Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is an action
puzzle game for the
Nintendo DS and the fourth game in the
Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. Notably, it is also the last
Mario game released for the console, being first launched in late 2010. The base gameplay and objectives of this game are mostly the same as in previous titles, being centered on bringing all the
Mini toys safely to the goal in each level. However, the gameplay is now focused on tracing paths and bridges for the Minis to use, more so than simply toggling blocks and buttons to determine their path as in previous games. Most future titles in the series, such as
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars and
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge, would continue to follow this construction-based gimmick.
Mini Pauline toys make their debut with this game, joining the cast of Minis. They are the highlight of Mario's new theme park, despite them appearing late in the game as playable characters. Alongside the main game, a level editor is also present in a mode called the
Construction Zone, where players can design their own levels. A significant feature of the game was its
Wi-Fi compatibility, using the same system as in
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. Every two weeks, Nintendo held challenge contests where the player could submit a level that was subsequently judged by other players, with the top-rated level being announced as a winner candidate at the end of a contest.
