated version of the game on all four Super Mario Advance GBA releases, the chances of this one coming to the Virtual Console Arcade are fairly slim. Of course, given how great the arcade version is, it's still one we'd love to see make the trip for nostalgia's sake.
Popeye has the unique distinction of being one of the very few Nintendo-created games to have a license attached to it. The game was released in arcades in 1982 to mixed reviews. While the Popeye brand was enjoying a bit of a resurgence at the time, it didn't really filter over into the arcade game sales, despite being a very solid gameplay experience overall.
The game was ported to just about every console and home computer of the time period, usually by Parker Bros., who held the licence to the home version of the game. Nintendo did take the reins when it came time to port the game to their Famicom and NES consoles, even making the game one of the original three launch titles for the Japanese Famicom system in 1983.
The NES version of the game is very accurate, but does feature a few hit detection issues that hinder the overall performance of the game's controls at times. Even the visuals took a bit of a hit when brought over to the 8-bit console, although it's still a very decent presentation, especially when compared to many of the inferior ports found on earlier consoles.
Sadly, licensing issues have kept the NES release from appearing on the Virtual Console, which lends very little hope of the actual arcade title seeing a release on the Virtual Console Arcade. Having said that, we're still pulling for one, just the same. It's honestly too great a game to leave behind.
Now that we've laid it all out for you to ponder over, we'd love to hear what you have to say regarding whether or not Nintendo should bring these timeless arcade classics to the Virtual Console Arcade or just let the NES releases represent them. Who knows, maybe Nintendo will even listen. Stranger things have happened.
Comments 113
pretty cool!!
I have Popeye on one of those controlers you put in the TV, it's pretty fun.
I don't see why alternate versions shouldn't be made available for those who want them. A majority of the differences are trivial, but sometimes they change the entire experience of the game (and the nostalgia factor has to be included too). I can't see any reason why N shouldn't make them available...
well hopefully we will see popeye get its arcade release on the vc someday...as far as the other games listed here..i think all of them but donkey kong 3 should be released in their arcade form...im not sure what nintendo is waiting for..
I see no reason they shouldn't release ALL of them (excepting Popeye if there are still licencing issues), simply to have the options open. I find it absolutely absurd that Nintendo hasn't released a SINGLE first-party VCA game by now. You'd think they could have at LEAST released one or two at service launch!
I love the ability to have a choice between one system and another. I'd download the arcade Donkey Kong in an instant, I've stayed away from the NES release for as long as the Wii has been out.
Another case in point, if they released the SNES version of Earthworm Jim so I could choose it over the Genesis version I'd be a happy camper too.
I for one would like to see all of these, even Donkey Kong 3, which I quite enjoyed in the arcade (probably on account of it not being a platformer). I didn't like Mario Bros. in the arcade that much, but after playing it via emulation I have to say it's probably my favourite Nintendo arcade game (Popeye would be a close second), but I simply cannot accept the home port -- close just isn't good enough for this game!
Why would there be a debate over this? It would be awesome if we both had the arcade version and the NES version.
Nicely laid out article. I think Nintendo is holding back the arcade releases as they don't want to put the effort into emulating the hardware (they would rather use the time to work on NES and SNES and N64?) and also because they only seem to release one version of a game (one of the many common grumbles about the VC is how there are multiple versions of the same game). I guess they feel there is not enough sales benefit in releasing an arcade version.
The purpose of the VC is for games to be released. No game, no matter how bad or how many versions of it there are has a reason to be skipped if it can be released, especially considering the drought that appears to be occurring right now. All of the above games should be released. I'd buy all of them if I had the money.
Considering arcade versions of these five games have never been released on any type of compilation, it would be great to see Nintendo make them available finally. I don't know how much longer I can keep this Nintendo arcade cabinet working given its age and overuse.
Very strange... I thought I played Donkey Kong 3, but it was nothing like that...
Another question. What is Donkey Kong 2?
Yes, Yes, YES!
I love Donkey Kong 3 despite what people think!
Bring on the arcade version of Final Fight.
I'd download DKJr asap given that I can't play the Nes one. My telly wont display it.
The palette of colors of NES is very poor... arcade version has much more vivid graphics.
"Given the []lack of popularity [of Donkey Kong 3], however, a release on the Virtual Console service seems even more unlikely than that of the other Nintendo arcade titles."
Popularity actually has an INVERSE effect upon the probability of a re-release. (Nintendo wants to save the REALLY important titles for their own times.)
That being said, I am not so worried about Virtual Console. Then again, I would rather wait and see for effects.
P.S. No wonder the turtles look that their shells have shrunk in the NES version of Mario Bros!
The arcade VC is really on life support, it would be very nice too see these ones here. specially some kind of release of the Punchout! arcades.
These should have been added on day one in my opinion.
The original Donkey Kong was one of the two games that got me interested in videogames as a child (you can probably figure out the other one, which was not a Nintendo game). I would LOVE for that to be released on VCA. I already have the NES version on my GCN Animal Crossing disc.
I'd love to see releases of all of these. So far the VCA has been underwhelming IMHO. I would love to see more support for it all around.
The arcade versions have more quality and better colors than the NES versions, so Nintendo should step up to the plate on releasing VC Arcade versions when they appear at E3 2010.
personally, on most of these, i'd be more than content with the NES releases. but i see no reason why they shouldn't bring them out anyway. my buying habits do not represent a healthy percentage of the VC market. a lot of people prefer those versions for little reasons and would be willing to pay the extra money. so why not? and besides, who doesn't like having options???
I've been waiting patiently for Donkey Kong ever since the VC Arcade was first announced. I expected it to be one of the their debut titles on the service. :-/
I just want to be able to play the cement level of Donkey Kong at home. Currently, the only legal option for playing this at home is to track down a copy of DK64 and collect the Nintendo coin, which allows you to go to Cranky's "arcade" so you can play the orignal. It's like playing a video game inside of a video game
YES!!!!!
Nintendo should put THEIR Acrade Games to the VC!
These are all nice games that i'd love to see, but i'd also like to see some of the really obscure ones, like Arm Wrestling.
Especially Donkey Kong. The NES port ruined it.
I'm sure there are some completionists and neurotic perfectionists who'd buy them. For that alone, sure, why not release 'em and make a few bucks? Me? Not interested.
Nope, I paid alot for my nes games and I don't want to see superb versions being available unless its free if I have the nes version already.
Donkey Kong most definitely! The others I'd love to see as well, but at least give us the first Donkey Kong arcade game.
I would download the arcade version of Donkey Kong in a heartbeat.
They should release the arcade version of Super Mario Bros called "VS Super Mario Bros".
The choice between Arcade and NES looks fine, though more people would spring to the arcade versions, IMO.
Well I have owned Donkey Kong 64 for 10 years, so i can play Donkey Kong on there. However, I never played the arcade version of DK Jr. A few of you guys made a comment about Nintendo not wanting to release more than one version of a game. Hello, what about Street Fighter? Or Wonder Boy 3? If that's Nintendo's excuse, then stop giving us several versions of those games.
I don't get it. There are what? 4, 5 versions of Street Fighter II on the VC? What's the big deal releasing the Arcade Donkey Kong next to the NES one? I'd download the Arcade version in a second, but I haven't bothered with, nor will I bother with the NES one.
They should do it, even though I probably have ports of these games somewhere in my GBA games...
speaking of arcade, where are the TMNT games?
@ 12: There is no game called "Donkey Kong 2" except for a Game 'n' Watch title. Donkey Kong Jr. was the second DK game.
@ #35: Street Fighter and Wonder Boy weren't released by Nintendo though. Capcom and Sega can do what they want. Nintendo themselves though don't seem interested in releasing multiple versions of their own Nintendo games (where are SNES Wario's Woods and Yoshi's Cookie for example?). Thats the difference.
As far as arcade games go, very few companies are supporting it, especially outside Japan. Nintendo have yet to release any of their arcade games in Japan even.
Yes, I REALLY want Nintendo arcade games on VC, I'm sure they would sell well too.
Donkey Kong 3, shooting old Cranky Kong's groin?ew
The Virtual Console has been extrememly underepresented in general, especially by Nintendo. I'm also interested in all of these games, so I say yes to all of them.
If you read the Nintendo's Player Choice guide from way back in the late 80's it listed a game called Return of Donkey Kong on its coming soon list for the NES. As you can guess the game never materialised.
I def like the arcade versions more, so I would gladly pick up Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Junior if they were available for the VCA.
They've already done it with Golden Axe (at least in NA) so why not.
I've still got my copy of DK64, so I can get my fix of arcade DK, but yes, why is this even a debate? Of course they should be released, all of them. So that one level is a cement factory? I always thought it was a pie factory.
I want Super Mario Bros. on arcade. I played the ARC version at this random church camp thing way back in the day--it was quite fun.
I'd love to see Donkey Kong and Mario Bros, but I don't care about the others.
Bring on Donkey Kong! The NES version is too repetitive. If the arcade version comes out, I'm deleting my NES version and snatching the arcade version up!
Mario Bros. is my favorite game of all time, and the only one in which my initials were always at the top of the board in the arcade. The NES version is much easier than the arcade version, especially without the icicles. I would love to see that game in its original splendor. All of the others too, especially Popeye, which most people don't have in any format. I have the old NES cart, but I don't even have that system hooked up anymore.
Please, Nintendo, read this and give us these games!
@#46: They have others like Space Harrier, Shinobi, Altered Beast, Solomon's Key, Tecmo Bowl and Rygar as well.
Excellent article, Corbie.
Releasing these games on VCA would result in a tsunami of downloads and free money for Nintendo - but only if they do it within a certain time. If they wait too much longer, they risk losing the interest of people that grew up with these games in the arcade, as nostalgia is a vital factor.
I will instantly purchase ANY better-quality VCA release, and the DK, DK Jr., and Mario Bros. are certainly on that list.
I would really love to get Mario Bros. It will probably be worth their time to put the arcade versions up.
How about the VS series Nintendo did since they took games like Super Mario Bros and made them harder
no. I already purchased the VC of Donkey Kong NES and Mario Bros. NES, so...
Mario Bros. arcade is better?
I say arcade I would get all of those then (besides popeye)
@BurningSpear: The NES version has the icicles.
I think.......YES!
I don't care SO much for (most) Nintendo's more primitive arcade classics, but I most certainly would buy Capcom's arcade classics(+a couple of Konami and Sega too).
Bring 'em all.
I'm also the rare fan of Donkey Kong 3. Played that on the NES a ton because I remembered liking it in the arcade.
I really, really want Donkey Kong arcade, though. Playing the actual arcade game feels so much more official. I mean, people are still trying to outdo each others high scores on that game.
Also, there will always be some who want one or the other or both. The nostalgia will only be there on the NES for some... and they still might be interested in the arcade version. In fact, I might fall into that category with Donkey Kong 3. I sort of want them both. It's irrational, since they are so close, but Nintendo can't mind benefitting from some double dipping.
Oh yeah and the VS. versions of the game would be cool. Excitebike, tennis, even Castlevania was in one of those cabinets once and they were all altered if I remember correctly. What about Super Mario Bros. Arcade? Was that ever released anywhere? It's much harder than the home console version and had different coloring in places. Or did the Japanese home console version have the same difficulty?
I just want more arcade games on the VCA, period. The fact that we haven't had too many saddens me very much when I consider how much potential there is, not only in what Japan already has, but in what else could come as well.
Popeye would be fun i love the game but donkey kong games i never liked
we do need for vca games outrun is the one i want the most
I would love for Donkey Kong (Arcade) to be released on virtual console. I would buy it day 1. I never played it and people keep saying it's better than the NES version so I have been waiting for the original.
does nintendo even listen to what the fans want? i mean all of these games should have been released by now..i guess there r some issues with popeye...but still...nintendo is taking way to long on supporting the virtual arcade...konami could release some games too..like turtles..and simpsons,simpsons bowling...plus what about taito? they have that cool superman arcade game from 1988...such a waste..
They should release them for Virtual Console so we can download them to play.
Nintendo, if you're listening, please release the Mario Bros. arcade game on the Virtual Console, OK?
Yeah, please>>>
Maybe they will release them on the DSi.
P.S. If the Virtual Handheld comes out.
What about the arcade Punch-Out? That's the one I really want to see.
Message to all PAL gamers:
Buy arcade games because they all run in 60hz and work with component cable.
Nes games are mostly 50hz and don't work with component cable in most cases.
Nintendo, I will buy many more arcade games. Keep releasing them. TG16 and Arcade games are my favourite part of the virtual console marketplace. Your doing a good job, But don't stop now.
@GooniesFan: Those other games you listed all have just as many licencing issues as Popeye, y'know. At least the other games in this article are first-party games with no legal issues whatsoever. And you've got to wonder why Capcom hasn't jumped on the (as of yet miniscule) VCA bandwagon. It's the perfect opportunity for even MORE versions of Street Fighter 2!
The only version of Donkey Kong to miss the cement factory is the NES version. It's in the Atari and Game Boy versions.
Wrong. The Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 2600, Atari 7800, and NES versions don't have the cement factory level, along with a host of home computer releases from the 80's including the Apple II, Vic-20, TI 99/4A, IBM PC, and MSX. I should know, I own them.
@stuffgamer: ur right many games seem to have licensing issues...but its kinda odd nintendo hasnt supported more games for the virtual arcade..maybe they are waiting for their next system or im not sure..i was hoping we would see pro wrestling by now..and thats not even a arcade title... capcom,snk,konami..many companies can put their games on the virtual arcade..well at least the ones without issues..sega has some cool games missing here as well...mickey mouse and the castle of illusion,rambo.ghostbusters and quack shot...
I'm wondering why there aren't more Arcade releases in general. I personally want to play the original arcade Punch-Out and Super Punch-Out. Its bad enough that we have to beg for THOSE (Nintendo arcade games in genral) titles that you'd imagine would've been some of the first up on the system let alone begin wondering about more recent arcade games like say, Mortal Kombat, Afterburner, or anything after 1990.
I'd prefer to see the Punch-Out! games first.
Also, isn't Popeye in the public domain?
King Features Syndicate still owns the rights to Popeye. They licensed the use of the characters to a vitamin company in 2008 so it's obviously not public domain yet.
"On January 1, 2009, 70 years since the death of his creator, Segar's character of Popeye (though not the various films, TV shows, theme music and other media based on him) became public domain[2] in most countries, but remains under copyright in the United States."
@Corbie: Oh it's still not in the public domain in the US? Thanks for correcting me.
I prefer Nintendo put efforts to bring N64 games instead the arcade repeated games.
@ cheetahman91 - I was like you at first, I remembered it being announced not long ago that some of the Popeye character had become public domain, but I had to go check it out before I put this article up.
would be great if punch out and super punch out would be released..now im almost positive nintendo has sole rights to them...and like i said where is pro wrestling? and duck hunt?
more n 64 titles would be great...maybe donkey kong 64,and what about some of those star wars games..
Whole-heartedly YES!!! The "cement factory" level alone would make me plunk down and repurchase Donkey Kong if Nintendo released the arcade version. I feel the colors are brighter and pop more on the arcade versions too. Any Nintendo arcade game would be welcomed.
I've played the Atari 2600 game. It has the cement factory.
The Atari 2600 game only has the barrel and rivet levels. No elevators or cement factory. The first two levels just repeat over and over again. So I'm not sure what game you played, but it's not the Coleco Atari 2600 release. What you've likely played is a hacked rom.
And when I interviewed Garry Kitchen about his Keystone Kapers 2600 game several years ago, he mentioned that Keystone Kapers was much easier to program than the Atari 2600 version of Donkey Kong and that he was barely able to squeeze the first two Donkey Kong levels into the game's available rom size.
For me it would make a difference. I didn't buy the Donkey Kong or Mario Bros game on the NES but I would buy the arcade games. Listen up Nintendo the fans have spoken and it would be a great idea if you could also release these classics on the VC.
only the character is public domain, not the specific use, and the game too has various rights.
The cement factory is also in the C64 version.
I would rather buy the arcade versions myself, but I wouldn't buy the same game twice.
@12.
Donkey Kong 2 is a Game and Watch game. It's almost identical to Donkey Kong Jr. Here's some info on it. http://www.mariowiki.com/Donkey_Kong_II
An arcade release of Donkey Kong would be huge IMO, especially given the resurgence of interest in that game thanks to the big high score battle chronicled in the documentary The King of Kong. Since the NES release is far from arcade-perfect, it's of little interest to me, but I would snatch up the arcade version immediately.
I want them all! My favorites:Mario Bros.,Popeye,DKJR.,DK and DK3...in that order... More VCA please!
The colors in the arcade versions are just so right.
I'd buy the arcade versions. Hell yeah!
I'd buy the arcade versions over the NES versions.
Have spent a ton on Virtual Console.... held off on the crummy arcade ports (ie: no galaga, no Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., etc.). But would I buy all 5 of these if the arcade versions came out? yes. immediately... it's great to have gaplus, and solomon's key and some other slightly more rare arcade games on the service, but a majority can easily be found on compilations for the other systems... original arcade ports of classic Nintendo arcade games would be a first for these games... we need them....
I'm particularly surprised they haven't put out at least Donkey Kong, particularly with renewed interest in the game from "King of Kong".
Strangely, I have the most fond memories of Popeye out of these titles, despite being a huge Mario fan and Popeye just passing like-able. That Popeye game was always fun to play though, and I just might get it, would it get a VC release.
Consumers should have a choice. Unless the cost to emulate both Aracade and NES versions are prohibitive, all versions should be made available to the public.
Yes the arcade versions should be made public definitely! I think there's a arcade version of Mario, I've played it at a holiday camp way back in 1997!
absolutely, especially given the slowness and general inferiority of the PAL NES ports
Actually the first home version was licensed and designed by Coleco for the ColecoVision. They had rights to port to home consoles at the time prior to the NES in the US. I do have to say that I have played both the ColecoVision and the NES version and I can't tell a difference. Even that little spot on the 1st screen on the ladder where you can pause and then hurry up the ladder are in both versions.
The Colecovision version is missing an entire girder, which puts Donkey Kong on the wrong side of the screen. The game also removed the bottom hammer and switches the top row's ladders around, eliminating one completely. It's also terribly flickery. I don't think the Colecovision version is nearly as good as the NES release.
I'd love to see Popeye again. I haven't played it since the 5200. Why can't companies make deals with licensed characters and games. If they'd only work out their problems it mean more money for everyone involved. DUCKTALES anyone? Also, I'd like to play some of the levels missing in the NES versions of the Donkey Kong games.
This is great! But shouldn't this have been avalible from the GECKO!!!! I really don't mean to complan but this is just starting to happen, that's pretty late esspecaly since the wii has been out for 3 years and 4 mouths now. I mean really step it up nintendo! They really need to work on what they're doing for the wii shop channel, because right now it's very slow and not all that impresive. I mean it's just becoming actully comparible to what the PS3 & 360 have. I'm not getting any younger and nethier is the WII!!
I dunno, Nintenboy. I wouldn't trust the gecko with anything but saving me 15% or more on my auto insurance.
Nice to see the "Popeye" arcade/NES game get some compliments. I rented the NES version as a kid, and I loved it. I wish it would come to Virtual Console.
(Though, it's rare to get licenced games on VC, and it's doubtfull Nintendo would go through the trouble to sell a 5 or 6 dollar game, and pay royalties to King Features Syndicate & Popeye's other licencees.) Still, "Popeye" is a nice peice of Nintendo history. (They even had an old Game & Watch "Popeye" game.)
I'm acctually quite surprised no Nintendo arcade games have been rereleased. DK should've been rereleased simply for having all 4 levels, and Mario Bros. does have noticablly better graphics & animations then the NES game. (Not that graphics are all that matters, but still...)
It would be nice if they included the ability to edit how many lives you start with to, and other features, like other Virtual Arcade games do.
Yeah, I care a lot about these old games. Where's the love for Exidy, Stern and Cinematronics I ask? This is why emulators exist, but frankly I'd rather be able to throw down some money and have a nice channel for it and all.
I'm with you Sean. Bring back more of these classics. The Virtual Console Arcade should be chock full by now.
nintendo's still trying to figure out how to present donkey kong, jr, and three... to emulate these games perfectly, one must turn their television on it's side.. nintendo HATES this.
I don't think the vertical screens are an issue in these days of 480p graphics. When the game was featured as an "Easter Egg" on DK64, it emulated perfectly, and the Wii has a ton more horsepower than the N64.
I remember there were also little tiny interludes between the levels where DK would grab Pauline and haul up the ladders. There was the famous "How High Can You Go?" printed onscreen, with levels numbered at 25m, 50m, 75m, etc. The 2nd, or 50m level was the missing Cement Level, I believe.
So there really is a little bit more eye candy going inbetween the levels when you play the arcade version. All of this, plus an entire level, were omitted from the NES version, and it is a shame, because the NES was more than capable of squeezing the extra level in, even on standard sized ROM without the use of mappers, but the devs were lazy. Later they fit both DK and DK Jr on the Donkey Kong Classics cart using a standard 32K P-ROM (again with the missing cement level), and still had some room left over.
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