Is Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move just another eshop puzzle game?
A mainstay in games like this is the level creator. Mario and DK has this and you can create your own stages to share with the world over the internet. You can also play created levels to test your skills and to find out who makes the best stages. This mode is where creative juices flow and where some people are just evil in what they have you attempt.
I’m a sucker when it comes to video game music and Minis on the Move has some good remixed Mario themes in the game. The Main title theme is a remixed Mario Brothers theme and that doubles as the menu theme too. Puzzle Palace has a remixed Princess Peach’s Castle theme, of Super Mario 64 fame. Many Mini Mayhem has a remixed Super Mario Bros. 2 theme so the game pays homage to the Mario classics very well. Have fun seeing what other classic music is in the game.
However, with every good game, there are good things as well as bad things. Mario and DK: Minis on the Move is not excluded from the rule. For starters there is a time limit in practically all the game modes and it feels like you're not given enough time to accomplish the task of getting all the medals and getting to the goal. I know that’s what makes the game challenging but it feels like at times it will take quite an effort for you to succeed, especially in the Giant Jungle stages. Also the repetitive feeling will probably creep in after a while. The game isn’t that long so that repetitive feel is common and that’s what the mini games are for, to prevent that repeat feeling. These low points aren’t enough to put a bad taste in my mouth while talking about Minis on the move
To Conclude, Mario and DK: Minis on the Move is fun and tough at the same time. It also pays homage to the classic Mario games with select remixed music. The different minis to play with adds a slight feel of customization as well as the different ways to solve a puzzle. However Giant Jungle is really difficult and one of those moments in games that feels like “is there even a way to do this?” These reasons and more are why I’m giving Mario and DK: Minis on the Move for the 3DS an 8.5/10, good game but has it’s “what” moments.
Score: 8.5 / 10
