Donkey Kong Junior for Atari XL/XE — Full Review, History & Gameplay Guide

Release Information  
Release Date 1983
Publishers Atari
Download Game files  
 
PDF PL
132
 
PDF EN
145
ATR
5

Donkey Kong Junior for Atari XL/XE is a faithful home conversion of Nintendo’s 1982 arcade hit. Unlike the original Donkey Kong, where Mario is the hero, in this sequel he takes the role of the villain, holding Donkey Kong captive. Players take control of Junior, the young ape determined to rescue his father by climbing, jumping, and avoiding hazards across multiple single-screen stages.

Released in 1983 on cartridge (code RX8040), this version runs on the Atari 400/800/XL/XE series and preserves the core arcade mechanics. Its responsive joystick controls and accurate reproduction of all four arcade stages make it a standout among home ports of the era.

Four Original Arcade Stages

Unlike some home versions that cut content, the Atari XL/XE release features all four iconic levels:

  • Vines: Master dual-vine climbing for faster ascents and learn to dodge patrolling enemies.
  • Springboard: Use precise timing to jump between springboards and platforms to progress upward.
  • Chains: Navigate vertical chains while avoiding moving sparks and snapping enemies.
  • Mario’s Hideout: A tight, challenging final stage with quick reaction gameplay leading to the rescue of Donkey Kong.

Enemies and Hazards

The game introduces several enemy types to test the player’s skill and timing:

  • Snapjaws: Crocodile-like enemies that climb vines and force route changes.
  • Nitpickers: Birds that swoop in from above to disrupt climbs.
  • Sparks: Electrical hazards guarding platforms and chain routes.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players use the joystick to move left and right, climb up and down vines or chains, and the fire button to jump between them. Holding onto two adjacent vines speeds climbing, while letting go of one allows precise positioning. Fruits hanging from vines can be dropped onto enemies for bonus points and chain reactions.

Scoring and Difficulty

Points are awarded for collecting items, defeating enemies, and clearing stages. After all four screens, the game restarts at a higher difficulty level—enemies move faster, attack patterns change, and timing windows shrink, keeping the challenge fresh for advanced players.

Technical Quality

The Atari XL/XE version delivers smooth controls, crisp sprites, and clear collision detection, making hazards easy to read even on CRT displays. Faithfully recreating the arcade’s pacing, it offers a challenging experience that rewards mastery and replayability.

Legacy

Today, Donkey Kong Junior on Atari 8-bit systems is celebrated among retro gaming enthusiasts for being one of the most accurate home conversions of the arcade classic. It retains the charm, challenge, and distinctive role-reversal storyline that set it apart in gaming history.

Whether you’re a retro gaming collector or a newcomer discovering the golden age of arcade platformers, the Atari XL/XE release of Donkey Kong Junior remains an essential title to experience.

ORGINAL COVERS:
VIDEO:
GAME SCREENSHOT:

About Us

logo

Ataricovers.com is a website dedicated to fans of classic Atari games. Our mission is to design new covers for old games, as well as to collect and share high-quality manuals and promotional materials related to Atari titles. Driven by passion and community involvement, we are building a unique archive that helps preserve and reimagine the legacy of this iconic brand for current and future generations of gamers.