An Exclusive Peek Behind the Curtain

In this thrilling first installment of our interview series, we dive deep into the creation of the highly anticipated game, Donkey Kong Bananza, launching on July 17 for Nintendo Switch. This unique title has developers buzzing with excitement, and we're here to reveal all the innovative details.

Meet the Creative Team

Let’s get to know the minds behind this summer's hottest release.

Kenta Motokura: As the producer, Kenta Motokura is no stranger to the Mario universe, having previously directed titles like Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey. His vision for Donkey Kong Bananza aims to not only honor the beloved franchise but also elevate it to new heights.

Kazuya Takahashi: A newcomer to Nintendo, Takahashi has an impressive background in game design, contributing significantly to the game's level design and storytelling.

Wataru Tanaka: Another seasoned hand from the Mario team, Tanaka ensures that action elements are seamless, pushing the boundaries of what players expect from 3D gameplay.

Daisuke Watanabe: As the art director, he’s reimagined Donkey Kong's aesthetic while keeping his core appeal intact.

Naoto Kubo: The sound director, Kubo, is responsible for crafting the immersive soundscape, bringing the world of Donkey Kong to life.

Breathing New Life into Donkey Kong

Motokura recalls how the project came to fruition: "With the intent of expanding the Donkey Kong universe, our team was tasked with creating something fresh and innovative." Their approach has been to explore the essence of what makes Donkey Kong special.

Inspired by legends like Shigeru Miyamoto, the team delved into Donkey Kong's iconic moves, aiming to amplify the character's strength and presence within the game. Motokura expressed that this title represents a significant push for creative evolution in the franchise.

A Stylish Transformation

The Donkey Kong everyone knows has undergone quite a transformation! Watanabe highlighted the ongoing discussions about how best to showcase Donkey Kong's character—balancing the cool jungle king persona with his playful side.

Initial sketches maintained the essence of Miyamoto’s original design while adapting Donkey Kong’s look with stylish new elements. The team wanted to ensure he stands out not just as a character, but as a game-changer in his own right.

A Chaotic Gameplay Experience

Donkey Kong Bananza promises to deliver a unique gameplay dynamic centered around destruction. Players can harness 'Bananergy' by smashing terrain and collecting gold, allowing the iconic ape to transform into powerful forms capable of unleashing mayhem in thrilling new ways. Imagine chain-reaction punches and spectacular abilities that redefine what a Donkey Kong game can be!

Motokura concluded, "Our goal was to make players feel the raw power and fun of Donkey Kong like never before. The concept of 'chain of destruction' is central to this experience, offering a fresh take on the action genre."

Stay Tuned for Part 2!

This is just the beginning of our exploration into Donkey Kong Bananza. Join us for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the cutting-edge voxel technology and the exciting interactions that await players!