The Best Easter Eggs In Donkey Kong Bananza

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Summary

  • Donkey Kong Bananza is full of Easter Eggs from past games, including legacy levels inspired by classic Donkey Kong games.
  • Players can find hidden secrets like a DK treehouse with Easter Eggs and references to Super Smash Bros. and Banjo-Kazooie.
  • The big surprise in Donkey Kong Bananza is facing off against King K. Rool in boss fights with references to past games.

In Donkey Kong Bananza, even though Donkey Kong isn’t actually a rabbit, he certainly enjoys hiding little Easter Eggs. These hidden gems call back to his debut in the 1981 arcade game, simply titled Donkey Kong. Long-time fans of this large primate will appreciate these references, but they can be tricky to discover.

Unveiling Hidden Gems in Donkey Kong Bananza: A Treasure Trove of Easter Eggs

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Donkey Kong Bananza, a game boasting expansive open-world settings that challenge players to delve deep into the earth to unearth some tantalizing Easter Eggs. Is it worth spending countless hours sifting through dirt for these hidden treasures? Let’s explore some of the most captivating Easter Egg disclosures and discuss their implications on the Donkey Kong universe as a whole. Keep in mind that the Easter Eggs presented here barely scratch the surface of what Donkey Kong Bananza has to offer; further discoveries are bound to emerge as fans immerse themselves more deeply within the game, much like the gradual unveiling of Easter Egg-related secrets in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

The final entry contains major story spoilers for Donkey Kong Bananza.

6. The Legacy Levels

If Only There Were More Callbacks

The latest major game featuring Donkey Kong, “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze“, was originally released on the Wii U back in 2014. Now, with the arrival of “Donkey Kong Bananza“, fans can rejoice as this marks his return to the gaming world, filled with fresh content and nods to the past. Notable examples of this blend include four Challenge stages hidden within the game for players to discover.

As a nostalgic gamer, I’d say Nostalgia Country up in the Hilltop feels like an old-school level from Donkey Kong Country, Mine-Cart Country in the Resort layer brings back memories of similar stages, Arcade Country in the Radiance layer is designed just like the classic 1981 arcade game, and Bramble Country from Donkey Kong Bananza, well, that’s a tough one – it’s based on those notoriously challenging levels from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. This tricky stage can be found nestled deep in the Forest Layer.

5. An Extra Case Of Hidden Nostalgia

Going Home Again

In the charming land of Nostalgia Country within Donkey Kong Bananza, there’s an extra delight for those who recall playing Donkey Kong Country. Once players complete the initial level, they have the option to retrace their steps and ascend into DK’s treehouse. Here, they can discover hidden Easter Eggs and collect a Red Balloon – a secret feature that original Donkey Kong Country fans might appreciate trying out.

In this treehouse hangs a poster showcasing DK, Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong. The Easter Egg that might be the most enigmatic is the old red television set. This TV doesn’t refer back to any specific game, but it shares significance with the moment when DK and Diddy were seen watching it during the reveal trailer for King K. Rool in Super Smash Bros., as well as the unveiling of Banjo-Kazooie.

4. Pauline Easter Eggs

What’s Up With Those Dance Moves

In the 1981 arcade game “Donkey Kong,” Pauline initially served as the damsel in distress for Mario/Jump Man. She made a significant comeback in “Super Mario Odyssey” where she became the mayor of New Donk City, and she has also appeared as a playable character in spinoffs like “Mario Kart World.” In the game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” a younger version of Pauline reappears as DK’s loyal sidekick. However, the game’s ending does not explain why she is suddenly portrayed as a thirteen-year-old girl.

In the game Donkey Kong Bananza, players can obtain Pauline’s outfit from Super Mario Odyssey, known as the Diva Dress, either by using an Amiibo or completing a post-game quest. Additionally, players can unlock a vintage Pauline outfit that resembles her 1981 appearance, including blonde hair. Interestingly, some of Pauline’s dance moves in Bananza Power cutscenes in Donkey Kong Bananza are similar to the side-step animations she performs in the original arcade game. This dance move can also be seen during “Jump Up, Super Star” in Super Mario Odyssey, making it one of the subtler references hidden within Donkey Kong Bananza.

3. Racing Layer Nods

A Short Sublayer Full Of Nostalgia

During the game’s midpoint, players will stumble upon the Kong Racing Sublayer. To conquer it, all you need is to triumph in a single race. This domain is overseen by Diddy and Dixie Kong, characters familiar from various Donkey Kong Country installments. The racetrack features Rambi the Rhino, who was a mount in the initial Donkey Kong Country.

In the game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” the trial named Rambi Rumble is a tribute to a level in “Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest.” This is where Diddy and Dixie, the main characters, worked together as dual protagonists. On the track, you might notice the phrase “Double Trouble” written around the edge, which is part of the subtitle for the third game, “Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble.” Regrettably, in “Donkey Kong Bananza,” these two Kong characters don’t play a significant role beyond the Racing Layer.

2. Fossil Maps

Amazing Attention To Detail

As a gamer immersed in the lively world of Donkey Kong Bananza, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate Easter Eggs hidden within this game. To fully appreciate these stunning references, you might need to pause the action, switch to Photo Mode, and scrutinize every corner.

In the vibrant universe of Donkey Kong Bananza, there are various forms of currency, one of which is Fossils. These fossils aren’t just ordinary rocks; they’re keys to unlocking unique costumes for our favorite ape, DK, and his friend Pauline. Most Sublayers in the game have not one, but three different types of Fossils, each one subtly referencing a specific character or species from the Donkey Kong series.

For instance, you’ll find Banana Birds, a type of Fossil, scattered across the Radiance Layer. These feathery friends first graced our screens in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble, demonstrating how these Easter Eggs intertwine the different games in the series.

In the game Donkey Kong Bananza, the Swordfish mount from Donkey Kong Country can be found on a colossal Fossil within the Tempest Layer. Players might come across or purchase treasure maps to discover Fossils hidden in each Sublayer. The large symbol on these maps represents a generic fossil without any specific reference. Consequently, most players may not delve deeper into them. However, the faint background image behind the fossil is a replica of the world map from Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble, an intricate detail that might escape the notice of many gamers.

1. King K. Rool

The Big Boss Returns

Among the finest surprises in Donkey Kong Bananza lie hidden in a secret character unveiling: King K. Rool. It was thought that Void Kong would be the main antagonist of the game, but surprisingly, he’s ousted just before players reach the final Sublayer of Donkey Kong Bananza. This unexpected twist sets up three challenging boss fights against King K. Rool, each one echoing a past battle in the Donkey Kong series. In the first round, when King K. Rool seems to be defeated, there’s a deceptive ending with false credits and “The End?” only for the mighty lizard to rise again. This is reminiscent of how the initial boss fight in Donkey Kong Country concludes.

In the second battle, King K. Rool employs an aircraft similar to the one featured in “Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble”. The climactic clash occurs within a setting resembling a boxing ring, as seen in “Donkey Kong 64”.

In most boss battles, King K. Rool is wielding a gun similar to the one he used in “Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest”. His updated version of New Donk City is filled with references, many connected to these examples, such as a boxing glove appearing next to his name in bright neon.

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2025-07-20 08:37