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Super DK!

ColecoVision

ColecoVision

Super Donkey Kong for ColecoVision is a hacked version of the enhanced game made for Coleco's Adam computer. Because of what was likely a means of cost-cutting by Coleco, the version of Donkey Kong they "gave away" with the system was scaled down to fit in about half as much memory as the ColecoV...

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Size
1–2 Players

Version
ColecoVision

Requirements
ColecoVision

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ESRB Rating
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Description

Super Donkey Kong for ColecoVision is a hacked version of the enhanced game made for Coleco’s Adam computer. Because of what was likely a means of cost-cutting by Coleco, the version of Donkey Kong they “gave away” with the system was scaled down to fit in about half as much memory as the ColecoVision can handle. When they did the Adam computer version of the game, they pulled out all the stops and made is much truer to the arcade. A few years back I discovered an in-house version of Donkey Kong and I titled it Super DK. This version uses all of the available memory space on the ColecoVision and while some minor bugs had to be worked out, I was able to get it to run on a stand-alone ColecoVision system.

The main difference you will notice is the addition of the intermission sequences. While these were present in the arcade version of the game, Coleco elected to omit them in the cartridge version. They make for a more arcade-like experience but add nothing to the game.

One extra level is present in this version over the released cartridge. While it will come up and seemingly let you play it, something called sprite collision is not implemented which means you cannot get killed by any of the nasties chasing you. You also can’t pick up any of the bonus items. You can navigate the screen and make your way to the top (with ease I might add) and complete the level, but there is no challenge whatsoever.

All the regular levels of Donkey Kong are here as you would expect and they are exactly the same as they are in your cartridge.

Super DK!

Overview & History

Released as an ambitious homebrew title for the classic ColecoVision console, Super DK! is a remarkable homage to the golden era of arcade platformers. Developed to push the hardware limits of Coleco's 1982 system, this game reimagines the legendary saga of the giant ape kidnapping a helpless maiden. While Nintendo’s original arcade classic saw an official port early in the ColecoVision's lifespan, Super DK! was engineered by dedicated enthusiasts to deliver a more complete, visually polished, and content-rich experience than was possible during the system's commercial heyday. The storyline remains faithful to the timeless tragedy: the deranged ape snatches Pauline and flees to the top of a chaotic, girder-laden construction site. It is up to Jumpman—our plucky hero clad in red overalls—to navigate treacherous hazards, dodge rolling barrels, evade menacing fireballs, and leap over bouncing springs to rescue his beloved. The game features crisp sprite work, vibrant color palettes that pop against the ColecoVision's signature black background, and faithfully recreated chiptune audio that captures the frantic tension of the original coin-op.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Super DK! differentiates itself through tight physics, varied stage progression, and faithful recreation of multiple iconic levels. Unlike stripped-down contemporary ports, this version includes the classic rivet stage, the elevator stage, and the sloping girder stages, providing a comprehensive arcade-accurate journey across four distinct operational zones. Players must master precise jump timing to clear obstacles, utilize the hammer power-up to smash barrels and earn bonus points, and collect Pauline's dropped items—such as her hat, purse, and umbrella—for high scores. The collision detection has been meticulously tuned to eliminate frustrating cheap hits, ensuring that every missed jump feels like the player's fault rather than a hardware limitation. As you climb higher up the scaffolding, the timer ticks down relentlessly, adding psychological pressure to your platforming precision. The game culminates in the ultimate structural collapse sequence, rewarding persistent players with a triumphant victory fanfare and a loop into higher difficulty tiers featuring faster enemies and tighter hazard intervals.