Donkey Kong Bananza Should Follow One Type of Challenge Level to its Natural Conclusion

by

This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Donkey Kong Bananza‘s side content.

One thing that Nintendo consistently excels at over time is the abundance of content in its first-party games, particularly its 3D platformers like Super Mario Odyssey. These games are often filled with hidden treasures, difficulty levels, and secret bonus rounds, which typically add up to an extra 20+ hours of gameplay. Donkey Kong Bananza is no exception.

In the game titled Donkey Kong Bananza, the main plot turns out to be quite extensive, with most players taking roughly 20-25 hours to finish it. Throughout their journey, they are required to search for numerous hidden fossils, Banandium Gems, and treasure chests, as well as uncovering and completing a range of bonus and challenge levels. While all the optional content in Donkey Kong Bananza is engaging, there’s one type of challenge level that particularly catches the eye and leaves players wondering what Nintendo has planned for these tantalizing stages.

Donkey Kong Bananza Should Lead to Another Donkey Kong Country Game

Donkey Kong Bananza’s DK Country Levels Explained

Scattered across the stages in the game “Donkey Kong Bonanza”, players encounter secret test areas. These hidden areas can be accessed by a triangular metal gate that Pauline must untangle with her singing. The game “Donkey Kong Bonanza” offers numerous challenge levels, including ones where players need to defeat a specific number of enemies within a given timeframe, others that involve searching for Banandium Gems in a leisurely exploration, and still others requiring the use of DK’s special Bananza abilities to navigate an obstacle course.

In a particularly noteworthy fashion, some of the most captivating challenge stages in Donkey Kong Bananza are those reminiscent of the Donkey Kong Country series. There are a total of four throwback secret levels hidden within Donkey Kong Bananza, with one level modeled after the character’s 1981 arcade introduction and three inspired by the 2D platformers from the ’90s featuring our beloved primate. Named “Cart Country,” “Nostalgia Country,” “Bramble Country,” and “Arcade Country,” each level showcases a specific series element, such as emerging from barrels and riding mine carts. Furthermore, all four levels transform the game’s 3D view to a 2D camera angle for an authentic throwback experience.

Donkey Kong Bananza Lays Strong Foundations for a New DK Country Game

The levels in Donkey Kong Bananza that are reminiscent of DK Country, undeniably deliver a satisfying dose of nostalgia. With its retro perspective, these stages feature familiar landscapes and offer players reworked renditions of classic Donkey Kong Country tunes, flawlessly encapsulating the charm of these cherished games.

Instead of merely catering to fans, the hidden stages in “Donkey Kong Bananza” serve a dual purpose: they demonstrate the potential for a new “Donkey Kong Country” game on the hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2. These stages offer a glimpse into how visually stunning a new “DK Country” could be with modern hardware, and also hint at how the destructive elements from “Bananza” might fit within a more conventional 2D “Donkey Kong Country” gameplay setting.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the latest addition to the Donkey Kong universe, “Donkey Kong Bananza.” It’s not just me; this game has been praised far and wide by critics. The success it’s achieved sets an exciting trajectory for the franchise’s future.

However, what many people don’t realize is that it took about seven years to create “Bananza.” Nintendo, with all due respect, shouldn’t wait that long again to cash in on Donkey Kong’s renewed popularity.

I believe a wise move would be for Nintendo to release a smaller-scale “Donkey Kong Country” game before the next 3D “Donkey Kong” installment. They could use the challenge levels from “Bananza” as a solid foundation for this new project. This way, they can keep the momentum going and satisfy our hunger for more Donkey Kong adventures!

Read More

2025-07-22 18:04