On Wednesday, Nintendo held a 15-minute Direct presentation teasing a bit of the monkey business fans can expect from the upcoming 3D platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza.
The Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, which swings into stores and Nintendo’s eShop on July 17, is the first titular title for DK since side-scroller Tropical Freeze‘s 2014 release. It’s also the character’s first 3D platformer since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64.
Bananza is set on Ingot Isle, where golden bananas have just been discovered. Donkey Kong is (unsurprisingly) thrilled, but before he’s able to indulge, a tempest casts him to the planet’s depths. There, he meets gifted crooner Pauline, and the duo set off to smash, scale, and serenade their way through obstacles aplenty. Yes, duo — the two will embark on their adventures together.
In its brief presentation, Nintendo touched on a few fundamental story elements and gameplay mechanics, including:
- New abilities. DK can break through barriers, baddies, and even unearth hidden treasures with his new skill set. Dive Punch, Hand Slap, Turf Surf — all tools at your disposal to help you navigate new environments.
- Bananza transformations. Pauline can buff DK using her perfect pipes, as well as utilize her singing skills like a sonar. The pair generates Bananergy, using it to power unique transformations, each one with its own special moves. Kong Bananza makes DK stronger than ever, while Zebra Bananza allows him to dash.
- Co-op capabilities. Hand a Joy-Con to a friend and you’ve got a local co-op exploration buddy. One player controls DK, the other, Pauline. Using GameShare, players can invite another gamer into the fray even if they don’t own Bananza. The game also works with the console’s new GameChat feature.
- Collectibles. If you’re anything like me, you’re touching every inch of the map, flipping over all interactables for what may lie underneath. Thankfully, Banandium Gems are hidden throughout the game, each one increasing your power and adding neat new skills to your repertoire.
- Race to the Planet Core. In-game legends say the Planet Core can grant your heart’s greatest desires, so naturally, the pair has to see what that’s all about. The Void Company, however, is a villainous megacorp that wants to harness the core’s properties for itself. Your task? Beat ’em to it.
- New and returning characters. The band’s getting back together! Cranky, Diddy, and Dixie are back for more. New Kongs have arrived, too, but as Void Co. loyalists, they’re probably not gonna be as excited to see you..
- Getaways and Eelevators. Restore your health with an Underground World Getaway, and crank up the tunes to add to the ambience. The addition of punny “eelevators” is another win for must-touch-everything adventurers, too, as these critters take players through already-explored areas with ease. No need to make it through everything all over again.
- Game modes. DK’s getting a Photo Mode! Snap some snazzy shots of the Kongs using the creative tool’s capabilities. DK Artist works with the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, letting players carve designs into stone. Serious “no thoughts, head empty” potential here, folks.
- amiibo. A special Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo will also be available on July 17. The figurine grants gamers access to Pauline’s Diva Dress early, as well as some explosive KONG tiles. Have another Kong amiibo lying around? They’re gonna earn you some KONG tiles, too.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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