Latest news with #CrankyKong
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Switch 2 marks the end of an era as Mario Kart World is the first time in 20 years Donkey Kong's voice actor has changed, and the replacement seemingly comes straight from the Mario movie
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. In case the redesign wasn't enough, fans have noticed that Donkey Kong may have also nabbed a new voice actor alongside the release of Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2. Fans on the Donkey Kong subreddit have got their hands on Mario Kart World, and despite the fact you need to unlock the big ape, they have noticed that the in-game credits are missing any mention of Takashi Nagasako, who has voiced Donkey Kong since 2004's Mario Power Tennis all the way through to 2024's Super Mario Party Jamboree, as well as his dad / grandad (it's unclear) Cranky Kong. One thing Nintendo does in its games is only list the voice actors, as opposed to listing who they play, which is how Mick Wingert was mistakenly identified as Mario's new voice actor before Kevin Afghani confirmed it was him. So no one is listed with Donkey Kong next to their name, however, one name that is in the credits is Koji Takeda, who just so happened to be the voice actor for Donkey Kong in the Japanese dub of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (also Daruk in The Legend of Zelda series). The other big deal to come out of this is that Samantha Kelly – who has voiced Princess Peach, Toad and Toadette since 2007 – is also absent from the credits of the game. However, once again since there are no character names listed, we don't actually have a great idea of who could take over, since Anya Taylor-Joy is unsurprisingly not listed in there. One user points out that Princess Peach Showtime would have been her last time as Peach, which is ironic as the last Peach game – Super Princess Peach – marked Jen Taylor's final time in the role. Presumably Donkey Kong will keep this new voice going into Donkey Kong Bananza. However, there is always a chance that Nagasako will reprise his role as Cranky Kong in the upcoming game, especially since he just did voice work for the Donkey Kong Country expansion at Universal Japan. Regardless, the last few years have been an end of an era for a ton of Mario voice actors. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Nintendo Switch 2 journey isn't going too smoothly as Nintendo asks "please avoid using Mii Fighter in online play as much as possible."
Thrill Geek
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Ride Review: Mine-Cart Madness at Universal Epic Universe
Mine-Cart Madness brings the high-energy chaos of Donkey Kong Country to life in a way that's both nostalgic and genuinely thrilling. Fans of the games will love how the attraction captures the feel of those classic mine cart levels, and even if you're not a longtime DK player, the ride's clever tech and wild visuals make it well worth the trip. The standout feature? The way the cart appears to 'jump' the track. Thanks to some innovative coaster engineering, it really looks like your cart is leaping over gaps just like in the video game. It's a jaw-dropping effect that adds a unique thrill without tipping into extreme territory. The ride duration is solid, giving you a decent loop around the track with several show scenes, tight turns, and those signature 'track jump' moments. While the seats are roomy and comfortable, the ride can be a bit rough in spots, especially during fast turns and track shifts. Nothing too intense, but you'll feel it more than a smooth family coaster. Visually, there's a lot to enjoy. The animatronics are fantastic – fun, expressive, and filled with personality. Donkey Kong and friends really pop in the environments, and the energy stays high throughout. The queue is relatively bare, especially compared to other Epic Universe rides, but some Power-Up Band interactive spots keep you entertained. The real highlight here is the Cranky Kong animatronic; it's hilarious, perfectly in character, and a great surprise to kick off the experience. Verdict: Mine-Cart Madness is a lively, medium-thrill coaster that's perfect for guests who want some excitement without diving into high-intensity rides. Between the innovative track effects, great character work, and accessible thrills, it's a strong addition to Super Nintendo World . Fun, clever, and worth checking out—just brace for a few bumps along the way. Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.
