Latest news with #DonkeyKong
Eater
5 hours ago
- General
- Eater
An Honest Taste Test of Banza's New Brown Rice Pasta
is the senior commerce editor at Eater. She has more than 15 years of experience in culture journalism and food media, grew up in an Italian restaurant, and is always down to order for the table. I'm in a complicated situationship with gluten. I eat it, unremorsefully and often, but about 46 percent of the time, it makes me feel like a dejected bag of garbage on a New York City sidewalk. I've spent years trying to identify exactly which dishes, forms, and quantities tip me over into diminishing returns, but answers remain elusive. I can raid the sourdough bread basket at Musso & Frank and feel perfectly fine, but if I eat a sandwich on focaccia I'm in danger of falling asleep standing up for the next six hours. Bagels are completely out of the question (they make me feel abjectly terrible, even when they're free in the office), but cookies are not (the last bite I took before writing this sentence was of Last Crumb's phenomenal Donkey Kong cookie). I love pasta wholeheartedly, but it's always been a gamble; a heaping pile of spaghetti will go down just fine one day and level me another. I feel fortunate that when I eat wheat I'm in no identifiable medical danger other than feeling rather crummy, but I've become increasingly 'gluten-free curious.' Just as I still enjoy a lot of vegan food despite rejoining meat-eating society over 13 years ago, I am always intrigued by gluten-free substitutions and facsimiles — but only if they taste good. And from what I can see, just as with vegan food, gluten-free food is getting better and better; look no further than my Eater colleague Nicole Adlman's rundown of the best gluten-free pastas to see just how far we've come. So when I found out, as a food writer, that Banza was dropping a new line of brown-rice-based pastas this week, I was curious as to whether they could continue to elevate the realm of wheat-free cooking. A press image of Banza's new brown rice penne; but how would it taste IRL? Banza Why are people so obsessed with Banza? As far as gluten-free pasta goes, the popular brand Banza has singlehandedly raised our standard of what a bowl of wheat-free rotini can taste like: like the comforting, classic, non-gluten-free pasta you likely grew up eating and loving. That's all non-gluten-eaters ask for; nothing crazy, man, just pasta that's just as good as the stuff made with wheat. Banza gets top marks from discerning gluten-averse diners thanks to its al dente texture, nutritious composition, and ease of cooking (in our gluten-free pasta gauntlet, Nicole especially loves the brand's bucatini). Known for its high-protein, high-fiber, chickpea-based dried pastas, Banza is also currently the largest gluten-free 'better for you' pasta brand in the industry (and, remarkably, the fifth-largest pasta brand in America overall). Why would a brown rice pasta drop a big deal? Doesn't sound very… sexy, let's be honest. But a lot of people prefer the texture of brown rice pasta to chickpea pasta because (generally speaking) it's less chewy, less gummy, and more akin to wheat-based pasta. Plus, it has a more mild, neutral flavor than chickpeas, making it a closer dupe for traditional noodles. Banza's brown rice pasta is made in Italy (elegante!); is non-GMO, vegan, and kosher; and has something called 'CleanScan certification from The Detox Project' which basically means it's been tested for 400 nasty chemicals and pesticides and came out with a perfect report card. In other words, this is a clean and 'healthy' noodle, which might alleviate certain concerns that come with eating conventional wheat pasta — and so it might appeal to a wider audience for a broad range of reasons. OK, so how does the brown rice pasta taste? Could it outperform Banza's chickpea pasta in taste and texture? Let's find out. I decided to start with the penne; I have been experiencing a major hankering for penne alla vodka recently (because when am I ever not?) and it seemed like an opportunity to see whether the brown rice pasta is truly an improvement upon Banza's signature chickpea product — and how it compares to good old wheat pasta. A short rant about putting cottage cheese in pasta sauce At first I attempted to make the penne alla vodka on Banza's site; it sounded pretty solid, but my one concern was the use of blended cottage cheese in the sauce. On not one but two previous occasions, I have attempted to make 'high-protein' penne alla vodka or some other bastardization of the Italian classic that included blended cottage cheese, and both times, the sauces broke and curdled. I approached this recipe optimistically but skeptically, wondering if the cursed outcome could be avoided. Guess what happened this time? When I added the blended cottage cheese, the sauce curdled and turned grainy and a bit sour. Surprise! I had to throw it out and start over. (I will eat Good Culture cottage cheese out of the container any day of my life but I am never, ever putting blended cottage cheese in a creamy pasta sauce again. Heavy cream, I shall not forsake thee.) Unfortunately, the only vodka I had on hand was the last of my Belvedere — RIP. Anyway, after that fiasco, I did what God intended: found a penne alla vodka recipe with a 45-paragraph intro on a highly SEO-optimized recipe blog and used that, and it turned out perfect. As I was saying, the penne alla vodka… Taste this photo. Now, as for the brown rice pasta itself: The penne cooked to perfection in about 13 minutes, accurate to the directions on the box. While I like Banza's signature chickpea pasta, there's no doubt in my mind that I prefer the more toothsome, bouncy texture and neutral flavor of the brown rice pasta. I like a slightly post-al-dente soft noodle when it comes to penne, and with chickpea pasta, there is an inescapable level of chewiness that some people appreciate but which doesn't align with my preference. An impressive showing. H0w about the other brown rice pasta shapes? I also made some of the macaroni (sorry, elbows), and again, it was completely comparable to classic macaroni; perfect for mac and cheese, mac salad, or, in my case, a base for a spicy mapo tofu sauce that I bought at the Japanese supermarket. The rotini was my third and final experiment (for this round; I will be buying these again, no doubt), and I prepared it with a simple sungold tomato sauce (the farmers market is poppin' right now) and some mozzarella. I shared the final product with two friends and they repeatedly commented on how they couldn't even tell it was gluten-free. They also expressed pleasant surprise at how nice the texture came out (again, that it wasn't too chewy, as people often expect with GF pastas), and how well it integrated into and transported the tasty tomato sauce. The rotini in a summery sungold tomato sauce — looks, cooks, and tastes exactly like traditional rotini. Gluten-free pasta and the issue of leftovers Another issue with chickpea-based pasta (and gluten-free pasta in general) is that it often reheats poorly, turning into a sort of stiff, gummy texture that makes it hard to enjoy leftovers. Good news: Brown rice pasta doesn't have this issue, so I was able to microwave and enjoy next-day servings of both the rotini and the penne alla vodka without issue. Both gleefully sprung back to life as though they hadn't been sitting in my fridge for 18 hours. The verdict: The brown rice pasta is — I promise — virtually identical in flavor and texture to a solid wheat-based dry pasta. Again, that's all we ask for as gluten-sensi people: something just as good as the gluten-packed version. So, brown rice pasta vs. chickpea pasta: Which is better? That being said, the brown rice pasta lacks the chickpea pasta's boost of protein and fiber. (Banza's chickpea pasta has roughly twice the protein and fiber of regular pasta per serving.) I'm one of those people who tries to eat A Lot of Protein because I'm a bit of a gym rat, and in that context, high-protein pasta feels like a godsend. A two-ounce serving of the brown rice pasta offers a bit of protein (six grams per serving) and four grams of fiber, but the chickpea pasta offers nearly twice as much (12 grams per serving), plus nearly twice as much fiber and iron, and notable amounts of vitamin B6, folate, biotin, and other valuable nutrients. I personally appreciate that Banza's chickpea pastas aren't just wheat-free, but that they also offer enhanced nutritional value, so that's a consideration if you're choosing between a chickpea or brown rice base. It all depends on your priorities: If you're coming from more of a protein-hunting, nutrition-focused mentality, Banza's chickpea pasta will surely continue to do the trick. But if you just want a damn good bowl of penne alla vodka or mac and cheese, the brown rice pasta line is here to prove that gluten-free isn't just in its 'just as good' era; it's entering its 'maybe better' moment. Banza's new line of brown rice pasta is available today and onward.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Is a Nintendo Direct releasing tomorrow? Key dates, leaks in July for major game announcements revealed
As July draws to a close, anticipation brews in the global gaming community amid swirling speculation of an imminent Nintendo Direct presentation. While official confirmation remains elusive, industry watchers and gaming enthusiasts are eyeing the end of the month—July 23, 24, 30, or 31—as potential dates for the next showcase, as mentioned in a report by Nintendo Everything. Based on industry cues and prior announcements, a range of new titles, updates, and surprises could be on the horizon. Nintendo typically spaces its announcements carefully across the year, and the mid-year Direct has historically served as a strategic platform to unveil release dates and gameplay footage for upcoming titles. With multiple high-profile games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond , Kirby Air Riders , and the rumored Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment all slated for 2025, the absence of fixed release dates makes a late-July Direct not only probable but necessary for planning the remainder of Nintendo's the most awaited updates are the release timelines for flagship titles. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond , long in development, has generated considerable excitement. Similarly, Kirby Air Riders , helmed by celebrated director Masahiro Sakurai, is expected to further expand the franchise's popularity. The Hyrule Warriors sequel, tentatively subtitled Age of Imprisonment , was earlier tagged for a "winter" release—leaving open the question of whether it will land in December or early January. Without confirmed launch windows, fans are left guessing, making the upcoming Direct crucial. In addition to new titles, Nintendo's retro catalog may be about to grow. Clues embedded in a recent Nintendo 64 promotional trailer have fans speculating that classics like Super Smash Bros. (N64), Donkey Kong 64 , and others might soon arrive on Nintendo Switch Online. With no new Smash Bros. installment on the docket—owing to Sakurai's involvement in Kirby Air Riders —a re-release of the original version could satisfy long-time intrigue surrounds the potential launch of GameCube titles on the platform, which could arrive via a surprise drop or a timed announcement. These expansions continue to form a critical part of Nintendo's strategy to offer nostalgia-fueled content on modern likely update centers around Mario Kart World , a key Nintendo Switch 2 title. Despite offering costume variants for many racers, characters like Donkey Kong and Pauline are curiously limited to a single outfit each. This has led to speculation about an incoming update that might introduce alternate looks, or even new racers altogether from the Donkey Kong universe, such as Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, or Cranky Kong. Though King K. Rool remains a long shot, his inclusion could coincide with another major Donkey Kong announcement. The Nintendo Switch 2 slate is already brimming with blockbuster titles including Pokemon Legends: Z-A , Drag x Drive , and Donkey Kong Bananza . However, Nintendo is known for staggering its releases to avoid cannibalizing sales, with most games spaced roughly a month apart. Still, speculation persists about titles likely scheduled for 2026, as mentioned in a report by Nintendo Switch. These could include a return of Tomodachi Life in its new iteration Living the Dream , or rhythm-based entries like Rhythm Heaven Groove . Camelot Software Planning, Nintendo's sports game developer, has not released a title since Mario Golf: Super Rush in 2021. This adds weight to theories that a new Mario Sports title—or possibly a Golden Sun remake—could be in the works and ripe for a Direct announcement. To keep up momentum without overwhelming the calendar with fresh titles, Nintendo may turn to performance-enhanced re-releases for the Switch 2 platform. These "Switch 2 Editions" could offer better resolution and frame rates for existing fan favorites. Titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles , Bayonetta 3 , Pokemon Legends: Arceus , Kirby Star Allies , and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are prime candidates for such upgrades would not only rejuvenate the playing experience for long-time fans but also offer an incentive for Switch 2 adoption among undecided much of the Direct may focus on new content and Switch 2 exclusives, Nintendo has historically invested in ports of previous generation titles. Rumors are gaining traction around a potential re-release of Kirby: Planet Robobot —originally for the 3DS—retooled for the Switch ecosystem. If announced, this could pair well with a remastered edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land , offering Kirby fans both legacy and new-generation strategy of low-investment ports has proven commercially effective given the continued strength of the Nintendo Switch's install base, despite the newer console's third-party landscape remains one of the most tantalizing areas for speculation. While the launch period for Switch 2 brought marquee games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 , the months since have been relatively quiet. Industry insiders suggest this lull may end soon, with a surge of announcements expected during the next Nintendo rumored collaboration on Switch 2 projects, alongside further Ubisoft support, could form a significant part of the showcase. With Xbox's internal shakeups and layoffs earlier in the year, questions linger about whether original plans remain intact—but any Direct in July could provide needed Nintendo has yet to officially confirm a Direct for July 2025, the conditions are primed. The need for clarity around major game releases, the promise of online platform expansions, and the potential unveiling of new games or remasters make this an announcement cycle fans won't want to miss. Whether via traditional livestream or through more modern channels like the Nintendo Today app, gamers are watching closely—and waiting as of now, Nintendo has not officially announced a Direct for July 2025. However, industry speculation strongly suggests it could take place on July 23, 24, 30, or 31, based on historical patterns and media reports, including from Nintendo Everything .Nintendo typically holds a mid-year Direct to announce release dates, show gameplay, and preview upcoming titles. With several major games still lacking confirmed timelines, a July Direct is seen as both likely and strategically necessary.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fans only just finding out how Super Mario got his name and are stunned
The iconic video game character Super Mario has been a household name for decades - but he could have been known as something very different if it wasn't for a landlord Over four decades ago, Nintendo's Super Mario video game took the world by storm, outshining rivals to become the most recognised and widely played game of its era. The Super Mario Bros. game was launched in September 1985, initially captivating Japan before making waves in North America a month later. With around 40 million copies sold through the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), it quickly became one of the most beloved video games ever. The game features Mario, a moustachioed plumber sporting a red cap - an image that has become synonymous with Nintendo, regardless of whether you were a gamer back then or not. Mario's character has made appearances in over 200 different video game titles, including Mario Kart and Mario Party. This popularity has propelled Mario-themed games to become the highest-selling video game franchise of all time, reports the Mirror US. But how did Mario get his name? The Nintendo video game designer who conceived Mario drew inspiration from an unlikely namesake, leading to the swift abandonment of his initial moniker, Jumpman. Employees at Nintendo's Washington warehouse started referring to the Jumpman character as Mario, owing to his uncanny resemblance to their landlord - and the new name stuck. The landlord, Mario Segale, unwittingly became the muse for Super Mario, according to the book, Game Over, Press Start to Continue. Had it not been for this unexpected name change and subsequent rebranding, Mario's character might have taken a very different path after the Jumpman title was discarded. An earlier incarnation of the Mario character was actually crafted for Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, where he took on the role of a carpenter trying to save a damsel from a colossal ape. It wasn't until four years later that Mario swapped his tool belt for a plunger, becoming a plumber to better fit the game's underworld of pipes and sewers. Initially dubbed Jumpman, the character made his mark by vaulting over hurdles in the hit game Donkey Kong. However, Nintendo's American bosses were keen on a catchier moniker, and when Shigeru Miyamoto, the mastermind behind the original video game, caught wind of the suggestion to rename him Mario, he was all for it. In a 2015 interview with National Public Radio, Miyamoto reminisced: "They started calling the character Mario, and when I heard that I said, Oh, Mario's a great name, let's use that." After the success of Donkey Kong, Nintendo commissioned several follow-ups before tasking Miyamoto with fleshing out Mario's backstory and giving him a starring role in his own title. Miyamoto didn't stop there; he went on to introduce Luigi in the 1983 arcade hit Mario Bros as Mario's sibling, although the game saw limited release outside Japan. Then, in 1985, Mario truly leapt into the international gaming limelight with the launch of Super Mario Bros, which revolutionised home gaming for an entire generation.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
This '80s pop icon is back, and it's better than ever
Donkey Kong is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, and one of the earliest. Yet despite remaining relevant for the bulk of the past 40 years, none of the major Donkey Kong games since the 1980s have been made by any of Nintendo's internal Japanese studios, meaning the character has become a bit of a nebulous B-tier entity next to Mario and company. With the Big N solidifying its properties through movies and theme parks, as well as new games, a Donkey Kong reclamation was inevitable. The surprising part is that Nintendo threw its absolute best at the franchise. Donkey Kong Bananza is not only a contender for the best game the series has ever produced, it gives other contemporary games a run for their money when it comes to sheer fun, constant innovation and technological achievement. In the first year of the original Nintendo Switch, the company reasserted its place among the best game-makers by combining industry trends such as open-world design with its Mario and Zelda franchises to produce unexpected, delightful and utterly inimitable games. And now at the beginning of the Switch 2, Bananza sends the message that it's not slowing down. Created by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it combines elements of Minecraft -like permanent terrain alteration with Mario-level control and acrobatics, an evolved take on 3D platformer collectables, heaps of fresh ideas and plenty of inspiration from the past Donkey Kongs developed by Rare and Retro Studios. It has the climb-anywhere style of the recent Zeldas, but also the cathartic ability to tunnel through and destroy just about anything you see. It also sets a new tone and visual design for the series and character, which feels current but is perfectly in line with the arcade original. Bananza is set far away from DK Island, where our hero (and seemingly every other ape and monkey) is investigating a massive cache of underground gold. Donkey Kong is more interested in Banandium Gems, special jewels that look and apparently taste like the delicious yellow fruit, but unfortunately the evil Void Kong also has his eye on them. After a dastardly scheme sinks the mine deep into the ground, DK finds himself in a subterranean world populated by all sorts of weird creatures, and partners with a lost tween named Pauline (a young take on the damsel character from the arcade game) to head to the planet core. DK's abilities seem simple – you can jump, roll, punch forward, down and up, grab stuff, slap the ground and whistle – but it all adds up to a very satisfying arsenal that's easy to deploy. You can smash directly down into the ground, or rip chunks of rock out of the wall. You can combine rolls and jumps to cover huge distances. You can surf on hunks of concrete over hazardous terrain, or use a kind of sonar to detect goodies underground and tunnel right through them. And it feels heavy, crunchy and satisfying, like the very essence of the character's benevolent aggression. The central loop of the game is pretty simple too. You're steadily descending through layers, each one with a wildly different theme and inhabitants, and each with a number of sub-layers. Most have an elder to meet, who is of course a DJ, and because Pauline has a talent for singing, she can learn a magical song from each one. That's how you unlock transformations for DK. Several of these are just hideously jacked animals with angry faces and all the aesthetic appeal of the worst AFL mascots – an ostrich, a zebra – but intentionally and humorously so, and they come with abilities you will need to explore and progress.
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
This '80s pop icon is back, and it's better than ever
Donkey Kong is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, and one of the earliest. Yet despite remaining relevant for the bulk of the past 40 years, none of the major Donkey Kong games since the 1980s have been made by any of Nintendo's internal Japanese studios, meaning the character has become a bit of a nebulous B-tier entity next to Mario and company. With the Big N solidifying its properties through movies and theme parks, as well as new games, a Donkey Kong reclamation was inevitable. The surprising part is that Nintendo threw its absolute best at the franchise. Donkey Kong Bananza is not only a contender for the best game the series has ever produced, it gives other contemporary games a run for their money when it comes to sheer fun, constant innovation and technological achievement. In the first year of the original Nintendo Switch, the company reasserted its place among the best game-makers by combining industry trends such as open-world design with its Mario and Zelda franchises to produce unexpected, delightful and utterly inimitable games. And now at the beginning of the Switch 2, Bananza sends the message that it's not slowing down. Created by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it combines elements of Minecraft -like permanent terrain alteration with Mario-level control and acrobatics, an evolved take on 3D platformer collectables, heaps of fresh ideas and plenty of inspiration from the past Donkey Kongs developed by Rare and Retro Studios. It has the climb-anywhere style of the recent Zeldas, but also the cathartic ability to tunnel through and destroy just about anything you see. It also sets a new tone and visual design for the series and character, which feels current but is perfectly in line with the arcade original. Bananza is set far away from DK Island, where our hero (and seemingly every other ape and monkey) is investigating a massive cache of underground gold. Donkey Kong is more interested in Banandium Gems, special jewels that look and apparently taste like the delicious yellow fruit, but unfortunately the evil Void Kong also has his eye on them. After a dastardly scheme sinks the mine deep into the ground, DK finds himself in a subterranean world populated by all sorts of weird creatures, and partners with a lost tween named Pauline (a young take on the damsel character from the arcade game) to head to the planet core. DK's abilities seem simple – you can jump, roll, punch forward, down and up, grab stuff, slap the ground and whistle – but it all adds up to a very satisfying arsenal that's easy to deploy. You can smash directly down into the ground, or rip chunks of rock out of the wall. You can combine rolls and jumps to cover huge distances. You can surf on hunks of concrete over hazardous terrain, or use a kind of sonar to detect goodies underground and tunnel right through them. And it feels heavy, crunchy and satisfying, like the very essence of the character's benevolent aggression. The central loop of the game is pretty simple too. You're steadily descending through layers, each one with a wildly different theme and inhabitants, and each with a number of sub-layers. Most have an elder to meet, who is of course a DJ, and because Pauline has a talent for singing, she can learn a magical song from each one. That's how you unlock transformations for DK. Several of these are just hideously jacked animals with angry faces and all the aesthetic appeal of the worst AFL mascots – an ostrich, a zebra – but intentionally and humorously so, and they come with abilities you will need to explore and progress.
