Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars

Game Overview

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars continues the popular puzzle-solving series with a heavy emphasis on stylus-driven path construction. Released in spring 2015, the game was a cross-buy title on the Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, allowing players who purchased the Wii U version to receive a download code for the 3DS version at no extra charge.

The storyline sets a familiar stage: Donkey Kong has once again kidnapped Pauline, leaving Mario's automated Mini toys stranded. Players must place girders, draw bridges, activate springs, and operate conveyor belts using the Wii U GamePad touchscreen to direct the automatic, perpetually walking Mini toys safely to the exit door. Collecting all coins and finishing within target parameters earns gold stars, which can be spent in the workshop or used to "tip" level creators in the community sharing system.

Quick Specifications

• Game Title: Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars

• Platform: Nintendo Wii U

• Developer: Nintendo Software Technology

• Publisher: Nintendo

• Release Date: March 5, 2015

• Genre: Puzzle, Platformer

• ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

• Players: 1 Player

• Input Methods: Wii U GamePad (Touchscreen)

Key Features

• Touchscreen Path Construction: Use the Wii U GamePad stylus to build bridges, place pink girders, and manage hazards in real time.

• Wii U & 3DS Cross-Buy: Purchasing the game digitally on the Wii U included a bonus download code for the Nintendo 3DS version.

• Level Editor & Community Sharing: Design custom puzzle stages using a robust level editor and share them online with players worldwide.

• Tipping Star Economy: Reward talented community creators by "tipping" them stars for their custom-built puzzles, which also unlocks extra building parts.

• Wii U Off-TV Play: Enjoy the entire puzzle campaign directly on the Wii U GamePad touchscreen without needing a television screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: How do you guide the Mini toys through each level?

A1: The Mini toys walk forward automatically once activated. Players must use the Wii U GamePad touchscreen to draw or place girders, flip switches, and manage hazards to safely guide them to the goal.

Q2: What are "Tipping Stars" used for in the game?

A2: Stars act as currency and reward points. You earn them by completing levels with high scores, and you can give ("tip") them to creators whose custom levels you enjoyed in the community sharing hub.

Q3: Does the game support Off-TV Play on the Wii U?

A3: Yes, the game fully supports Off-TV Play, allowing you to view and interact with puzzles directly on the Wii U GamePad screen.

Q4: Are the online level sharing and community servers still active?

A4: No, Nintendo permanently terminated online network services for Wii U software on April 8, 2024, so online level sharing and community features are no longer accessible.