Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
is a puzzle video game developed by Nintendo Software Technology and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. It is the sixth game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, succeeding Mini-Land Mayhem and Minis on the Move, and the 200th ever video game featuring Mario. The title was released worldwide in March 2015 on the Nintendo eShop for all regions, except in Japan. This is the first Nintendo-published title to support a cross-purchase concept, and the first Nintendo 3DS title to support Miiverse stamps. If players buy one version, they receive a free download code for the other version.
The game received mixed reviews, praising its graphics, soundtrack, and challenge, but criticism for its short length, removed features, and lack of innovation. A spiritual successor and final installment, Mini Mario & Friends: Amiibo Challenge, was released for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in 2016.
Gameplay
Tipping Stars returns to the two-dimensional side view present in installments prior to Minis on the Move, and uses Mini-Land Mayhem gameplay. Using the 3DS' touchscreen or the Wii U GamePad, the player guides the Minis through levels within the shortest and best way possible. To achieve this, players are given up to four items to craft the Minis' ways such as red pathways or springs and keep them close. Once the Minis has reached the Goal Door, the remaining time is transferred to the final score, which determinates the trophy and amount of stars. If the Minis enter contact with hazards, such as enemies or spikes, the time limit is reached, or a Mini is left behind, the game is over. Bosses are removed and replaced by a natural level in which a Cursed Mini Mario wanders. When all levels are cleared, two extras world re unlocked, as well as three Bonus worlds which is gradually unlocked by the numbers of gold trophies obtained. Both versions contain the same levels, though minor changes in the level design has been brought to fit in the 3DS' touchscreen.
When a level has been successfully done, players receive a trophy and stars. Stars are a currency that can be used to purchase an in-game level creator's items. Some items are impossible to purchase from completing the game normally. The titular mechanic allows players to give and receive stars to other players by rating a created levels via Miiverse, and stamps to create messages.
The online services were discontinued with Miiverse on November 7, 2017, but Nintendo contiuned to sell the game until the Nintendo eShop closed.
Development and release
A Mario vs. Donkey Kong tech demo was revealed at Game Developers Conference in March 2014 to show off the Nintendo Web Framework, a set of tools for developers to make Wii U games with common simple programming languages such as HTML5. In Nintendo's pre-E3 Digital Event video presentation, the game was confirmed for Wii U and was scheduled for release in 2015. Nintendo later revealed the final title, release dates, and the Nintendo 3DS version in Nintendo Direct presentation held in January, in addition the game's support for cross-platform play and cross-buy concepts. The game came in physical optical discs and 3DS game cards in Japan, and whilst Wii U and Nintendo 3DS game cases were available at retail in Europe, they did not include physical media, but rather a printed download code to be used in the respective Nintendo eShop.
Due to the Nintendo eShop closure for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS on March 27, 2023, the game is no longer available outside of Japan due to being digital only.
Reception
Tipping Stars received mixed-to-positive reviews, with an aggregate Metacritic score of 70/100 for the Wii U version. IGN gave the game a 6.8/10, praising the challenge of the game and large amount of content, but complained about the lack of new ideas. EGM also criticized the lack of innovation, but concluded that the game has a solid, simple and fun formula that makes the series recognizable in its genre.
Notes
References
2015 video games
Donkey Kong platform games
Nintendo 3DS eShop games
Nintendo 3DS games
Nintendo Network games
Video game sequels
Video games about toys
Video games developed in the United States
Video games with user-generated gameplay content
Wii U games
Wii U eShop games
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Video games scored by James Phillipsen