The Best Kongs In Donkey Kong Bananza

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Summary

  • New Kongs in Donkey Kong Bananza grant special powers to DK, enhancing gameplay.
  • Cranky Kong appears with Rambi in a supporting role, giving DK a Banandium Gem.
  • Diddy and Dixie Kong challenge DK to a race in Racing Layer, but could be better utilized.

Donkey Kong Bananza represents a new chapter in the life of Donkey Kong. This isn’t an extension of the ‘Donkey Kong Country’ series or a continuation of ‘Donkey Kong 64.’ However, it does pay homage to both games with appearances by various Kong characters apart from Donkey Kong himself.

In the latest version of the game, you’ll encounter new antagonist-like Kongs, a departure from the series norm. Players might be curious about the cast in Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as how effectively each character is integrated. We will rate all the Kongs in Donkey Kong Bananza based on their significance to the story and gameplay.

Light story Spoilers ahead for Donkey Kong Bananza.

7. Kong Elder

Bananzaaaaa!

In the game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” there are five ancient Elders possessing mystical powers. One of them is called the Kong Elder, and it bestows upon Donkey Kong the ability to transform into a colossal ape known as the Kong Bananza form. This transformation makes DK incredibly powerful, allowing him to demolish most obstacles with little effort. However, players must gather Bananergy, which can be obtained by collecting Golden items scattered throughout the subterranean world, in order to trigger this transformation.

Improvements in Donkey Kong Bananza are noticeable, and among the ape-like characters, Kong Elder is unique – though not officially a Kong, he shares the same species. Due to his intriguing nature, it seems fitting to include him here. Despite the game offering limited information about his background, it’s essential to address all relevant characters. Unfortunately, Nintendo may never reveal Kong Elder’s origins, but it’s always better to be comprehensive in our discussion.

6. Cranky Kong

Little More Than A Series Of Cameos

Initially, the character known as Cranky Kong debuted in 1981 under the name Donkey Kong in the initial arcade game of the same name. Later on, he came to be recognized as Cranky Kong, the grandfather of the Donkey Kong who featured in “Donkey Kong Country.” Throughout these games, Cranky Kong often takes a supporting role, with the exception of “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze,” where he became playable.

In “Donkey Kong Bananza”, he mainly reminisces about past tales and rewards DK with a Banandium Gem in the end. It’s pleasant to note that Cranky Kong is joined by Rambi, one of the mounts from “Donkey Kong Country”.

5. Diddy And Dixie Kong

Could Have Been Better Utilized

Initially, Diddy Kong teamed up with Donkey Kong in the game Donkey Kong Country. In the subsequent installment, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, Dixie Kong, who is close friends with Diddy, took center stage. This friendship was further showcased in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Given their unbreakable bond, it was fitting to team them up for the game Donkey Kong Bananza.

In the Racing Layer, they’ll go up against DK in a race, which seems to be the extent of their involvement in the game. If there were additional races, they might have ranked higher, but Diddy and Dixie Kong are not much more involved than Cranky Kong. Dixie even brings up Candy Kong, DK’s girlfriend who debuted in “Donkey Kong Country,” but she is conspicuously absent from “Donkey Kong Bananza.

4. Poppy Kong

A Business-Centric Ninja

Poppy Kong is introduced in “Donkey Kong Bananza” and serves as one of Void Kong’s underlings within the Void Company. She functions as a corporate spy who can transform herself invisible using magical potions – quite an intriguing ability! Unfortunately, compared to other newly-introduced villainous Kong characters, Poppy doesn’t have many opportunities to engage in battles with Donkey Kong.

She’s more of a stealthy corporate operative, which sounds impressive on paper, but falls short in reality. However, she eventually proves to be an ally who assists in freeing DK from prison. She could be an excellent main character for a spinoff series reminiscent of Sly Cooper, featuring elements like stealth, platforming, and ninja action. Yet, within Donkey Kong Bananza, she’s not as exceptional compared to others.

3. Void Kong

If Goro Majima Was A Monkey

In the game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” Void Kong serves as the main antagonist and leader of Void Company. It’s not hard to guess that he is the villain, given his lack of intellect compared to Grumpy Kong, who designs all of his tools, such as the remote control and flying banana. His appearance and speech style resemble those found in a “Yakuza” game.

Kong, in this context, is portrayed as an overzealous character who ultimately faces his due consequences. He’s entertaining to criticize, much like a villain from a classic Saturday morning cartoon series. As such, he adds a unique flavor to the Donkey Kong franchise. His current whereabouts are unclear, leaving room for a potential return in a sequel or additional content.

2. Grumpy Kong

Let The Man Work

In the game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” there’s a new character named Grumpy Kong who serves under Void Kong. He’s the technical expert for the Void Company, responsible for creating nearly every random enemy and boss that players encounter. As his name suggests, Grumpy isn’t exactly cheerful, but he takes great pride in his work. Expect him to have several run-ins with Donkey Kong.

As a gamer, I’ve got to hand it to this guy – he might not be the big cheese at Void Company, but his knack for mechanical prowess is off the charts. That puts him on DK’s radar as a formidable opponent, no doubt about it.

Just like Poppy, Grumpy starts out as an adversary, but in time, he joins forces with us. However, you won’t catch another glimpse of him until after the main game is over.

1. Donkey Kong

Of Course, The Game’s Titular Character Is Number One

The refreshed “Donkey Kong Bananza” significantly enhances the classic character of “Donkey Kong,” providing a platform where his strength can truly shine. Previously, he was rarely given the opportunity to embody a powerhouse in games such as “Donkey Kong Country” and “Donkey Kong 64.” The joy of smashing walls in an open-world game is unprecedentedly satisfying in this new iteration.

Despite being mute, DK’s facial expressions are remarkable and effectively portray the emotions of the giant ape. He’s not just brawn, though, as his bond with Pauline is endearing and plays a significant role in what makes the game so charming. Here’s hoping that DK gets another chance to shine as the main character in his own video game soon.

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2025-07-20 07:06