Donkey Kong: Bananza – Everything We Just Learned About The Switch 2 Exclusive

Donkey Kong Bananza looked like an exciting addition to the Switch 2 library when it was first announced, but after today’s dedicated Nintendo Direct, it looks like it’s going to be the must-have game for the newly launched system. The new livestream had a lot to show off about the game, and while we knew that destruction was going to play a large part in Donkey Kong’s new adventure, we didn’t know just how layered this experience was going to be.Some of the surprises here include the debut of a young Pauline from Super Mario Odyssey, the skills that Donkey Kong can use in battle, and the extra modes that’ll feature prominently in the game. In case you missed it, we’ve gathered up everything that was shown off today, and listed it below. Who took DK’s bananas?Donkey Kong Bananza kicks off with the discovery of golden bananas on Ingot Isle, which naturally, has Donkey Kong very excited. The bad news? A strange tempest sends the burly ape and all of those delicious bananas deep underground. It’s a Pauline origin storyDK’s adventure starts with him befriending Oddrock, an energetic creature that is soon revealed to be Pauline. This younger incarnation of the singer–who first appeared in Super Mario Odyssey–teams up with DK to make her way back to the surface. DK is only in it for the bananas, but the duo discover a legend that says whoever makes it to the core of the planet will have their greatest wish granted. The underground world awaitsConspiracy theorists will love the setting of Donkey Kong Bananza, as it essentially proves the Hollow Earth theory correct. The deeper you journey the stranger the terrain becomes, and some of the locales teased include a beach getaway, volcanic wasteland, and a jungle biome. Skills to pay the billsAs you’d expect, DK can run, jump and climb to wherever he needs to be. Smash, crash, and bash your way through anything in your wayObstacles aren’t exactly a problem in Donkey Kong Bananza, as DK can brute-force his way through just about anything. Heck, if you don’t like the look of a nearby rock formation, you can just remove it from existence by using DK’s absurd strength. Golden Bananas are everywhereThere’s a good reason to smash through the terrain, as you’ll be able to unearth golden bananas for DK. These are called Banandium gems after they’ve been broken, and they can be found hidden in the terrain and in challenge courses. Challlenge Course Ruins look like fun diversionsSome of the challenges that DK will face in his quest to get his golden bananas include time-limited battles and puzzles that will require you to think outside of the box. There are even a few side-scrolling stages that harken back to the SNES Donkey Kong games. Don’t forget to spend those skill points!The more Banandium Gems you collect, the more skill points you’ll unlock. Using them, you can increase DK’s stats, make his punches even more destructive, and unlock new skills. Can Kong punch?Yes, yes he can. Whether it’s the terrain, enemies, or the ground beneath his feet, Kong has enough raw power to bash his way to victory, and as Nintendo noted, destruction leads to discovery. Dive Punch to show the ground who the boss isAs the name implies, DK can unleash a punch downward with incredible force. How far you can punch down depends on the terrain you’re clobbering. Roll Forward when you want to gain speedWhen a metaphorical fire is lit under DK’s butt, he can pick speed with a roll-move that sends smaller objects flying. Combined with his jumps and punches, this turns the ape into a tank as he bulldozes through enemies. Hand Slap makes collecting resources easierWant to grab some hidden items quickly? The hand-slap ability will quickly draw in resources to Kong, and it provides a sonar effect that can be used to detect hidden items. If DK’s hands are occupied, he can use his feet to pull off this move. Tear Off looks very usefulWhen his fists aren’t enough, DK can tear chunks of rock from the terrain. This ability can also be used to pull giant turnips from the ground, and when facing burly foes, he can rip chunks off of them. Don’t worry; it looks like these enemies are covered in rock-like armor, so DK isn’t going full Mortal Kombat on the opposition. Swing lets you use chunks as weaponsChunks are more than just impromptu weapons in Donkey Kong Bananza, as these can be used to demolish softer rocks or spiky obstacles. Chunk Jump helps you to cross gapsChunks can be used to double-jump, allowing DK to reach new heights and previously inaccessible areas in the game Throw chunks when your fists get tiredFor a ranged option, DK can hurl chunks at enemies. Throwing boom-rocks or gold rocks can also have an explosive effect in battle. Interestingly, chunks made from softer materials like sand can be piled up to create makeshift bridges. Turf Surf when you need to get somewhere in styleAnd finally, a chunk also makes for a great way to get across levels, as DK can ride on them and knock smaller enemies out of the way. Make Music helps you find your wayWhen DK gets lost, Pauline’s powerful singing can help show the way to your next objective and remove strange seals that are blocking your path forward. New friends to meetThe subterranean world of Donkey Kong Bananza is full of interesting inhabitants, and they don’t look too fussed about all of the destruction that DK is causing. Cranky Kong and Rambi make an appearanceYep, DK’s extended family is making a cameo in Donkey Kong Bananza. Giant elders can unlock new powersIs Donkey Kong Bananza a secret prequel to the Godzilla x Kong movies? Probably not, but the giant elders you’ll encounter in the game probably don’t take too kindly to titan-sized lizards who can belch atomic fire. Each elder is said to possess ancient bananza powers, and by learning them, Pauline’s singing can make DK transform. Donkey Kong can go Super Saiyan with Kong BananzaHoly crap, DK just went Super Saiyan. Kong Bananza amplifies DK’s physical might, allowing him to smash through even the hardest terrain. Zebra Bananza is all about speedFor a speed boost, the Zebra Bananza transformation makes DK swift enough to run over water and crumbling pathways. Ostrich Bananza lets you take to the skiesWith this transformation, DK becomes an ostrich. This grants him the power to soar through the sky and make IRL ostriches hate him for doing what they can’t. DK can also drop egg-bombs on enemies from high above. Bananergy can refill your transformation gaugeThe catch with these transformations is that they’re temporary, and to recharge the power-up, you’ll need to collect gold to build up enough energy. Transformations can be swapped on the fly and you’re not limited to when you can use them, once they’ve been unlocked. Meet the Void CompanyA mining operation standing in DK’s way, the Void company looks to dominate the world above and below. The group is also looking to reach the planet’s core, for what will probably be nefarious means. Also, they stole all of DK’s golden bananas from Ingot Isle, so he’s not going to let them get away with that. Grumpy Kong lives up to his nameThe muscle of the Void Company, Grumpy Kong can create giant soldiers for the Void Company. Poppy Kong is the master of intelligenceThe intel specialist of the corporation, Poppy Kong gathers information. Void Kong looks like a horrible little menaceNot too much is known about the Void Company boss, but it looks like Void Kong has a history with Pauline and he wants her back in his clutches. Banandium Chips and gold can be tradedAnother resource that can be collected by DK, Banandium Chips can be traded for Banandium Gems. Gold you can collect can also be spent at the Stuff Shop on useful items. Fossils can unlock new clothingLooking to upgrade DK’s and Pauline’s wardrobes? Finding fossils and trading them in at Style Shops will allow you to grab some new threads. Every article of clothing also comes with passive buffs, like increasing swimming speed or expanding DK’s sonar range during a Bananza rush. Build your own getaway when you need a breakWhen he’s not adventuring, DK can carve out a space and get some recovery time in. The soundtrack is unlockable inside the gameAs an added bonus, you can also listen to the game’s soundtrack with a nearby music player, and more tracks can be unlocked by defeating certain enemies. Photo mode looks like a great way to remember the adventureWhile it’s pretty standard in most games now, it’s quite nice to see that Donkey Kong Bananza has a robust photo mode. Co-op mode lets you play as PaulineFor some co-op fun, a second player can join your adventure and take control of Pauline. As the songstress, they can use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls to aim and unleash her powerful vocals, which manifest as ranged attacks in the game. Assist mode makes things easierJust in case things get a little too challenging, an optional Assist Mode can make things easier. This provides more guides on DK’s adventure and halves the damage he receives in combat. Donkey Kong Bananza has an art modeOutside of the main game, you can unleash your inner artist. Using the Joy Con 2 mouse controls, you can carve a stone and paint it to create your very own masterpiece. GameShare works on both Switch 2 and SwitchEven if only one player has the game, you can use GameShare to share the adventure in local and online co-op. Even better, it can also be shared locally to a Switch 1 system. A new Donkey Kong Bananza Amiibo is on the wayNintendo also announced support for Amiibo accessories, and a brand-new one featuring DK and Pauline is on the way. Scanning it will unlock Pauline’s Diva Dress, which doubles the chance of finding music discs when defeating enemies. Other Amiibo will also work with the gameScanning any of the previously released Donkey Kong Amiibo will cause gold tiles with explosive power to appear in the game. Any other non-Donkey Kong Amiibo will unlock spheres that DK can use, when they’re scanned.