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Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge is a downloadable game for the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS systems. It was released in Japan on January 28, 2016, and was released in April 2016 internationally, making it the only installment so far in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series to not be released in North America first. In the United States, it was available for early access between March 25, 2016 and April 27, 2016, with the purchase of any amiibo figure at Amazon, Best Buy, or GameStop. It is the seventh installment in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series and the first to feature amiibo support.[1] New toys are featured in the game, such as Mini Rosalina, Mini Bowser, Mini Bowser Jr., Mini Yoshi, Mini Diddy Kong, and Mini Spek, while returning toys include Mini Mario, Mini Luigi, Mini Donkey Kong, Mini Peach, and Mini Toad.[2][3][4] The Wii U version of this title requires 318.6 MB to be installed, and the 3DS version requires 2,338 blocks.

Gameplay[]

The main game is largely similar to the previous installments in the series, in that the player controls a Mini Toy trying to reach the end of the stage. By scanning a compatible Mario series-related amiibo, the player can receive the corresponding toy to play as, while the Mini Spek is received by scanning any other amiibo. Each Mini Toy (with the exception of the Mini Spek) has a special ability that allows it to clear stages easier. At the end of each stage, players are given a score based on their performance, and by clearing it with a high enough score, the player earns a Gold Trophy for that stage. Instead of a regular level selection screen like in the previous games, the player now navigates a New Super Mario Bros.-styled map with the chosen Mini figure. Another difference is that the player only has to guide a single Mini to the end of each stage, unlike in the other games where multiple had to be managed in order to complete a level.

Within certain main stages are amiibo Doors, which can only be accessed by the corresponding character on the door and unlock special stages themed around that character. Some stages also feature amiibo Tokens, which don't work in any other game and can only be obtained by using the abilities of the amiibo on the token.

amiibo function[]

By scanning in a version of an amiibo of the following characters, the player will unlock a mini based on the character with a particular ability. Other amiibos unlock Spec who has no special ability.

  • Mario - can wall jump
  • Luigi - has a higher jump
  • Peach - can float for a short time
  • Toad - can turn smaller to fit through narrow passageways
  • Yoshi - can swallow enemies using his tongue
  • Donkey Kong - able to climb steep slopes
  • Diddy Kong - can cling to ledgess and climb them
  • Rosalina - able to jump very high and go through platforms
  • Bowser - can destroy blocks with a ground pound
  • Bowser Jr. - can walk on spikes

Worlds[]

There are 60 levels in total, starting with a tutorial level for each character and then levels every character can do, but with an alternate exit to unlock a world based on the character required to use it. These worlds consist of 4 levels with gimmicks based on their original game. Levels also have amiibo cards that act as special collectibles though they can only be obtained by the character whom it is based on.

Promotion[]

A browser game was released in 2016 on the Play Nintendo website called Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge Trivia Quiz.

Trivia[]

  • Mini Luigi's description claims that he can jump higher than other toys despite Mini Rosalina jumping higher.
  • This game is free on the Nintendo eShop.

References[]

External links[]

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