Latest news with #Bananza
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Donkey Kong Bananza brings 3D platforming and chaos to Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup
Nintendo's upcoming console, the Switch 2, will launch with Donkey Kong Bananza, a vibrant and action-packed platformer that puts the spotlight back on one of its most iconic characters. According to Jordan Minor of PCMag, the game was the standout title at Nintendo's recent hands-on event—so compelling it briefly made him forget about Mario. In Bananza, Donkey Kong features a refreshed design—first seen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie—with expressive eyes and finely detailed, feather-like fur. The first level is set in a gold mine, where Kong dons a miner's outfit and powers through mud, crystals, and hidden bananas in a richly interactive, destructible environment. Though not officially confirmed, Minor speculates that the game could be the work of Nintendo's Tokyo studio, the developers behind Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Bananza mixes 3D platforming with classic 2D-style sequences, like barrel blasts and mine carts, while leaning into Donkey Kong's brute strength. Rather than bouncing around like Mario, players smash through terrain, unearth collectibles, and hurl explosive rocks to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Other mechanics include rolling into a ball, climbing walls, and interacting with a mysterious talking rock companion. While not all abilities were needed in the demo, Minor noted the controls felt intuitive and teased deeper exploration possibilities ahead. Donkey Kong Bananza will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, retailing at $70. With stunning visuals, tactile gameplay, and a fresh direction for the franchise, Bananza is shaping up to be the 3D Donkey Kong adventure fans have been waiting for.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Switch 2 release date: New gameplay features, powers, and more revealed
Donkey Kong Bananza release date: Nintendo revealed many details about Donkey Kong Bananza during the latest Nintendo Direct, and the game looks much more than just the Donkey Kong version of Mario Odyssey and Zelda. From smashing terrain to singing-based powers, Bananza feels like a wild, creative and chaotic leap for the franchise. The game launches on July 17, 2025, only on Nintendo Switch 2, and it's shaping up to be a must-play. Multiplayer with a twist We knew there was something odd about that rock…The talented young singer Pauline will team up with Donkey Kong on his subterranean adventure in #DonkeyKongBananza. Unlike Mario Odyssey's limited second-player mode, Bananza gives real power to player two. You can control a younger Pauline, not just for the ride but for real action. She fires musical blasts that copy nearby terrain materials and actually help in boss fights. And thanks to GameShare, you only need one copy of the game to enjoy local co-op. Music powers and transformations Music drives both the world and the action in Bananza. Pauline's voice isn't just for singing this time. As you explore, you'll meet Giant Elders who grant music-based powers. These unlock wild animal transformations for Donkey Kong. MY GAWD Donkey Kong Bananza looks absolutely incredible!The Visuals, The Gameplay, The MUSIC, The Story, The EVERYTHING!THIS might very well Of The Year! 🔥 #NintendoSwitch2 So far, we've seen him become a zebra to dash over water and an ostrich to fly across tropical skies. These forms come with unique combat and platforming skills, opening up new ways to solve puzzles and take down enemies. A soundtrack full of nostalgia and new hits Bananza features an upbeat and funky soundtrack. Classic tunes like 'Jungle Hijinks' and the unforgettable 'DK Rap' return. Pauline even belts out new songs, including one inspired by Bob Seger, giving a retro pop-rock feel to the game's boss battles and cutscenes. Side-scrolling levels return Old-school fans will love this. Bananza includes dedicated side-scrolling levels packed with tricky challenges. Completing these gives you Banandium Gems, which you can use to level up Donkey Kong's abilities. #DonkeyKongBananza Same energy 😭 In the Nintendo Direct, we saw Pauline and DK getting launched from barrels, swinging through vines and diving into 2.5D action sequences that nod to the series' roots. DK Artist Mode: A fun break from the chaos There's DK Artist mode for players looking to relax between the platforming madness. Using Joy-Con 2's mouse controls, you can sculpt, paint and stretch art into rocks and walls, kind of like Mario Paint meets Donkey Kong. It's a charming and peaceful distraction from the main game. A deeper story and more destruction Bananza's big gimmick is its destructible terrain. Donkey Kong can smash almost everything, from rocks to structures, and use those pieces to fight, build, or create paths. It adds a fresh dynamic to how you explore the world. There's also a surprising story twist. The mysterious rock companion from the trailer? That's actually a young Pauline. She's no longer just a damsel. She's a sidekick with her story arc, musical powers and vital role in DK's journey underground.
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Donkey Kong Bananza: Super Mario Odyssey's Pauline will be new sidekick, says Nintendo
Nintendo on Wednesday, June 18, unveiled new gameplay features for Donkey Kong Bananza during its Nintendo Direct presentation. The first-party game will be launched on Nintendo Switch 2 next month. The video game company confirmed that Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey will serve as the sidekick character in the new game, Game Rant reported. Through her singing talents, Pauline will be able to transform DK into multiple forms, such as a charging zebra or a flying ostrich, which can drop egg bombs. A second player can control this character, which turns Bananza into a co-op experience, IGN reported. As Pauline's vocals become explosive blasts, it can be aimed using the mouse controls to help DK. With the GameShare option, this can be played on multiple consoles, including the original Nintendo Switch. The best part here is that your partner does not require a copy of the game. Gamers will be able to skate around on pieces of the environment, which have been torn out of the ground by DK. They can further stick them together to come up with new structures. The DK Artist mode will allow gamers to showcase their creativity with the Bananza's destruction effects. Players now get to carve out their own statues out of stone. Another major highlight is the return of classic characters like Cranky Kong and Rambi the Rhino as well as Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong. As of now, their roles in the gameplay remain uncertain. The new game will also include a fresh version of the iconic DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64. Besides the game, Nintendo informed about the Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo figure that features DK and Pauline. It will be made available alongside the game. Players get early access to the costume for Pauline. Much like 2017's Super Mario Odyssey, the new offering from Nintendo will be an open-world game, where the barrel-throwing gorilla tries to retrieve his precious Golden Bananas from the evil VoidCo. The new game comes out exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. The game was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 event in April. It marks the return of the 3D action-adventure platformer genre for the Donkey Kong series.
