With Donkey Kong Bananza primed to return everyone’s favorite chaos ape to the 3D platforming world (and ensure misspellings of “bonanza” for years to come), one question immediately comes to mind. Why does DK look like that?
But aside from that, the game’s fresh new look has also brought with it tons of new characters, which might make some fans wary that their favorites from Donkey Kong games past may not be involved this time around. So, which classic DK characters would be great fits for this world-shattering new entry?
9
Swanky Kong
- His extra personality would fit well with Bananza’s over-the-top vibes.
- Maybe a new trivia minigame?
Every game can use a little shake-up now and then to keep things fresh. Maybe it’s a little downtime at your camp or a certain Japanese cabaret club minigame everyone loves that still somehow hasn’t come back to its series. But aside from those extremely nonspecific examples, trivia is also a great choice.
The delightfully extra Swanky Kong served that purpose when he showed up in the Donkey Kong Country games, asking the player trivia questions in exchange for rewards. Why not bring that gimmick back here? Breaking up the gameplay of breaking things with some (optional, of course) trivia time could be the perfect change of pace.
8
Ellie
- Donkey Kong needs his animal friends.
- Ellie could add some puzzle elements.
Animal friends in games are always a good idea, and the Donkey Kong Country series figured that out right away. Donkey Kong Bananza is already on that hype train as well, with Rambi the rhino set to make his own grand return. But why stop there?
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Ellie the elephant is a lot more versatile than her first grade pun of a name would have you believe. In Donkey Kong Country 3, she was able to carry barrels and spray water with her trunk, allowing for some light puzzle solving to make its way into the game. Considering the destruction possible in Bananza, Ellie’s abilities could really shake things up in interesting ways.
7
Lanky Kong
- Stretchy arms could be useful.
- The original trombone champ.
Long before Donkey Kong’s own face became the expressive masterpiece it is in Bananza, there was an original Kong with a funny face. Combined with his subsequent lack of both style and grace, Lanky Kong remains a legend in the eyes of fans.
His stretchy arms really haven’t gotten their due since the Donkey Kong 64 days. So why not let Lanky lend his elastic expertise to DK’s gorilla warfare against the landscape itself in Bananza? He may not be the strongest, but he does have a trombone. What that means in terms of destructive capability is up to you.
6
Dixie Kong
- The gift of flight.
- Guitars can be destructive.
Along with her flawless taste in berets, Dixie Kong has always commanded an impressive presence when she’s part of the fun in any game. From Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, her industrial-strength helicopter ponytail makes her the obvious choice for any playthrough.
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Whether she’s gliding with her fortified follicles or shredding on her guitar (a skill she clearly passed on to her boyfriend Diddy), Dixie would be a welcome presence in Donkey Kong Bananza. Imagine eviscerating a rockface with her riffs and then flying off the side with reckless abandon. Maybe she could teach DK a thing or two about more focused destruction.
5
Rattly
- Imagine getting around on this bouncy boy again.
- A potential excuse to bring back Jib Jig.
Donkey Kong Country 2 remains a highlight of the entire Donkey Kong series for so many good reasons. The level design and soundtrack are still top-notch, and its animal buddies enhance every level they’re in. This especially applies to Rattly the snake, because you imagined that “boing” sound effect of his the second you saw his picture.
There’s something powerful about getting to bounce around a level with the coiled-up Rattly. It’s a power Donkey Kong Bananza deserves to tap into. It could also come with the added bonus of Jib Jig, arguably the “other” best song from DKC2, potentially making a return as well. Is that secretly the main reason he should come back? Don’t worry about it.
4
K. Lumsy
- His whole thing is destruction via dance.
- Friend-shaped giant.
Donkey Kong 64 is a bit of a divisive entry among players. For some, the adventure is as enjoyable as it’s ever been. For others, having to collect everything like the DK Isle edition of Hoarders can put a damper on things. But come on, it’s absolutely worth getting that all done and making it to the end, especially for poor K. Lumsy.
His parents certainly railroaded him into a certain lifestyle with that name. This big, lovable kremling was locked away by King K. Rool for refusing to destroy Donkey Kong Island, and his earth-shaking celebratory dances whenever you brought him a key for his cage are still a highlight of the game. Maybe he could play a similar role in Bananza, opening up new paths with his happy dance in exchange for a new collectible (for nostalgia’s sake).
3
Tiny Kong
- Multi-purpose hair for travel and trouble.
- Needs more action with her updated design.
The folks behind Dixie Kong and Tiny Kong really must have dug deep when they came up with “they both fly with their hair”. Luckily, that’s where their similarities end, because while Dixie is plenty charming on her own, Tiny’s infectious energy (and sick musical triangle skills) in Donkey Kong 64 is a sight to behold.
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The thing is, unlike other Kongs, Tiny had the rare honor of getting a new, aged-up design in later games. It’s unclear if she retains her flying ability after such a growth spurt, as these appearances largely involved racing and playing sports. But she can still attack enemies and objects with her pigtails, which could be really fun to watch in Bananza.
2
Enguarde
- Makes swimming a breeze.
- So much underwater destruction potential.
Water levels in the Donkey Kong games seem to have lost a bit of something since their SNES days, and not just the sublime Aquatic Ambiance track. There’s always a little extra danger underwater than on land, even with the offensive moves DK gained in Tropical Freeze. But the originals added a satisfying fix for that.
Enguarde the swordfish could occasionally be found in the original Donkey Kong Country games as well as Donkey Kong 64, and when you rode or played as him, you gained more control in the water and a super powerful jab attack. It was a perfect contrast to the relative powerlessness you’d normally feel in those levels. He’d be a great addition if Bananza just so happens to include underwater levels. Here’s hoping he reinforced that sword nose of his.
1
Funky Kong
- Suitable for any situation.
- You always need Funky.
At this point, Funky is about as representative of the Donkey Kong series as Donkey Kong himself. In some ways, more so. People like Donkey Kong in the Mario Kart games, but people LOVE Funky in them. Maybe it’s his spouting of quotable nonsense, or maybe it’s because he has a surfboard. Who knows?
He owned a travel shop in the original Donkey Kong Country games and became a concerningly militant weapon shop owner, likely with questionable takes on current events in Donkey Kong 64. So really, he’s a jack of all trades, and someone like that would be more than welcome in Donkey Kong Bananza. Just maybe keep him off Twitter.
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