Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis, presents and bosses: protect the escort and build your score
Connect the rescue stages, boss health and bonus-life opportunities.
Edition covered
Original 2004 Game Boy Advance game. Excludes the 2024 Switch remake’s added worlds, cooperative play, Casual mode and changed Expert requirements.
Save the whole group when gathering Minis
The six toys follow Mario toward the toy box. Route around hazards with the group’s position in mind; Mario reaching a ledge does not mean the trailing toys are safe.
| Stage type | Mini role | What to protect |
|---|---|---|
| Regular rescue | Toy inside a crystal ball | Mario’s route to the toy |
| Gathering stage | Group following Mario | Every toy on the way to its box |
| Regular world boss | Rescued Minis become health | The health prepared beforehand |
| Plus stage | Carries the key | Both Mario and the Mini |
| Expert stage | No Mini rescue | Mario and the key route |
The gathering result feeds the boss fight
Every rescued Mini contributes one health point for the ordinary world boss. A better escort run can make the next fight more forgiving without changing the arena itself.
| Goal | Helpful action | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Earn a score star | Collect presents and finish efficiently | Assuming any clear awards a star |
| Prepare for a boss | Rescue all six gathering-stage Minis | Ignoring the previous stage’s result |
| Gain bonus lives | Learn the present bonus game | Treating its icons as interchangeable |
| Finish a Plus room | Watch the key-carrying Mini | Running too far ahead |
| Preserve lives on replay | Use completed-stage exit carefully | Restarting still costs a life |
Presents support score and extra-life attempts
The three presents are valuable for reaching the target score. In eligible stages they also provide a bonus-game opportunity after completion; Expert rooms are excluded.
Plus stages demand protection from start to finish
The key-carrying Mini is part of the clear condition. Losing it ends the attempt even if Mario is standing safely beside the exit door.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Nintendo game information or original manual | www.nintendo.com |
| Original-edition mechanics and reference | www.mariowiki.com |