Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis

 DS
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    I like how it's pretty easy to complete any of the levels, but achieving a gold star on each and collecting all the various coins and cards require strategy that's just challenging enough to stimulate the noggin here and there. [Nov. 2006, p.139]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. IGN
    70
    Its similarities to the first game are only in looks; the concept goes in a refreshingly different -- but just not as successful, addictive or challenging -- direction for Nintendo DS gamers.
  3. GamesRadar+
    70
    By hooking up with other players via Wi-Fi, you’re also able to play levels that other players create, giving you a virtually endless array of levels to puzzle over even after you’ve completed the main game.
  5. Yahoo!
    70
    The very definition of a "pick up and play" video game, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 strikes a comfortable balance between bite-sized gameplay and respectable longevity. It could use some tighter controls and a multiplayer mode, but it's a competent addition to the DS' line of puzzlers.
  6. GameSpy
    70
    A mixed blessing. It's got some fun and elaborate puzzles, although some get a tad too elaborate to manage at once. Also, certain parts of the gameplay mechanic, such as the responsiveness of the touch screen while steering Mini-Marios around, don't function as well as we would have liked.
  7. Thunderbolt
    70
    While it doesn't cover any new ground and isn't pushing the DS in any way, it's a fun and easy to get into puzzle platformer that will keep you hooked if you give it enough time- especially if you play around with the level editor.
  8. games(TM)
    70
    Unless you despise puzzle games you can't be disappointed as this does what it sets out to do. It's a charming title and a good way to pass some time. [Christmas 2006, p.137]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. PALGN
    70
    Longevity is unfortunately absent in March of the Minis and is ultimately the thorn in the game’s foot, preventing it from being a much more memorable puzzler.
  10. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    An addictive puzzle game that proves to be more Energizer bunny than clockwork mouse.
  11. The Sydney Morning Herald
    70
    Using the Nintendo wi-fi connection service, users can then send their designs to friends to solve, bolstering the game's long-term appeal.
  12. Eurogamer
    70
    Many won't appreciate the simplicity, or the fact that there doesn't appear to be enough of a substantial challenge to grab your attention for very long. Not for everyone, then, but well worth further investigation if puzzling's your thing.
  13. Edge Magazine
    70
    Smartly thought out, handsomely presented and perfectly showcasing the combination of quick thinking and quick reactions we so often claim videogames encourage. [June 2007, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Modojo
    60
    A little more development time to polish some control quirks and hide away 20 or so super-difficult levels for the intrepid, and March of the Minis would have been a much more memorable DS release.
  15. Game Informer
    60
    I'm sure some people will dig March of the Mini's all-ages gameplay, and the chance to share player-created levels via Wi-Fi is a nice touch, but unless someone comes up with stages that are more interesting than the ones in the main game, I'm certainly not interested. [Nov. 2006, p.142]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best DS Game of 2006
32
#32 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
49
#49 Most Shared DS Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 5, 2023
    6
    More of the same trap-filled levels through which you must guide the mini Marios. Little difference from the first game but the few tweaksMore of the same trap-filled levels through which you must guide the mini Marios. Little difference from the first game but the few tweaks they have made actually decease the puzzle element in favour of platforming which I personally think was a mistake. Still a fun, undemanding little puzzler nonetheless.… Full Review »
  2. Pardoow
    Sep 23, 2019
    8
    Great concept, well executed. Good enough was that they brought something to the mario universe, but not expected it to be this fun
  3. wegie125
    Dec 10, 2017
    5
    Nothing spectacular, it may be just because this is a strategy game and those generally don't resonate well with me just because I find themNothing spectacular, it may be just because this is a strategy game and those generally don't resonate well with me just because I find them to be pretty boring. This game was ok I guess? Nothing really stood out to me and honestly it took me a while to even remember that I ever played this game. The one thing that really boosted the already low score of this game was the make your own map and share them online. It seemed like a miniature version of mario maker. Which I find to be pretty cool even though you can't go back and play it now. I don't think this game deserves a higher score but I see that it tried to match up against some larger titles… Full Review »
See all user reviews »