MOVIE NEWS – Donkey Kong doesn’t go underground alone to hunt golden bananas; he unexpectedly teams up with a new ally. Donkey Kong Bananza starts on Ingot Isle, where the discovery of the century—golden bananas—has just been made deep in the caves. This is great news for Donkey Kong, who happens to be right there when the treasure is found. But before DK can enjoy the golden treats, a storm plunges him even deeper underground, where he meets a mysterious new friend, Odd Rock—none other than Pauline, a talented young singer. Together, they explore the vast Underground World by smashing, jumping, and even singing their way through danger.
As Donkey Kong, you’ll use powerful abilities to break through obstacles and enemies, and discover secrets! Dive Punch lets you drill into the earth, you can roll over hazards, and Hand Slap helps you reveal hidden items. You can even tear up chunks of the ground to throw at enemies or surf on with Turf Surfing. These moves can be combined for total chaos! Pauline’s singing boosts DK’s powers and can transform him temporarily. Collecting gold boosts your Bananergy; when it’s full, Pauline’s song triggers special transformations: Kong Bananza grants super strength, Zebra Bananza lets DK dash at high speed, and Ostrich Bananza lets him fly and drop Egg Bombs on enemies.
With Joy-Con 2 controller sharing, you and a friend can each control Donkey Kong or Pauline in local co-op! Use the Joy-Con’s mouse function to unleash Pauline’s sonic blasts. Thanks to GameShare, you can play local co-op even if your friend doesn’t own the game, and GameChat lets you invite others with voice or video chat. Their quest? Reaching the Planet Core! Pauline hopes to return to the surface, while DK dreams of asking it for more bananas. But they’re not the only ones searching for the core: the villainous Void Company is racing there too! VoidCo is behind the banana-stealing vortex that sent Donkey Kong underground and for Pauline’s Odd Rock transformation.
While digging, you’ll uncover valuable items—Banandium Gems (golden bananas) are hidden behind walls, underground, or in the open. These earn you skill points to power up DK and unlock new abilities. Complete challenges—timed battles, side-scrollers, obstacle courses—to win more. Collect Banandium Chips (for trading Gems at the Chip Exchange), Banandium Gold (for shopping in the Stuff Shop), and fossils (trade at Style Shops for new outfits and fur colors, each with unique perks).
The deeper you go, the more you learn about Void Company’s schemes. DK and Pauline meet new and familiar faces—Cranky Kong, Rambi, Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and the villainous Void Kong and crew. Need a break? Rest in a comfy bed, pick your music, or take a Getaway. Eelevator eels help you revisit explored layers quickly. In Photo Mode, adjust the camera and lighting for the perfect shot; DK Artist mode lets you carve patterns into stone using the Joy-Con mouse and add banana effects. Donkey Kong & Pauline Amiibo launches July 17, unlocking Diva Dress and explosive KONG tiles early; scan other DK Amiibo for more rewards!
Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 for Nintendo Switch 2.
Source: Gematsu