All Purpose Donkey Kong Thread

[~ Valkyrie ~]

View attachment 400964

Cranky Kong Kongfirmed. Yeah, no, we're definitely not abandoning the DKC cast.

A very nice start so far!

Hope we see him in Mario Kart World too...

 

[BirthNote]

View attachment 400964

Cranky Kong Kongfirmed. Yeah, no, we're definitely not abandoning the DKC cast.

It's safe to assume every Kong we saw in the movie is here. Which, if y'all allow my fanboy side to take over...

DIDDY, DIXIE AND CHUNKY MAY ALSO BE IN THIS GAME!!!!! YES!!!

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

It's safe to assume every Kong we saw in the movie is here. Which, if y'all allow my fanboy side to take over...

DIDDY, DIXIE AND CHUNKY MAY ALSO BE IN THIS GAME!!!!! YES!!!

I dearly hope so too - ergo, Kongs also in Mario Kart World... I really hope we'll see them in the following April Direct centering around it.

 

[Arcadenik]

I love that Donkey Kong finally has his original design back. He is just as expressive as I remember on the arcade games and the Game Boy remake. I am definitely getting Donkey Kong Bananza.

I also love that Pauline is now a regular character in the Mario spin-off games. Now Nintendo needs to do the same for Donkey Kong Jr. and Stanley.

But I also want Nintendo to keep including Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, Dixie Kong, and the other Kongs from the Donkey Kong Country games in future Donkey Kong games and Mario spin-off games.

 

[BackseatSakurai]

View attachment 400964

Cranky Kong Kongfirmed. Yeah, no, we're definitely not abandoning the DKC cast.

I've been trying not to post too much because I'm pretty crestfallen over the Direct in general, and I don't want to be a stick in the mud.

But to comment on this - it's amazing to see Cranky, but even the context here is concerning. It would be one thing if we saw Cranky in what looked to be a somewhat functional role - in his rocking chair giving tips, acting as a save point, working as a shopkeeper, something - but like. Just seeing him standing on a random cliffside - no unique building he inhabits, no clear function - it just comes across like it's going to be an Easter egg NPC.

I really want to love this - but I'm so confused and concerned. The game barely seems to be a platformer. I don't understand what's going on or why everything has to turn into exploring vacant fields. It makes me very sad that Nintendo's output comes across as underwhelming and meandering in comparison to Ruffy & The Riverside or Demon Tides or Eternity Egg or any number of indie projects (although, I'm thankful these alternatives exist).

Again, not trying to be negative, I'm just heartbroken over this game in particular lol. I thought K. Rool in Smash and the Kong cameos in the Mario movie were signs that Nintendo was starting to accept that much of what makes DK special to people is stuff they didn't create. I dunno. I hope they prove me wrong and this turns out great.

 

[chocolatejr9]

View attachment 400964

Cranky Kong Kongfirmed. Yeah, no, we're definitely not abandoning the DKC cast.

In that case, hear me out: the villains of the game are an evil corporation of Kongs, right? It'll never happen, but what if the main villain of the game... was Bluster Kong? Like for whatever reason, they decide to use THIS of all things to make him canon to the games. I know, it'll never happen, the only reason I'm even entertaining this is because I had learned awhile back Bluster was in one of those Japan-exclusive Mario mangas so my mind's kinda running wild trying to think up ways to connect things.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Cranky being here makes things better. He doesn't look to be playable however. Which I guess makes sense. Only Tropical Freeze was the exception in a mainline game anyway.

This gives more hope for Diddy. I am just sensitive about this all y'know. I grew up with these characters, and this same development studio sidelined him and the others before. Returns reduced him to a "power up" more or less. However, I guess since the Oddysey team is developing this and the only DKC costume in Oddysey being Diddy means something.

I'll try to be a little more optimistic. So far I need more information still...

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

Treehouse currently showing Bananza:

They're actually honoring DK's usual moves from DKC all throughout. Handslap is in, you can possibly jump after rolling off ledges (maybe?)... very interesting.

Game looks pretty engaging too. It's taking a bit of the Power Moon-style micro mission approach for the "Banandium"-collectibles. Destroying things looks very fun.

Also... OH! BANANA is back with vengeance.

(So far no other Kongs though...)

 

[fogbadge]

He can surf on chunks of terrain

 

[Laniv]

More gameplay footage here: including Cranky Kong near the end of the video! (around 18 minutes in)

He has dialogue that actually feels cranky, and he namedrops Rambi, who has a little icon next to his name, implying his physical appearance in the game!

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Bros... Is it time?

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

More gameplay footage here: including Cranky Kong near the end of the video! (around 18 minutes in)

He has dialogue that actually feels cranky, and he namedrops Rambi, who has a little icon next to his name, implying his physical appearance in the game!

Wow, they're really keeping him same despite not having his shack around. Also Rambi is confirmed? Fascinating...

 

[chocolatejr9]

View attachment 401005

Bros... Is it time?

It can only mean one thing: Bowser has travelled back in time to try and take over the world before Mario is old enough to stop him!

(Does that reference even work here? I'm honestly not sure...)

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

I have a feeling that after playing Donkey Kong Bonanza, Donkey Kong in Smash is going to feel very wanting. Everything seems to flow in that game, and he has some new moves to boot:

• Roll is once again jump cancelable.
• Hand Slap in the air becomes a clap.
• Dive Punch seems to be his answer to Ground Pound.
• Punch Up...can probably stay in this game, his current up tilt and up smash are more visually interesting as fun as a "raise the roof" move would be fun on DK.
• He can pick up terrain and swing it around.
  • He can also jump off of the rocks he picks up.
  • He can even slide around on them like they're skateboards.
• And last but not least. He can speeen.

More details from the New Smash Speculation thread.

Verry, verry nice!

 

[RealLuigisWearPink]

This game genuinely looks amazing. the one thing keeping my enthusiasm up from the bonkers insane prices lol

 

[LimeTH]

There's a heck of a lot of Crocodile themed stuff in this game. Did anyone else notice, on the website for this game, what appears to be a frozen over Blast-O-Matic from DK64?

 

[fogbadge]

There's a heck of a lot of Crocodile themed stuff in this game. Did anyone else notice, on the website for this game, what appears to be a frozen over Blast-O-Matic from DK64?

ooh got a pic?

 

[LimeTH]

ooh got a pic?

 

[fogbadge]

View attachment 401023

Ah I can see how they’d think that

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

What’s nice is that Bananza appears to be a great compromise in terms of appeal. It’ has a big bombastic playstyle and look to appeal to new fans without jettisoning DKC lore or its characters. It is a new Jungle Beat in many ways, but 20 years later, with a team that appears to have a real reverence for the Country history and without the tricky context of the Rare buyout leaving DK's broader elements up in the air as far as what would be staying.

It's funny, the Switch port of Returns finally gave me closure on that game because it allowed me to play in the most ideal fashion and genuinely judge it on its own merits without the gimmick of the Wii or the mandatory portable nature of the 3DS. In a sense, I think Bananza might do the same thing for me in regard to Jungle Beat, finally being the core team Nintendo Donkey Kong project that actually embraces what came before it. This kind of love letter to all things DK may not have been realistic in the aughts with where the IP was then and the actual goals of what the EAD team were, but it is possible now, and I'll happily support it.

 

[Opossum]

This image from one of the demos kinda sealed the deal for me: I 100% think that K. Rool's behind everything in this game.

Spoiler: Big Image

 

[Swamp Sensei]

This image from one of the demos kinda sealed the deal for me: I 100% think that K. Rool's behind everything in this game.

Spoiler: Big Image

View attachment 401036

There seems to be a lot of crocodiles in this game, from enemies to architecture. I'd actually be mad if K. Rool isn't in the game at this point.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

More details from the New Smash Speculation thread.

Verry, verry nice!

Wait. Didn't you already react to this? Oh well. I'll just ignore it and go back to see what everyone else was talking about on...Page 12?!? How is that possible? Where am I? AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Yeah I legitimately didn't notice this wasn't the Smash Speculation thread. lol. The Donkey Kong Bonanza stuff seems pretty exciting though.

 

[Laniv]

This image from one of the demos kinda sealed the deal for me: I 100% think that K. Rool's behind everything in this game.

Spoiler: Big Image

View attachment 401036

I will admit, I've gotten a bit weary about K. Rool and his possible return after years of watching his momentum from his Smash reveal slip away.

But in between Cranky Kong's dialogue about a "banana bandit", (and I'm spoilering that just in case) and now this... it feel a lot more decisive. Hype responsibly, and all that.

Now if that was spelled with a K, it'd be a definite done deal.

 

[Wario Wario Wario]

That line about a banana bandit reads a lot more to me like it's gonna lead into a classic King Dedede "Nope, not me this time".

 

[Arcadenik]

I really would like to see Nintendo remake Donkey Kong ‘94 like they did for Mario vs. Donkey Kong, especially now that Donkey Kong has his original design again. And I really want Donkey Kong Jr. to come back.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

I really would like to see Nintendo remake Donkey Kong ‘94 like they did for Mario vs. Donkey Kong, especially now that Donkey Kong has his original design again. And I really want Donkey Kong Jr. to come back.

My opinion is that Donkey Kong Jr. would have still been used in spin-offs or at least until MKWii if Rare's status remained the same since Nintendo was reluctant to use Diddy Kong in spin-offs until Toadstool Tour which was after the Microsoft buyout. Jr was also planned for Double Dash but that was only early in development.

Diddy Kong was always owned by Nintendo (mentioned in the back of DKR) so the reason is unknown.

 

[Louie G.]

That line about a banana bandit reads a lot more to me like it's gonna lead into a classic King Dedede "Nope, not me this time".

I've been thinking about this possibility too, and it might be my preference. Gives the opportunity for a new villain to have their time in the sun while K. Rool gets to continue to exist in this universe, and serve as a nice little bit of worldbuilding. Would even be funny if you have a little dialogue where K. Rool is like "I have a life outside of you, Donkey Kong..."

Best case scenario something like this could lead to a temporary alliance, perhaps the Kremlings are displaced by the events of the game too and both are committed to re-establishing a status quo. Or jealousy gets the best of him and he can't have anyone else stealing his thunder... lots of options, I'm sure the game will be great K. Rool or not but he's such a fun character to explore. There are definitely ways to have him here without making him the focal point.

 

[BirthNote]

I really would like to see Nintendo remake Donkey Kong ‘94 like they did for Mario vs. Donkey Kong, especially now that Donkey Kong has his original design again. And I really want Donkey Kong Jr. to come back.

That reminds me, I wonder why the movie went out of their way to establish DK and Cranky as father and son. If that decision came from Nintendo, then they might be going with the DK is an adult Jr. continuity.

Also, since DK's got his "movie look" we likely will see Diddy and/or Dixie with their movie look. The only hole I can find atm is Cranky not having his movie crown and robes. Could be wrong but time will tell.

 

[MartianSnake]

That reminds me, I wonder why the movie went out of their way to establish DK and Cranky as father and son. If that decision came from Nintendo, then they might be going with the DK is an adult Jr. continuity.

Also, since DK's got his "movie look" we likely will see Diddy and/or Dixie with their movie look. The only hole I can find atm is Cranky not having his movie crown and robes. Could be wrong but time will tell.

I think there's some flaws in these lines of reasoning.

1. The change to make Cranky DK's dad was likely just a decision made to simplify the plot. It's illumination, they like to keep things to the bare essentials, it's their business model, even.

2. DK does not have his movie look. It's very likely the movie has his Bananza look. But really, the designs aren't identical, they have similarities but when you boil them down, they're different. They're both aiming to look like Arcade DK anyways. I don't think the rest of the kongs are changing, none of this is meant to be a "parity" thing for the movie universe. If it was, Mario's shirt would be different now.

 

[BirthNote]

I think there's some flaws in these lines of reasoning.

1. The change to make Cranky DK's dad was likely just a decision made to simplify the plot. It's illumination, they like to keep things to the bare essentials, it's their business model, even.

2. DK does not have his movie look. It's very likely the movie has his Bananza look. But really, the designs aren't identical, they have similarities but when you boil them down, they're different. They're both aiming to look like Arcade DK anyways. I don't think the rest of the kongs are changing, none of this is meant to be a "parity" thing for the movie universe. If it was, Mario's shirt would be different now.

I put DK's "movie look" in quotations because it generally is the same as his arcade look, whereas I didn't bother with the quotations for Diddy and Dixie because they genuinely look different.

DK trying to impress his grandpa could fit just as easily as him trying to impress his dad. It'd still work as a foil to Mario's daddy issues and imply that he looks up to his grandpa since his father is nowhere to be seen or mentioned. We know how particular Nintendo is when they let others use their IP; nothing would get by them without their final say.

Lastly, using Mario's shirt as an example doesn't hold any weight. The level of detail in the movie means that every brick in Brooklyn is going to be textured, and all the cast has more detail on their models than they would in the games. Compare Peach's dress and Bowser's scale pattern near his shoulders to neck. That, plus Mario's clothes are just a graphical bump.

Now compare Diddy and Dixie's looks. Different outfits, separate eye sockets. Models with that much changes for what amounts to 6 seconds in a 1.5hr movie is odd and worth pointing out.

 

[MartianSnake]

I put DK's "movie look" in quotations because it generally is the same as his arcade look, whereas I didn't bother with the quotations for Diddy and Dixie because they genuinely look different.

DK trying to impress his grandpa could fit just as easily as him trying to impress his dad. It'd still work as a foil to Mario's daddy issues and imply that he looks up to his grandpa since his father is nowhere to be seen or mentioned. We know how particular Nintendo is when they let others use their IP; nothing would get by them without their final say.

Lastly, using Mario's shirt as an example doesn't hold any weight. The level of detail in the movie means that every brick in Brooklyn is going to be textured, and all the cast has more detail on their models than they would in the games. Compare Peach's dress and Bowser's scale pattern near his shoulders to neck. That, plus Mario's clothes are just a graphical bump.

Now compare Diddy and Dixie's looks. Different outfits, separate eye sockets. Models with that much changes for what amounts to 6 seconds in a 1.5hr movie is odd and worth pointing out.

The Mario movie made a million changes that aren't being reflected in the games, spiny shell hasn't been renamed blue shell, and cranky doesn't rule the jungle kingdom. I don't see what makes this any different.

We've also seen merch with dk's new look. Diddy is in it. Diddy is unchanged.

 

[fogbadge]

1. The change to make Cranky DK's dad was likely just a decision made to simplify the plot. It's illumination, they like to keep things to the bare essentials, it's their business model, even.

or maybe they've only played DK64

 

[Diddy Kong]

Cranky not changing much means Diddy likely will stay much the same too. His design hasn't changed in the official artwork too in which DK has indeed been updated.

I am now seeing Bananza in a different light after seeing Cranky and Cranky mentioning Rambi. The golden "Crockoid" enemies being somehow related to the Kremlings is another shimmer of hope.

I just would've liked a playable Diddy appearance cause that has been absent even longer than a new DK game. Not in a direct sense at least.

I feel the cast of main characters in the DK series is just as important as DK himself. Diddy being the poster child of the Rare era, he was arguably more important than DK himself in the Rare era. And him being equally important in the games going forward is therefore of extreme importance to me. That's why am sensitive about this all. Especially since these are the same developers as both Jungle Beat and Mario Oddysey. And I feel the way Retro Studios used the other Kongs also was far from ideal.

Diddy will probably be there. Must be. Am just concerned about what his role would be.

 

[Mamboo07]

Might as well talk about the levels:

Spoiler: Sublayers

Two things I noticed:

• Terrain Strength - How hard it is to destroy (One star is weak, five stars is very strong)
• Sublayer - We start at the number 10 which is near the surface

I guess there'll be 10 sublayers to explore starting with Ingot Isle and moving deeper to 9, 8, 7, and so on...

Considering the underground theme of the game, it wouldn't be too shocking if it turns out the final area is somewhere far deeper than the rest of the world's underground; just imagine the final battle taking place STRAIGHT UP INSIDE the planet's core perhaps...

 

[fogbadge]

Might as well talk about the levels:

Spoiler: Sublayers

View attachment 401115View attachment 401116
Two things I noticed:

• Terrain Strength - How hard it is to destroy (One star is weak, five stars is very strong)
• Sublayer - We start at the number 10 which is near the surface

I guess there'll be 10 sublayers to explore starting with Ingot Isle and moving deeper to 9, 8, 7, and so on...

Considering the underground theme of the game, it wouldn't be too shocking if it turns out the final area is somewhere far deeper than the rest of the world's underground; just imagine the final battle taking place STRAIGHT UP INSIDE the planet's core perhaps...

actually that's already be disproven treehouse showed subleven 100 and glimpses of 101. I assume at points we'll skip certain layers but who know

 

[Mamboo07]

Spoiler: Just came across THIS

The Nintendo of Korea website features a very different version of the Donkey Kong Bananza artwork...

WHO IS SHE!? (Looks like a kid version of Pauline)

 

[BirthNote]

The Mario movie made a million changes that aren't being reflected in the games, spiny shell hasn't been renamed blue shell, and cranky doesn't rule the jungle kingdom. I don't see what makes this any different.

We've also seen merch with dk's new look. Diddy is in it. Diddy is unchanged.

Renaming an item holds as much weight pointing to Mario's shirt, but the Jungle Kingdom matter is more fuzzy. There are many jungles in the games, many of which aren't Kong related and we've only had one mainline game since the movie iirc.

Personally I haven't seen this merchandise of Diddy. Can you share some? Knowing when it was revealed/released would also be helpful.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Renaming an item holds as much weight pointing to Mario's shirt, but the Jungle Kingdom matter is more fuzzy. There are many jungles in the games, many of which aren't Kong related and we've only had one mainline game since the movie iirc.

Personally I haven't seen this merchandise of Diddy. Can you share some? Knowing when it was revealed/released would also be helpful.

Official Donkey Kong merchandise is now using updated DK design

When Nintendo uploaded the Switch 2 reveal teaser, people were quick to note that the gameplay footage included had new character designs for The Big N’s

nintendowire.com

Here you are. This is what he mentioned.

A picture included in case you didn't bother with the link.

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

Renaming an item holds as much weight pointing to Mario's shirt, but the Jungle Kingdom matter is more fuzzy. There are many jungles in the games, many of which aren't Kong related and we've only had one mainline game since the movie iirc.

Personally I haven't seen this merchandise of Diddy. Can you share some? Knowing when it was revealed/released would also be helpful.

Here's a few more from Mario Wiki pulling from Super Nintendo World-app and Ichiban Kuji's product page for DK:

As I wrote before, Diddy's very seamless enough to not need much updating next to DK, if at all. The only thing gone is the Nintendo-logo on his cap, much like Dixie's Rareware-pin removed from her bonnet.

On that note:

I want that keychain...