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Donkey Kong Bananza Game's Video Reveals Story, Gameplay, Transformations, Modes

Nintendo revealed a Direct livestream for Donkey Kong Banaza, a new 3D platformer game for Nintendo Switch 2, on Wednesday. The 15-minunte video unveils the story, gameplay, transformations, and modes:

In the game, Donkey Kong (DK) teams up with a younger Pauline (from the original Donkey Kong arcade game and Super Mario Odyssey), who emerges from an Odd Rock. The two travel deep underground to the planet core with the hope of getting their wishes granted. DK wants bananas, while Pauline wishes to return to the surface. Pauline also wants to become a singer, and her songs help remove seals. In addition, her singing can transform DK into Kong Bananza, Zebra Bananza, and Ostrich Bananza. DK needs Bananergy from gold to transform again.

Standing in DK and Pauline's way are the Void Company, who have locked off the route to underground layers. The company consists of Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and leader Void Kong. DK's allies include Cranky Kong and Rambi from the Donkey Kong Country series. Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong also appear.

DK can smash through enemies and the environment. Some of his abilities include dive punch, forward rolls, hand slap, tear off, chunk jump, throws, turf surf, and surf surf. He can collect golden bananas known as Banandium Gems, which also grant him skill points to learn more abilities. DK can obtain Banandium Gems from the world and from challenges he completes in the Ancient Ruins. Gold can be used at the Stuff Shop for items, and Fossils can be used at Style Shops to customize DK and Pauline's outfits. There is also a Photo Mode and an Assist Mode to guide players.

There is a two-player co-op mode, where the second player can control Pauline and create vocal blasts. One player can use GameShare to locally share the game to another Switch 2 or original Switch for multiplayer. GameShare also works online via GameChat. The game supports amiibo, and DK amiibo (including Super Nintendo World ones) will grant KONG Letters. The stream also revealed a new DK and Pauline amiibo.

Nintendo released the HD version of the Nintendo Wii game Donkey Kong Country Returns for Nintendo Switch on January 16. The game includes the additional levels from the 3DS version. It also features 2-player local co-op. The original Donkey Kong Country Returns game debuted for Wii in 2010. Nintendo released Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, an updated version for 3DS, in 2013.

Nintendo released the Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze game, the fifth and most recent in the main Donkey Kong Country (DKC) series, for Nintendo Wii U in 2014. The game received a port adding Funky Kong as a playable character for Switch in May 2018.

Universal Studios Orlando's Super Nintendo World at its upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park feature a new area based on the DKC games. The park and area opened on May 22. The DKC area in Universal Studios Japan opened last December after a delay from spring 2024.

Source: Donkey Kong Bananza Direct livestream