'Edutainment' titles are a strange lot. They're usually poor attempts to shoehorn some 'learning' in videogames, possibly out of fear that games rot the brains of kiddies. Donkey Kong Jr Math is no exception.
The game features one player and two player modes. In the one player mode, the objective is to enter math answers in order to receive points. In the two player mode, each player applies a math operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) to the number they have to make it another number, trying to eventually reach a mutual goal number. However, signs and numbers are on the same field for each player, and they must race to reach the final number.
The instruction in arithmetic here is not too advanced. Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems are what you'll find in the game's main single player mode, and the two-player competition is even easier – the six-digit subtraction equation used as an example above is as complex as it comes. And limited content isn't helped at all by stiff, cumbersome and confusing controls, which you'll find in both gameplay modes.
If you get excited by doing math puzzles then this will probably be right up your street but for true gamers this is a complete waste of Wii points. The Donkey Kong licence might tempt some people but this really isn't a proper Donkey Kong game.
If you really must educate yourself, pick up Brain Training on the DS. Your money will be spent far more wisely.
1. Kevin
30 Mar 2007, 14:03 GMT
This is one I won't be downloading. One player games loses its appeal after a few times playing it. Two player games can be kinda fun. Definately not worth it.
2. Don-Bon
01 Apr 2007, 07:01 GMT
This was a bad attempt at an education game. It was boring and uninteresting.
3. Mendez
02 Apr 2007, 13:05 GMT
Why bring ths to the VC? If it's a 20 year old education game, I can hardly see it getting anywhere near Brain Training and Big Brain Academy...
4. DjinnFighter
05 Apr 2007, 21:04 GMT
I don't think I will buy this game, but it was way better than the original Donkey Kong Jr.
Very good game for two players, funny to play. But, don't play this alone, B-o-r-i-n-g
5. Hangover
18 Apr 2007, 13:24 GMT
Humm... How to gett 72 faster then the other player... 5*9=45 and 4*9=36.. Humm 81... Doh! Im to old for this education.. Mario's Picross is mor Funny!! =P
6. Bass X0
20 Apr 2007, 01:44 GMT
Now they have to release Donkey Kong 3 and all the NES Donkey Kong titles will be available on the Wii. Unless they seriously want to release Donkey Kong Classics as well...
7. ricketycricket
20 Apr 2007, 16:02 GMT
only reason i'd download this would be to turn it into a drinking game with my friends. now that could be fun. i bet you'd be doing some fuzzy math after a couple rounds
8. deggs
20 Apr 2007, 18:59 GMT
i had a version of this game (or a knock off i guess) for commadore 64 as a kid. it's fun (if it's the same game). woth 500 points? maybe not but I'm still gettin it...
9. Mendez
21 Apr 2007, 18:20 GMT
1*? It must be terrible then!
It really annoys me when they could be releasing classics and they release these piles of crap instead!
10. mario/zelda_fan
22 Apr 2007, 02:13 GMT
i agree with Mendez, why would they give us this garbage when they could be giving us the the good stuff. I guess it's so all games get out there....or something.
But back to the topic, I would never download this game for four reasons.
1. It's boring and i don't get it
2. Because it's a wast of my points
3. It's a wast of my space for other games
4. If I wanted to play it I could play it on the game Cube Animal Crossing.
11. Felix
05 May 2007, 21:10 GMT
I had it as a kid... Never understand what was the point of the game and how to play it... xD It sucked, indeed
12. sir.turds.alot
12 May 2007, 01:13 GMT
its fun to play...... if you are 4 5 6 7 8 9 or 10. i played it on animal crossing
13. Shivelamouse
20 May 2007, 22:34 GMT
This game is aimed at a demographic that ISN'T 18-25 or 15-17. It's aimed at a much younger demograph, IE little kids. Some parents bought the Wii with the intentions of having their LITTLE kiddies play it, and for some this may be a worthwhile addition to the library.
14. superfurryfox
22 May 2007, 14:05 GMT
I played it for the first time a couple of years back on Animal Crossing, IT IS SO RUBBISH!
15. SKTTR
12 Jun 2007, 03:20 GMT
A game where two apes must do maths and grab numbers.
There is also a math training mode for one ape.
Everyone who is an ape at maths GO GET IT!!!
NOW! IT'S THAT GOOD! GRAPHICS LIKE NO OTHER! APE SOUNDS! INTERLACE MODE! 2 PLAYER! 500 WII POINTS! DK! DONKEY KONG!
(For MathFreaks and RopeClimbingLovers only!)
16. Bass X0
26 Jun 2007, 13:14 GMT
Sorry. I think even math freaks will get bored with this quickly.
17. Jade Louise
09 Aug 2007, 19:28 GMT
Releasing this on the VC is pointless. Its not aimed at kids as they will not even know what a NES is. It was aimed at kids at the time but this re-release is pure nostagia. When I was 5 back in 1988 I remember this playing in Toy & Hobby in Wigan. They had a NES demo deck with 12 games to choose from. I played this for about 2 mins before calling it boring quiting and playing and then getting my Grandad to buy Kung Fu instead.
18. NintendoFan1985
14 Aug 2007, 07:01 GMT
Not worth 500 points. Obviously, it's a math game. The only difference is that it has Donkey Kong Jr. You'd have more fun watching paint dry.
19. Wolf
03 Sep 2007, 17:05 GMT
No option for zero stars?
20. Dazza
03 Sep 2007, 17:24 GMT
Maybe we should add a zero star option just for this game? lol
21. omaley
03 Sep 2007, 17:28 GMT
Is this there idea of good games? Come one Nintendo get the good stuff out D:
22. angel m. rivera collazo
03 Sep 2007, 21:51 GMT
omg!why?this ungame never had a reason to exist!
23. Darkness Deku
04 Sep 2007, 03:03 GMT
Wow! When I saw this game online I couldn't stop laughing! This had to be chosen as a joke. But I can't really rate this game because I only played it once a long time ago.
24. CastlevaniaTest
04 Sep 2007, 08:29 GMT
In my opinion, you should only buy this game for the multiplayer, for two reasons:
1. Calculate mode can be played with just one player, but, of course, Player 2 doesn't move, so guess what? You always win! Sure, maybe if you die enough times, P2 will win (I haven't checked), but even if you think it's brain training to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers until they reach a certain number, it's dreadfully boring in this game and you'd prefer doing it in your head.
2. Practice mode can be played without having to boot up the game. Just take out a sheet of paper, write down a math equation, answer it, and check it on a calculator. If you get it right, scream "I WIN 50 POINTS!!!!" at the top of your lungs. That's Practice mode for you. The last step is optional.
The two-player mode is the only thing that gives this game any depth, and even then there are much, much better two-player competitive games you can buy with 500 points.
Do I even need to say it? One star.
25. Thomas
06 Sep 2007, 08:08 GMT
Releasing a game to fill quota is shameful enough...but to scrape the bottom of the barrel in order to do so?
26. StarSoldier1
22 Sep 2007, 02:48 GMT
I didn't think the game was all that bad since I thought the one player mode was challenging.
27. Boredom v2.2
03 Nov 2007, 14:11 GMT
You can actually get this game for free if you have Animal Crossing for Gamecube. In fact for those who don't know, the following NES games are in Animal Crossing:
Donkey Kong
DKJR.
DKJR. Math
Wario's Woods
Excitebike
Balloon Fight
Cluclu Land
Golf
Tennis
Baseball
Punch out (not 100% sure about this one)
and i think that's it. Animal Crossing for Gamecube is still in stores for only $19.99!
28. Garland Russell
03 Nov 2007, 20:04 GMT
Ugh. Who in the world would want to buy this? It's lame, terrible, & will bore people of this very quickly.
29. SuperKorinku26
05 Nov 2007, 14:27 GMT
I Lol'ed at (don't spend money on this game)!
30. Denivire
12 Nov 2007, 07:45 GMT
I think it was only put up there to make parents happy that you can learn from games... way to save your behinds with that one Nintendo!
Too bad no one will get it.
31. learn japanese ds
08 Jan 2008, 16:41 GMT
This should be an easter egg on the next Brain Age!
32. deadbattery
11 Jan 2008, 12:41 GMT
Ah, those clever minds at Nintendo - releasing this abomination in September to coincide with the start of the school year! After all, NO ONE cares about games like Super Mario RPG and Zelda: Majora's Mask, but what we DO want is a bland "edutainment" title released solely as an excuse to disprove rumors that "all Nintendo games are uneducational." Math and classic Nintendo games go together as well as fat men and bicycle pants.
And yes, I've played the game in Animal Crossing. My favorite parts were the "long division" segments: they consisted of climbing a rope quickly with NO MATH INVOLVED. Pretty educational.
33. wedge554
28 Jan 2008, 18:15 GMT
... or a cyanide pill is better, which is also cheaper!
34. WaddleWave
05 Feb 2008, 19:19 GMT
Things that are better than $5 on this:
watching paint dry, watching grass grow, watching public broadcast, watching LifeTime network, getting a BA degree, picking up the phone, getting up from your chair, jumping, waving...in fact... a calculator is more fun than that...and it works faster.
35. MasterMario
01 Mar 2008, 20:14 GMT
Bad game.It will entertain you for 10 minutes, then the fun stops.
Edit: I was wrong. It entertains you for less than 5 minutes, and then the fun stops.
36. juhok
10 Apr 2008, 20:18 GMT
What were they thinking..?
37. Bass X0
10 Apr 2008, 20:30 GMT
@ juhok
Back when the game was originally made? A cash-in on a well known series.
Putting it on the VC now? Its a game available to them to put on the VC but they won't be expecting many downloads. VC doesn't distinguish between good and bad games.
38. WaddleWave
15 Apr 2008, 15:32 GMT
@Wolf- There really should be a zero star option...for games this bad!... I mean...head over to Cruis'n USA, the same DAMO gave it... 1 star, a N64 game, dunno if this two games are the same! Maybe you learn to Math in Cruis'n USA and the driving is awful in Jr.MATH.
39. WaddleWave
15 Apr 2008, 21:06 GMT
LMAO!! Did you guys saw what does it says at the end of the video!? My sides hurts from laughing! Totally unexpected! I've never got the courage to click the video before...who the heck needs a video of that anyhow!?...Still LMAO!!
40. Dazza
15 Apr 2008, 23:17 GMT
Good old Drake! Nice Easter egg
41. MasterMario
16 Apr 2008, 02:21 GMT
That was unexpected!
42. Bass X0
16 Apr 2008, 14:39 GMT
Is getting it in Gamecube Animal Crossing technically spending money on it?
43. slangman
18 Jun 2008, 14:41 GMT
I unlocked this in Animal Crossing, then i played it to see what the fuss was about, all i found was a very basic maths game where you get the right numbers by climbing ropes. Got bored after 5 mins playing and never touched this game after that. Who would have thought maths would be so boring?
That my friends is the quality of DK Jr Math. In other words don't bother wasting your 500 Points.
44. Mr. Cheez
28 Jun 2008, 18:38 GMT
I got this game as a Christmas present in Animal Crossing, and It's complete garbage. It's a very basic math game, and I didn't even know what I was doing as I played it. I just jumped up and grabbed random numbers. I got a good amount of bells off it though
Stupid deer! Why couldn't you have given me a GOOD game like Clu Clu Land or Wario's Woods!? 1 star indeed.
45. Mr. Cheez
28 Jun 2008, 18:54 GMT
Whoa, the video even warns you not to buy this game. That's pretty bad. And funny!
Honestly, the only reason anyone would spend 500 pts on this embarrassment is if they were gifting it to someone as a joke.
46. bladeso'steel99baby
01 Jul 2008, 15:13 GMT
even though its 20 years old, this game still makes brain age look like total crap. its brilliant math quizes allow you to improve your math while still having a blast. in my opinion, donky knog 64 was good, but the additional math component wittnessesd in this game makes it the finest of the series. cinco estrellas!
47. Kirby8
03 Jul 2008, 20:18 GMT
Its a funny consept but a crappy game give us donkey kong 64 now
48. Tony
07 Jul 2008, 19:33 GMT
Its fun with 2 players
49. Mr.Game and Watch
10 Jul 2008, 20:15 GMT
If you got this raise your hand.
Raises hand embarrassed
The controls didn't work.
50. Mipsymoodle
14 Jul 2008, 18:32 GMT
this is just a joke on the virtual console customers, there are so many f***in games to put out and this is what nintendo gave us, 1/5, id give it a 0 but its not an option, TOP 20 WORST GAMES IN THE HISTORY OF GAMING
51. Bass X0
14 Jul 2008, 21:12 GMT
there's actually worse nes games out there.
52. Dazza
14 Jul 2008, 22:19 GMT
Did they make a 'Urban Champion Does Math' that I never heard about?
53. William
19 Jul 2008, 17:18 GMT
I would like to see the Angry Video Game Nerd cover this. He would get quite venomus!
Sombody tell him!
54. BleachFan888
21 Jul 2008, 19:40 GMT
I'll admit, when I first saw this game, I laughed. There's no way a game like this could be good, even if it does say "Donkey Kong" in the title.
55. Bensei
25 Jul 2008, 11:47 GMT
Well, I really liked that game, but also, I didn't buy it alone. I got it with Animal Crossing.
56. Magic_Ocarina
03 Aug 2008, 22:18 GMT
When did the gaming company think that monkeys can be smart?
57. Beau Skunk
06 Aug 2008, 08:09 GMT
While most gamers may dismiss this title, the game acctually would be nice to have if you're grown-up, and have children of your own. (My sister has kids.) It could get them used to math. Nothing like tricking kids into learning with a video game.
So it's not a complete loss. So, I'll be more forgiving and give this 2 stars.
58. Tabbyluigi
09 Aug 2008, 16:34 GMT
It is a pretty bad game, I played on animal crossing and i hated it.
59. MarkyVigoroth
03 Sep 2008, 17:24 GMT
Though I never played this, I can imagine parents giving this a high rating in their "Educational Games" sites due to its educational value, even though this site says otherwise. (Consumer Reports really knows what they are doing; they actually employ kids to test kid-oriented products!) But still, there are (normal) people who like this simply because their tastes are different from ours.
By the way, this game would be much too easy for me; I already know 95% of my precalculus book due to the Algebra 2 and Trigonometry courses in my last school.
Mendez-san: "It really annoys me when they could be releasing classics and they release these piles of __ instead!"
Actually, I bet Dk Jr. Math is supposed to be a classic. I can see VC as a parallel to the Trophies in Super Smash Bros. Melee/Brawl. (In other words, the trophies tell you, while VC shows you.)
deadbattery-san:"Ah, those clever minds at Nintendo - releasing this abomination in September to coincide with the start of the school year!"
I can see the connection with an educational game being released at the start of a school year.
P.S. If there is an educational game I would buy, it might be Mario's Preschool Years, since I had that game when I was really young, yet I am not sure if that game was the one I played. All I know is that it was Mario-themed (and a few other details...).
60. Supermarioman
18 Sep 2008, 22:04 GMT
Worst Game Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
61. Tony
01 Oct 2008, 20:28 GMT
I actually enjoyed this with 2 players. With one player its just not much.
"there's actually worse nes games out there." Its true, I would play this anyday over Total Recall, Days of Thunder, and Karnov.
62. Badknux
01 Oct 2008, 22:32 GMT
Total Recall is such a joke! Hahahaha! I remember playing that at my friends house. You fight those hobos in the alleys, or wierd agents with guns. How pointless! Pretty comical stuff though when you stop and think about it.
63. BananaJane
12 Oct 2008, 05:15 GMT
How did anyone seriously expect to learn math from a gorilla?
64. Corbie
28 Oct 2008, 09:06 GMT
My grandmother accidentally bought this for me for my birthday instead of the regular Donkey Kong Jr. I wanted. Luckily the store manager was nice enough to exchange it for me. Thankfully!
65. Bass X0
12 Nov 2008, 16:19 GMT
What with all these Brain Training type games around now, I'd kinda like to see a "Donkey Kong Jr. Maths 2" on Wii, WiiWare or DS. Would be interesting I think.
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