Nintendo has announced that Donkey Kong Bananza, the upcoming 3D adventure, will not only mark a new chapter for the character but also establish a distinct direction for his future 3D appearances. This new approach will separate the iconic ape’s 3D adventures from his 2D platformers, much like how Mario has evolved across both 2D and 3D games. The decision to carve out separate paths for 2D and 3D Donkey Kong games follows the precedent set by Mario, with Super Mario Bros.
Wonder being the latest in the 2D series, and Super Mario Odyssey leading the charge in the 3D camp.
Producer Kenta Motokura, in an exclusive Ask the Developer Q&A, explained how the project came to life. He revealed that it was Yoshiaki Koizumi’s vision to expand the Donkey Kong franchise, prompting him to request the 3D Mario team to bring Donkey Kong into the world of 3D gaming. This directive, coupled with the experimentation around voxel-based destruction, helped spark the creation of Donkey Kong Bananza.
Motokura further emphasized that Bananza would serve as the beginning of a new ‘branch’ in Donkey Kong’s legacy, a division between 2D and 3D titles. By leveraging their expertise from developing 3D Mario games, Nintendo aims to create both types of Donkey Kong games, allowing players to experience the character in two distinct styles. According to Motokura, Donkey Kong’s appeal as a character is central to this shift, with the game focusing on delivering new, exciting actions and an emphasis on ‘destruction’ that fits Donkey Kong’s character.
Additionally, Motokura discussed the redesign of Donkey Kong himself. The development of Bananza spurred a search for a fresh look, one that aligns more closely with his origins. The new design draws inspiration from Shigeru Miyamoto’s original arcade character but includes elements from Bananza to make the character feel more modern and dynamic.
So, what does the future hold for Donkey Kong? Nintendo has hinted that while Bananza is paving the way for a new era of 3D Donkey Kong, there’s still room for future 2D entries. And with rumors of an unannounced Donkey Kong movie, it looks like the beloved ape is set to continue swinging through new adventures for years to come.
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