Rambi the Rhino Returns in Donkey Kong Bananza?

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Summary

  • Rambi the Rhino may return in Donkey Kong Bananza.
  • The character first appeared in 1994’s Donkey Kong Country.
  • Donkey Kong Bananza will introduce new characters and enemies when it releases for the Switch 2 on July 17.

As a dedicated Donkey Kong fan, I couldn’t help but notice a hint in the recent teaser for Donkey Kong Bananza that Rambi the Rhino might be back! The exciting news of a new Donkey Kong game dropped during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct live stream earlier this month. In the trailer, our favorite ape is embarking on a fresh adventure to retrieve the elusive Golden Bananas from the clutches of the evil VoidCo.

Donkey Kong Bananza marks the return of the mainline Donkey Kong series since 2014’s Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and it’s slated for release on July 17, 2025, exclusively on the Switch 2. I can hardly wait to get my hands on this game!

As I dive into the vibrant world of Donkey Kong Bananza, I’m excited to share that this game will be teeming with fresh faces and foes, including the chatty Odd Rock who’ll serve as my guide throughout my adventure against the cunning apes of VoidCo. It’s also rumored that a few familiar friends might cross my path in Donkey Kong Bananza. Word on the street is that old man Cranky Kong will make an appearance at some point.

Interestingly, there was a promotional image on Nintendo’s Korean website that hinted at a girl resembling Pauline, the damsel in distress from the classic Donkey Kong game. Pauline has been making a comeback lately, first starring in Super Mario Odyssey and later appearing in its spin-offs. However, I couldn’t find her in the image anymore, so it remains to be seen if she’ll join the party this time around.

It’s been speculated by some fans that Rambi the Rhino might make a comeback, charging through foes in the upcoming game, “Donkey Kong Bananza”. A short video on the Nintendo Today mobile app showcases the revamped Donkey Kong making amusing facial expressions, and the tune playing in the background seems to echo Rambi’s theme from “Donkey Kong 64”. Additionally, Grant Kirkhope, the composer of the beloved soundtrack for “Donkey Kong 64”, has pointed this out on Twitter, suggesting that Rambi could indeed be featured in “Donkey Kong Bananza”.

Rambi Could Return in Donkey Kong Bananza

Initially introduced in the 1994 game “Donkey Kong Country”, Rambi the Rhino emerged as a character who utilized his horn and powerful charge to help Donkey Kong overcome obstacles and defeat enemies following his rescue by the mighty ape. Since then, he has reappeared in many subsequent “Donkey Kong Country” games, as well as making brief appearances in numerous other related titles and spin-offs. Interestingly, his image was even used as an emblem in the movie “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say, hearing Rambi’s iconic tune in the new Donkey Kong Bananza promo video has me pumped! But let me clarify, just because they’re using an old favorite doesn’t automatically mean Rambi will be in the latest Donkey Kong game. It could simply be Nintendo revisiting a classic melody for a fresh context. Still, imagine the chaos and fun if Rambi’s charge abilities were integrated into the 3D gameplay of Bananza! And with its open-world destructible environments reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey, it would make for an explosive combination, wouldn’t it?

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2025-04-29 18:24