Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem

 DS
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
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  1. games(TM)
    Mar 23, 2011
    70
    It's certainly a solid addition to the franchise, just not as memorable as previous instalments. [Issue#107, p.113]
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  2. Eurogamer Portugal
    Mar 9, 2011
    70
    It's a concept explored for the third time in Nintendo DS, but still, there are enough reasons to fight again against Donkey Kong.
  3. Gamer.nl
    Feb 24, 2011
    70
    It shows that Nintendo tried their best to do something new with the Mario vs. Donkey Kong franchise, which didn't pan out as hoped for due to a lack of a decent challenge. The level-editor makes up for a lot though, because it allows other players to challenge you with their creativity.
  5. Eurogamer Sweden
    Feb 22, 2011
    70
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem delivers exactly what it should, and is yet another challenging puzzle games for the Nintendo DS. Fun and well made, but without much innovation.
  6. Level7.nu
    Feb 3, 2011
    70
    Really smart puzzle game with lots of ideas and an easy to use create-a-puzzle mode. A bit too similar to the last game, far too easy in the first hour and a bit repetitive in the end though.
  7. Gamekult
    Feb 2, 2011
    70
    A title that will be worth a look, therefore, especially for those who take the train.
  8. Edge Magazine
    Dec 23, 2010
    70
    In taking away direct control Miniland Mayhem has intensified the appeal to players' protective instinct which exists at the heart of the series. [Jan 2011, p.103]
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  9. Da Gameboyz
    Dec 20, 2010
    70
    Overall, the puzzle gameplay is well-designed and it takes some strategy and a bit of mind flexing to get your Mini Marios going in the right direction.
  10. Destructoid
    Dec 19, 2010
    70
    For me, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! scrapes by.
  11. GamesRadar+
    Dec 19, 2010
    70
    A consistently fun time filler that keeps the series' above-average quality streak alive. It may not be the best Mario or Donkey Kong game this year, but out of the few big DS releases this holiday, it's one of the better ones.
  12. Play.tm
    Mar 14, 2011
    60
    As a game to stick into your DS and play from time to time, Mini-Land Mayhem will not disappoint. It really does the basics right - very right in fact. Keen puzzle-goers, though, may feel that if it had the charm of Mario and the simple touch controls stripped away, then the game would be a bit too forgettable.
  13. Gameblog.fr
    Feb 5, 2011
    60
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is the worthy successor of the previous episode released on the DS. A fine puzzle game to pick your brains with. Short at first, it still fulfills its goal with additional challenges in the "+" mode, and the editor. It may not be revolutionary concept-wise at all, and even become a little tedious for some, but fans of the genre will be satisfied, thanks to great production values and a solid level design.
  14. GamePro
    Dec 20, 2010
    60
    If you're looking for casual puzzling that gives you plenty of game time for your buck, Mini-Land Mayhem is decent for fans and great for newcomers. Let's just hope that next time, Nintendo does a major overhaul instead of a tiny tune-up.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best DS Game of 2010
22
#22 Most Discussed DS Game of 2010
25
#25 Most Shared DS Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Zilcell
    Nov 8, 2011
    8
    It is a simple, yet fun puzzle game. I wouldn't call it addicting, but it has a lot of levels which makes it worth it to play if you want aIt is a simple, yet fun puzzle game. I wouldn't call it addicting, but it has a lot of levels which makes it worth it to play if you want a slow paced game.… Full Review »
  2. kcs4
    Jan 7, 2011
    8
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is an itensely fun game. The combination of alot of levels and the addition of Hard Mode make thisMario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is an itensely fun game. The combination of alot of levels and the addition of Hard Mode make this game worth the while.… Full Review »
  3. handheld2Dgamr
    Nov 24, 2010
    8
    great game..alot of fun ...i own all mario vs donkey kong games and by far the gba version is the best...i wonder why they continued the minisgreat game..alot of fun ...i own all mario vs donkey kong games and by far the gba version is the best...i wonder why they continued the minis rather than controlling mario this time? i would love to see one last version for the ds like the original controling mario type game, would be amazing. nintendo needs a mario collection vol 1 and 2 (super mario 1,2,3 lost levels,mario world, yoshi island, mario rpg, ect.) for the ds. it is long overdue..miniland mayhem is worth the investment...… Full Review »
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