Nintendo Switch 2 owners and fans of Donkey Kong are in for a treat, as more details have been revealed for the newest game in the character’s franchise: Donkey Kong Bananza. Players will be taking a journey to Ingot Isle, where Donkey Kong wants to get in on the discovery of golden bananas found in the isle’s caverns. After being sent deeper into the planet’s depths, he and a surprise companion must reach the planet’s core to find their way home (and more bananas).
One of the biggest reveals at the beginning of the Direct was the inclusion of a young Pauline as Donkey Kong’s companion for the title. Pauline was first introduced in the original Donkey Kong arcade game as the damsel in distress, so fans will find out more about her backstory while embarking on the adventure. In the game’s two-player co-op mode, she can assist Donkey Kong by using her singing voice (using the Joy-Con 2 controller’s mouse functionality) to break through obstacles and terrain, even changing the composition of her words with nearby materials. She can also activate unique forms for Donkey Kong to assist them on their travels.
As the duo travels to the planet’s core to have their wishes granted, avoiding the clutches of the villainous Void Company crew, Donkey Kong can break through any obstacle that stands in his way, transforming the world around him. Players will be able to demolish entire rock formations and build onto existing structures as they please, finding collectibles like Banandium Gold and Banandium Gems along the way.
Donkey Kong teams up with a young Pauline in this adventure. While he wants all the golden bananas, Pauline wishes to find a way to return to the planet's surface. | Source: Nintendo
Certain areas in the game may feel a tad familiar to veteran Donkey Kong players. | Source: Nintendo
Cranky Kong and Rambi make an appearance on the duo's journey. | Source: Nintendo
In two-player co-op mode, players can use Pauline's unique sonic blasts to transform the terrain. | Source: Nintendo
Pauline can help Donkey Kong unlock special transformations to traverse difficult areas in the Underground World. | Source: Nintendo
The duo face their fair share of enemies, thanks to the meddling of the Void Company. | Source: Nintendo
A look at the new Amiibo coming out alongside Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo Promotes Popular Games for Father’s Day Celebrations | Source: Nintendo
With the addition of the game mode DK Artist, which exists outside of the main story mode, players can sculpt different creations and decorate them however they’d like. The game also has Amiibo compatibility with all existing Amiibo, giving players unique items to help traverse the diverse environments found in the Underground World. There will also be a special Amiibo of Donkey Kong and Pauline available to purchase on launch day. It unlocks a unique outfit for Pauline that offers additional beneficial effects, aiding Donkey Kong and Pauline on their travels.
Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Preorders are now available at select retailers. To find out more, check out the Direct below:
