5 Awesome Things in the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct

We already knew that the game would feature destructible environments, but the Direct showed us the many different moves that Donkey Kong can use to pummel through the world. He can punch, dig, roll, throw rocks, and even surf through the environment to find secrets and treasures. This makes the world a large play space to mess around with. Since each level will feature different scenery, it should be fun to just run around, tearing it apart.

2. Young Pauline is So Cute!

Pauline is a child in this game, and her design is nothing short of adorable with her scruffy short hair, little bare feet, and big eyes. She will also be a companion to Donkey Kong, and she can use music powers. Given how Pauline has been more or less neglected throughout the years, it’s awesome that she has been getting more attention since Super Mario Odyssey. In addition, the Direct gave us a taste of some beautiful new songs she will sing.

3. Extra Challenges

The game will center around collecting golden bananas, called “Banandium Gems,” and some of them can be obtained via extra challenges. The Direct showed timed challenges, obstacle courses where you will have to creatively make your way to the finish, and side-scrolling stages that resemble the original Donkey Kong Country games. This should give players the perfect taste of nostalgia while they are barreling through this new adventure.

4. Collectibles, Collectibles, Collectibles!

This game seems to be taking a page from Donkey Kong 64, giving the players plenty of stuff to collect. In addition to Banandium Gems, you can collect Banandium slices, gold, fossils, and even records that unlock soundtrack songs. You can exchange different collectibles for items, skill points, and outfits that affect your abilities. This should provide plenty of incentive to explore the open world and smash through everything.

5. D.K. Artist

Donkey Kong Bananza has an extra mode called “D.K. Artist,” where you can use the Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse controls to carve stone into whatever you want. Then you can paint your sculptures and add backgrounds before sharing your creations with your friends. This gives players an extra chance to exercise their creativity while taking a break from the action. There will probably be some dedicated artists showing off elaborate creations on social media.

Conclusion

The Direct showed off other amazing features such as transformations, a co-op mode where one player is Donkey Kong and another is Pauline, and a giant eel who transports you from level to level by swallowing you. Will Donkey Kong Bananza be worth the $70 that Nintendo is charging for it? Well, it looks like it will be absolutely packed with content and will ensure hours of play. Donkey Kong Bananza will release for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.