Tag Archives: Donkey

Top Bananza! Donkey Kong’s Anticipated Comeback is a Major Smash

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wIt’s hard to picture Hen and Donkey Kong without thinking of Nintendo. The iconic monkey, who kicked off the gaming revolution, brought forth Donkey Kong’s signature tie-dong and barrel-throwing antics, almost leading Nintendo to bankruptcy. Yet, despite Donkey Kong’s firm footing in gaming history, his platformer adventures have been absent for several console generations. Enter Donkey Kong Bananza, marking DK’s first solo journey in over a decade.

Mario has soared through the cosmos and cleverly defeated enemies with a whimsical hat, but DK’s thrilling return taps into primal fury. Utilizing similar voxel technology as seen in Minecraft, DK’s Switch 2 Adventure swaps the thoughtful Lego-style construction for joyful chaos, enabling players to obliterate vibrant environments.

Players can smash through walls, floors, and ceilings, dig down to hidden treasures, and create new paths of destruction. It’s a refreshing, chaotic spin on the traditionally structured Nintendo platformers.

“Bananza kicked off when my boss, Onomura, approached our team about crafting a 3D Donkey Kong game,” recalls Kenta Motokura, producer of Donkey Kong Bananza and director of Super Mario O’Dacy. He describes it as a pivotal moment tied to his early experiences playing Donkey Kong on plastic bongos. “When Donkey Kong transitioned to 3D, I began my journey in developing 3D games,” he reflects. “With Onoumi’s direction on Donkey Kong Jungle, I gleaned insights about embracing challenges and truly understanding Donkey Kong.”

The focal point became Donkey Kong’s last major 3D venture on Nintendo 64—where would Nintendo orbit next with its beloved monkey mascot? The team soon turned to DK’s massive, furry hands, gathering wisdom from Mario creators Miyamoto Island and Tomita. “Miyamoto, who worked on the original and subsequent DK titles at Rare, emphasized showcasing Donkey Kong’s power and actions, like handclaps.” They tested voxel technology initially employed in Super Mario Odyssey and believed merging that with Donkey Kong’s destructiveness would create a perfect synergy.




King Kong…DK is back on top. Photo: Nintendo

Tomichuan and the Super Mario Odyssey team brought vast 3D platforming experience, but game director Takahashi, primarily skilled in open-world RPGs, faced unique pressures to resurrect Donkey Kong.

However, even with a talented platform team, the challenge of voxel-based destruction was a first for Nintendo’s Tokyo crew. “There was no blueprint for a game where everything can be destroyed,” explains Takahashi. “We encountered numerous challenges, striving to keep levels enjoyable without disruptions.”

Thankfully, they avoided blind spots with the aid of All-Star Play Testers. “I had Miyamoto check the games periodically,” Motokura shares. “Instead of progressing, he’d get engrossed in smashing one spot over and over. It was great to see; it showed player engagement.”

While many Nintendo enthusiasts associate Mario and Donkey Kong with legendary figures like Miyamoto and Tegashi, the new wave of developers prepares to carry forward their legacy. “Established developers such as Miyamoto and Tezuchuka are open to collaborating with younger minds. This exchange of ideas is invaluable,” Motokura highlights. “Up-and-coming talents will continue to nurture Nintendo’s developmental legacy.”

“Joining this team was a joy, and I embraced the challenge with enthusiasm,” Takahashi reflects. “Nintendo encourages exploration of new, bold concepts. In Bananza, we had the freedom to discover our own shortcuts… leading to an entirely new gaming experience compared to Odyssey.”

What to Play




Time to shred… Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. Photo: Iron Galaxy

As a millennial, I find myself reliving nostalgic gaming memories through Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. Though it lacks some classic tracks and offers a stripped-down version of the original’s sandbox mode, the thrill of performing tricks across Rio, London, Canada, and Alcatraz is incredibly satisfying. While it might not feature early 2000s artists like Papa Roach, Denzel Curry, Turnstyle, and more do a commendable job of bridging the gap.

This time, I opted to embrace Nintendo’s latest gem, the shiny Switch 2. I’m excited about the forthcoming titles for the new console. While it may not have the same affection as Vicarious Visions’ 2020 remake, once you get into the groove, the high score thrill makes Pro Skater an exhilarating ride.

Available on: Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, PC
Estimated playtime: 20-2,000 hours based on your zeal

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What to Read




Defend your rights… After Ubisoft shut down the servers for the online-only racing game The Crew, the “kill the game” movement has begun. Photo: Ubisoft

  • Stop killing the game, a petition for online media preservation, garnered 1.2 million signatures and spurred a response from Nicolae Öřtef Nunugane, a VP of the European Parliament. This initiative emphasizes consumer rights amid the complexities of ownership when live service games are terminated. It’s a commendable cause, surprising that this movement stems from The Crew of all games. For further reading, check out PC Gamer.

  • Missed out on something from the PS5 30th Anniversary Range last year? Fear not, retro PS1-inspired controllers and consoles are set for restock on July 21st. I’ve grown fond of my anniversary controllers and wanted to share the news. Get all the details with Eurogamer.

  • In the aftermath of mass layoffs, some Xbox Employees added salt to the wound with two insensitive posts on LinkedIn. One suggested the remaining team members Need to rely on AI for career advice, while another advertised a job posting using AI-generated images. A poignant recap of the situation is available here.

What to Click

Question Block




The shock of serotonin…Ast Robot. Photo: Sony/Team Asobi

Leader P Holck poses this question about bridging generational gaps in gaming.

“I really enjoyed my son’s Civilization III. Now I bought a PlayStation 5 and thought I would play a modern, more active game. But what I tried is simply too difficult! I’m stuck and don’t know how to move forward! Which games do you recommend for players over 70?”

First off, congrats on taking the plunge into gaming! Like discovering a new music genre or entering anime, reconnecting with gaming may initially feel overwhelming. Finding the right genre can be tricky, especially with complex controls and mechanics that seasoned players might take for granted.

Though not action-packed, I’d highly recommend Tetris Effect—a classic block-dropping puzzle adorned with psychedelic visuals, offering a surprisingly deep journey. Action titles like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and 2018’s God of War serve as accessible starting points, presenting engaging stories without overwhelming complexity, especially on easier settings.

For a deeper experience, The Witcher 3 is an immersive RPG. Baldur’s Gate 3 allows pausing during combat to ease the action flow. Additionally, the Mass Effect Trilogy provides a balanced mix of turn-based RPG elements and third-person action. Last year’s Ast Robot delivers a vibrant, platformer experience. For some thrills, Resident Evil 4 Remake and The Last of Us Part I are modern masterpieces, again with lower difficulty settings for accessibility. Happy gaming!

If you have a question or feedback about the newsletter, feel free to reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Donkey Kong Bonanza Review: A Chaotic Destruction Derby That Shatters Platforming Norms

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A The game revolves around Donkey Kong Bananza. As Nintendo’s first significant single-player title for the Switch 2, it raises the standard for quality akin to what was achieved with Breath of the Wild during the original Switch’s debut. Yet, it has also emerged as a delightful diversion for Nintendo enthusiasts, especially considering it comes from the team behind the remarkable 3D Mario series. So, what makes a gorilla in a tie so thrilling, particularly with Bananza preceding another Super Mario Odyssey?

Donkey Kong obliterates those doubts. He takes down many obstacles in Bananza. While it may initially appear as a Mario 64-inspired 3D platformer—complete with thematic worlds where players hunt for giant bananas—DK’s powerful fists reveal that it completely disregards the ordinary terrain. Every landscape is destructible. Smash buttons, pummel his mighty arms through hills, turn pristine fields into muddy craters, and break down stone walls—all while using his strength as a tool for landscaping. He serves not just as a platform mascot but as a level designer fueled by potassium.

The thrill of repeating it… Donkey Kong Bananza. Photo: Nintendo

On a fundamental level, it’s nearly enough to grab your interest. The satisfaction of delivering a well-timed punch is both simple and gratifying. When DK’s fist collides with rock, the Joy-Con 2 Rumble enhances the impact, making every hit resonate as wall debris scatters. You can envision Bananza serving as a digital stress relief, allowing players to hurl rocks at cliffs until they disintegrate into pockmarked lunacy. You can also choose to unleash projectiles from DK’s back to ramp up the hysteria—or act as a mischievous tagger against players trying to escape the chaos.

Beneath the chaos lies a storyline. The existing Kong Clan (featuring cameos that harken back to the playful spirit of classic Donkey Kong Country games) faces off against the villain Mining Kong, who aims to seize the Earth’s nuclear treasure. Amid this, they invite Pauline, the young singer who was once abducted by Donkey Kong in his arcade debut. However, in this iteration, she and DK have developed a stronger connection. She inspires the animal’s extraordinary powers by implanting a catchy earworm in his mind. If the plot details appear hazy, it’s likely because my heart has been replaced by her Latin pop earworm celebrating the joy of being a zebra.

An unusual realm… Donkey Kong Bananza. Photo: Nintendo

This is indeed an unusual world, suggesting a unique approach to platform design. How does one create challenges for a hero who can burrow through laser fences and hammer down barriers that would stop Mario in his tracks? Honestly, it requires a touch of creativity to find the answer. There’s initial chaotic clutter in a setting that can be excavated from all angles. Sometimes, you mine blindly for rewards tied to undisclosed tasks. This serendipity echoes the game’s bold freedom, resonating in the cavernous space you navigate.

Yet, as you traverse from the rolling plains to the treacherous Jounty Lagoon, the stakes elevate. Solid ground serves as protection against toxic swamps, icy lakes, and bubbling lava. Here, as the environment dictates your actions, your approach becomes more deliberate and calculated. As metal caterpillars threaten to devour the potential dangers lurking behind wooden rafts, it becomes evident that Nintendo excels at crafting surprising gameplay dynamics. Boss fights challenge DK to navigate precarious terrains, transforming arenas as combat progresses.

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The only shortcoming in these later stages is the sometimes overwhelming nature of Bananza itself. Transformations granting speed, flight, and strength, if integrated into the various challenges or levels designed around them, are a blast. They evoke the memorable elements of Mario’s Odyssey and how seamlessly they were executed. However, when these abilities are pulled from context—acting merely as instant win buttons—they dilute the platform’s ingenuity.

I’m uncertain if Bananza possesses the longevity of Mario Odyssey. While that game thrives with rich content and post-credits adventures, DK will experience more fleeting moments. Forge ahead, explore new ideas, and continue breaking boundaries. The game’s climactic finale features DK demolishing concrete, rubber, watermelon, ostrich eggs, and a treasure trove of Donkey Kong Country references, all while twinkling with glimmering balls. If the weight of Switch 2 lies heavy on its shoulders, it serves as yet another tool to carve out a mark in the gaming universe. His insatiable thirst for destruction is utterly contagious.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Donkey Kong Bonanza: Gorilla Grooves with Mariah Carey on the Shoulder | Game

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While searching for gold in the murky depths of Ingot Isle’s mines, a fierce storm whisks Donkey Kong, the guardian of Dungaree, into a sprawling underground realm. You might presume he’s upset, but deep in the earth, where banana-shaped treasures are plentiful, DK is energetically using his furry fists to carve out a path toward wealth. This marks the first Donkey Kong platformer since 2014, taking players on a gritty adventure to the center of the Earth.

Echoing the classic battlefield games, Bananza thrives on demolishing its destructible surroundings. What seems like a typical exit area? You can pass right through the ground. Tired of leaping across chasms? Simply smash through the walls. The exhilarating joy of grinding down every bit of terrain beneath you pushes the limits of physics technology, as you discover hidden collectibles and pathways along the way.

To bring a touch of humanity to the mayhem, a young girl named Pauline (familiar to fans of the classic DK title) accompanies Donkey Kong, perched on his shoulder, singing melodiously like a parrot trained at a prestigious school.




Just like a parrot trained in a prestigious school… Pauline joins DK in Donkey Kong Bananza. Photo: Nintendo

With a delightful nod to the jazzy tunes of Super Mario Odyssey, Pauline triggers an exciting frenzy in DK, as she belts out notes reminiscent of Mariah Carey. Donkey Kong sways to the beat, and as Pauline grabs the microphone, she elevates him to new heights — quite literally reshaping his Bananza form. As DK’s adventure unfolds, players can unlock various animal-themed transformations. Throughout subsequent levels, DK gets to soar like an ostrich, albeit with a quirky appearance.

In this 2025 installment, a skill tree allows players to upgrade DK’s abilities, enhance his health, and learn new attacks and tricks. Continuing the RPG-lite approach, collectible fossils are cleverly scattered in each level; these serve as currency to acquire stylish outfits that boost stats. Most importantly, these outfits bring a wave of fun, transforming DK’s signature crimson fur into a striking Gothic black coat.

The 3D hub world, coupled with innovative projectiles and quirky transformations, embodies the whimsical charm reminiscent of Rare’s N64 Donkey Kong platformer. Think of a blend of Banjo Kazooie, some incredible Hulk-like simulations, and chaos driven by destruction, standing in stark contrast to the pristine environments of Super Mario Odyssey. When feeling the need to unleash chaos, Donkey Kong can throw nearby objects at foes or even hurl special glowing materials to demolish enemies, walls, and other obstacles — a true force of destruction and creativity. Some NPCs are crafted from gemstones, allowing players to engage in delightful grinding and slowly piecing together the magical lore, making the experience visually captivating.




Experience the evolution of eye-catching interactions… Donkey Kong Bananza. Photo: Nintendo

The development team clearly relished the opportunity to create unique, formidable adversaries for DK. From facing off against swarms of small furious creatures to dodging golden skeleton foes and escaping from the heads of hopping stone warriors, the gameplay diverges from typical Mario fare, matching Bananza’s eccentric tone.

Boss battles promise significant challenges in Bananza. DK confronts the sinister Boydko, a menacing crew of malicious apes who purloin his coveted Banandium gems. For instance, Grumpy Kong pilots a gigantic concrete mecha, requiring players to topple it to bring it down to ground level, all while DK does his utmost to reclaim his treasures.

The Mining Cart segment is a welcomed addition. Here, you can leap between rails to evade obstacles and toss glowing rocks to explode and eliminate foes and barriers. The visuals may occasionally be a bit underwhelming; however, maintaining a solid frame rate makes the overall experience smooth as you dynamically alter the surroundings. Character models shine, while many areas move quickly enough that their slightly bland aesthetics become a minor concern. Starting in a dreary mine, players will traverse lush lagoons and battle through a treacherous river filled with toxins in a swamp of poison.

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Similar to Odyssey, Bananza features a half-hearted cooperative mode. With Pauline’s grumpy boots, a second player can interact with the environment using the Joy-Con controller. Each click allows you to manipulate or destroy portions of the environment, causing both players to engage in an eye-filling, chaotic adventure. This engaging twist promises endless fun for younger audiences, though warning bells might ring for sustained chaos.

Donkey Kong Bananza is quirky, slightly chaotic, and likely more perplexing than traditional Nintendo platformers. It feels akin to the musical stylings of Limp Bizkit — big, bold, and destructively fun. Although some may criticize the Switch 2 for being somewhat repetitive instead of innovative, this debut of the iconic ape seems to carve out a unique path toward a thrilling new experience.

Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th.

Source: www.theguardian.com