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. Gaming Target
    Dec 20, 2010
    96
    If you like puzzle games, Mario games, Donkey Kong games, games you can pick up any time on the go and jump into without missing a beat, adorable games, or even if you just like a good brain-teasing challenge, you will absolutely love it.
  2. Cubed3
    Feb 17, 2011
    90
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is by far the most comprehensive of the four entries into the action puzzle series. Nintendo has gone the extra mile to pack in as many new elements as possible, whilst bulking up and tweaking the existing aspects to near perfect levels.
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Feb 1, 2011
    90
    Not a major overhaul of Mario vs. DK, just a few tweaks to make this the best in the series yet. [Feb 2011, p.88]
  5. Hardcore Gamer
    Dec 20, 2010
    90
    It's a splendid casual game for commuters or for people who simply wish to pass the day faster than a flip of a Mario coin.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Dec 19, 2010
    90
    Lots of gameplay, great graphics, a wonderful soundtrack and flawless touchscreen controls make Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! a worthy addition to an often-overlooked franchise.
  7. IGN
    Dec 19, 2010
    90
    The ability to create your own levels, share them online, and compete in Nintendo sanctioned design contests gives Mini-Land Mayhem major replay value.
  8. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 27, 2011
    88
    Even better than the prequel, the new Mario vs. Donkey Kong is an addictive little gem with compelling gameplay, exceptional music and a Creator Mode which boosts the not-so-incredible longevity. One of the best games on the DS, period.
  9. GameFocus
    Jan 3, 2011
    88
    There may not have been too many changes to the series since its GBA inception, Mario vs Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is an incredibly enjoyable puzzler that will keep you occupied for hours on end.
  10. 3DJuegos
    Feb 2, 2011
    86
    The new Mario vs. Donkey Kong is extremely addictive, a game that shows the Nintendo's skills to create superb gameplay dynamics.
  11. PALGN
    Mar 21, 2011
    85
    Mario vs Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is an impressive entry into the platform puzzling genre on the DS and a fantastic follow-up to previous entries in the series.
  12. SpazioGames
    Feb 18, 2011
    85
    You already know the characters by heart, and gameplay is undoubtedly funny, yet it's the level editor that makes this game really shine.
  13. Meristation
    Feb 8, 2011
    85
    More of the same stuff, but this time slightly improved. This particular way of understanding the strategy under Mario's eyes is quite entertaining, but's lacking some new features. A worth-buying game for fans of the genre.
  14. Armchair Empire
    Dec 20, 2010
    85
    Play for a little, get a hit of Mario nostalgia, challenge your brain, and continue with the rest of your day. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem makes for a great gaming fix.
  15. Nintendo Gamer
    Mar 8, 2011
    83
    Be warned, mind: there's a slight tendency towards random outcomes. [Jan 2011, p.62]
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  16. Game Informer
    Dec 20, 2010
    83
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
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  17. Game Revolution
    Dec 19, 2010
    83
    Despite some reluctance to simple management gameplay, Mini-Land Mayhem outperformed my expectations. Play it on the go, at home, or on the toilet seat. Just don't clog the drain.
  18. GamingXP
    Apr 14, 2011
    82
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is fun and challenging. Everybody who's into die red cap plumber will have fun with this one. I love those minis trembling around to hit good old Donkey Kong.
  19. Vandal
    Mar 1, 2011
    81
    Miniland Mayhem is one of those games whose mechanics get into your brain. Although it doesn't evolve in graphics and sound in comparison with previous versions, its gameplay does, and that is what really matters.
  20. N-Europe
    Jul 18, 2011
    80
    If you are looking for something cheap, cheerful but downright fun, this is definitely worth a look-in.
  21. Eurogamer Italy
    Feb 25, 2011
    80
    Although its lacks of significant innovations, Miniland Mayhem proves to be an excellent product that will surely guarantee hours of fun to anyone willing to test his skills with a challenging and addictive puzzle/platform adventure.
  22. Everyeye.it
    Feb 18, 2011
    80
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a worthy farewell of this saga to the DS. Though not proposing new features, this new chapter is highly recommended to all lovers of puzzle game and fans of Super Mario.
  23. Guardian
    Feb 8, 2011
    80
    Those looking for a one-stop masterclass in elementary game design could do a lot worse than study this.
  24. Telegraph
    Feb 2, 2011
    80
    Mario Vs Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is the sort of title Nintendo does very well. It's charming, fun and cleverly constructed. And even if it's not what I expected, it's a reminder that I should endeavour to make the portly plumber more of a fixture on my gaming landscape.
  25. Gamereactor Denmark
    Feb 1, 2011
    80
    It takes a little while to get going, but once it hits its stride, this clever Lemmings-inspired puzzle game will leave you glued to your dual screens. With 200 levels the longevity should be in place, and so we'll heartily recommend Mario vs. Donkey Kong to any puzzle loving DS owner.
  26. Gamereactor Sweden
    Jan 31, 2011
    80
    The level design is superb and the overall mood is pure Nintendo.
  27. VideoGamer
    Jan 26, 2011
    80
    It's one of those games that can quickly get stuck in your head if you let it.
  28. NintendoWorldReport
    Jan 17, 2011
    80
    Whimsical Mario remixes fill the background as you work and play. New downloadable puzzles and challenges offer continuing content to extend the title, giving you something to come back to when the main game is eventually over.
  29. Digital Chumps
    Dec 20, 2010
    80
    Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is another strong puzzle game in the MVs.DK series.
  30. Metro GameCentral
    Dec 20, 2010
    80
    It may be a relatively small improvement but this is definitely the best of the series yet, and as a result one of the DS's best puzzle games.
  31. Joystiq
    Dec 19, 2010
    80
    Although the bite-sized puzzle play of Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! initially seems no more enthralling than what you could find on a free Flash game site, it takes only a few minutes for the game's quality to shine through.
  32. Eurogamer
    Dec 19, 2010
    80
    It's expertly paced, with bite-sized levels that walk a tightrope between pull-your-hair-out maddening and knowingly easy – and while it can be overwhelming and cause you to doubt yourself, it's always worth it for that moment of relief where it all slots into place.
  33. GameSpot
    Dec 19, 2010
    80
    Another great round of Mario-themed mini-puzzler fun awaits.
  34. GameTrailers
    Dec 19, 2010
    79
    Those with a keen eye for the nuts and bolts of puzzle composition will walk away moderately enriched by this effervescent anthology of game design haikus.
  35. Games Master UK
    Feb 18, 2011
    78
    It's fun and polished, but it's just a bit too similar to previous versions. [Feb 2011, p.89]
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  36. Cheat Code Central
    Dec 19, 2010
    76
    Good, simple fun, although there's not much to it. If you've played Mario vs. Donkey Kong before, you know how it works. If you haven't, you will after two minutes.
  37. Nintendo Power
    Dec 20, 2010
    75
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
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  38. Worth Playing
    Dec 20, 2010
    75
    Although Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a well-executed title, it's also saddled with outdated mechanics in a genre that doesn't really have that many adherents in the modern gaming world.
  39. GameZone
    Dec 19, 2010
    75
    The more challenging aspects take a bit to get to, but when players do reach the Plus Mode and Special Levels, it's worth every second.

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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