Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a natural sequel to Donkey Kong for the Game Boy. The core gameplay loop and progression of levels is the same. The Game Boy Advance's new hardware explains a lot of the changes. Colored presents replaced the three collectible items of each level, and colored buttons replaced the temporary structures of Donkey Kong's levels. Each world gets its own palette, but Mario's stark colors are always present. New hardware also allowed for voiced cutscenes. I can't think of a game where Mario has more unique lines. There's actual music this time too, and some of it is great. The gameplay is tightly designed, as always, but some frustrations can scuff the experience. Unlike the last game, Mario vs. Donkey Kong gives you a real reason to perform well. You need to get all collectibles and finish fast to get rated a star for the level. That urgency clashes with the more enjoyable slow, deliberate gameplay. There are difficulty spikes where I experienced serious frustration, and I gave up trying to complete everything in the game. I recommend taking it easy. 7/10