<Li> Mario vs. Donkey Kong </Li> <P> Donkey Kong (ドンキー コング, Donkī Kongu, (doŋ. kiː koŋ. ɡɯ)) is a series of video games featuring the adventures of an ape - like character called Donkey Kong, conceived by Shigeru Miyamoto in 1981 . The franchise mainly comprises two different game genres, plus spin - off titles of various genres . </P> <P> The games of the first genre are mostly single - screen platform / action puzzle types, featuring Donkey Kong as the opponent in an industrial construction setting . Donkey Kong first made his appearance in the 1981 arcade machine called Donkey Kong, in which he faced Mario, now Nintendo's flagship character . This game was also the first appearance of Mario, pre-dating the well - known Super Mario Bros. by four years . In 1994, the series was revived as the Donkey Kong Country series, featuring Donkey Kong and his clan as protagonists in their native jungle setting versus a variety of anthropomorphic enemies, usually against the Kremlings, a clan of crocodiles, and their leader King K. Rool . These are side - scrolling platform games . Titles outside these two genres have included rhythm games (Donkey Konga), racing games (Diddy Kong Racing), and edutainment (Donkey Kong Jr . Math). </P> <P> A hallmark of the Donkey Kong franchise is barrels, which the Kongs use as weapons, vehicles, furniture, and lodging . The Donkey Kong character is highly recognizable and very popular; the franchise has sold over 40 million units worldwide . </P>

When was the first donkey kong game released