1980年代評價極高的任天堂Game & Watch遊戲，不僅奠定瑪利歐等經典角色的基礎，也以其創新設計對後來的掌機遊戲產生深遠影響，成為任天堂早期掌機的重要代表作。這些作品在當時的遊戲市場中，以簡單易懂的操作、便攜性和創意玩法，成功吸引廣大玩家，也塑造任天堂在掌機領域的聲譽。

在Game & Watch系列中，《DONKEY KONG》（大金剛）無疑是最具影響力的作品之一，它不僅首次引入瑪利歐角色，亦確立日後瑪利歐系列的核心形象。這款遊戲提供單螢幕和雙螢幕版本，瑪利歐要跨越障礙、攀爬建築物，成功拯救被綁架的角色，玩法緊張刺激而直觀。

《DONKEY KONG II》則在前作的基礎上創新採用雙螢幕設計，增加關卡複雜度與遊戲深度，使玩家能同時觀察更多場景，提升操作策略和遊戲挑戰性。這種設計在當時是一種革命性的創意，也成為後來任天堂雙螢幕掌機（如Nintendo DS）的前身概念。

《瑪利歐水泥工廠》（MARIO'S CEMENT FACTORY）作為Game & Watch首款彩色螢幕遊戲，更是將瑪利歐角色帶入全新職業背景，玩家操作瑪利歐在工廠中搬運水泥，體驗不同的遊戲模式。這不僅展示彩色螢幕對遊戲可視性與趣味性的提升，也增強玩家的沉浸感。

除了瑪利歐相關作品，系列中還有許多廣受好評的經典遊戲。例如《抽板》（MAN HOLE），需要操作角色在橋板間跳躍避開水坑；《章魚》（OCTOPUS），操控潛水員躲避章魚攻擊並收集寶物；《球》（BALL）系列則是Game & Watch的首款作品，簡單卻奠定整個系列的核心玩法概念；《消防隊》（FIRE）則以救援和躲避元素組成，增加緊張刺激的挑戰。

這些作品之所以評價極高，主要原因包括：第一，它們成功塑造瑪利歐等經典角色，為後續IP打下基礎；第二，遊戲設計充滿創新，例如雙螢幕和彩色螢幕的引入，使玩家獲得嶄新的操作體驗；第三，操作簡單、體積小巧，非常適合隨身攜帶，強化便攜遊戲的概念；最後，早期型號與特殊版本的收藏價值高，至今仍是玩家與收藏家追捧的對象。

總體來說，Game & Watch不僅是掌機遊戲的先驅，更是任天堂在電子遊戲歷史上具有里程碑意義的代表作。它們不僅塑造玩家對角色與玩法的初步印象，也對後世掌機遊戲的設計理念與創新方向產生深遠影響。

The highly acclaimed Nintendo Game & Watch games of the 1980s not only laid the foundation for iconic characters like Mario but also had a profound influence on later handheld gaming, making them a cornerstone of Nintendo’s early portable systems. These titles, with their simple yet intuitive controls, portability, and innovative gameplay, captured the attention of a wide audience and helped establish Nintendo’s reputation in the handheld gaming market.

Among the Game & Watch series, DONKEY KONG stands out as one of the most influential games. It introduced the Mario character and established the core identity that would define the Mario franchise in the years to come. The game featured both single-screen and dual-screen versions, where players guided Mario through obstacles and climbed structures to rescue the kidnapped character. Its gameplay was both tense and straightforward, making it highly accessible and engaging.

DONKEY KONG II built upon the foundation of its predecessor by introducing a dual-screen design, increasing level complexity and depth. This allowed players to monitor more of the environment simultaneously, enhancing strategic planning and gameplay challenge. Such a design was revolutionary at the time and foreshadowed Nintendo’s later dual-screen handhelds, such as the Nintendo DS.

MARIO’S CEMENT FACTORY, the first Game & Watch game with a color screen, brought Mario into a new occupational setting. Players controlled Mario transporting cement within a factory, experiencing a different style of gameplay. The introduction of color screens improved visual clarity and immersion, adding a new layer of engagement for players.

Beyond Mario-themed games, the series included many other classic titles that remain highly praised. MAN HOLE required players to jump between bridge panels to avoid falling into water. OCTOPUS involved controlling a diver to dodge attacks from an octopus while collecting treasures. BALL, the series’ first title, introduced a simple yet foundational gameplay mechanic that influenced the rest of the series. FIRE challenged players with rescue and evasion mechanics, creating tense and exciting gameplay moments.

The high acclaim of these games can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, they successfully established iconic characters like Mario, laying the groundwork for future IPs. Secondly, their innovative designs—such as dual screens and color displays—provided players with fresh and engaging gameplay experiences. Thirdly, the games were simple, portable, and easy to pick up, perfectly suited for on-the-go gaming. Finally, early models and special editions now hold significant collectible value, remaining highly sought after by fans and collectors.

In summary, the Game & Watch series was not only a pioneer in handheld gaming but also a milestone in Nintendo’s history. These games shaped players’ early impressions of characters and gameplay, and they had a lasting impact on the design philosophy and innovation of future handheld games.