This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS forDonkey Kong Bananza’s side content.
If there’s one thing Nintendo has consistently gotten right over the years, it’s the amount of content in its first-party games, especially its 3D platformers.Games likeSuper Mario Odysseyare packed to the brim with hidden collectibles, challenge levels, and secret bonus stages, all of which usually combine to extend a game’s length by 20+ hours.Donkey Kong Bananzais no different.
The main story ofDonkey Kong Bananzais surprisingly lengthy to begin with, taking players around 20–25 hours to complete on average. Along the way, players are tasked with seeking out countless hidden fossils, Banandium Gems, and treasure chests, along with finding and completing a variety of bonus and challenge levels. Though all ofDonkey Kong Bananza’s optional content is worthwhile, there’s one type of challenge level that immediately stands out from the crowd, and Nintendo should make good on what these levels are teasing.
Donkey Kong Bananza’s DK Country Levels Explained
Sprinkled throughoutDonkey Kong Bananza’s levels, players can find a series of hidden challenge stages, accessible via a metallic triangular gateway that Pauline needs to unsnare with her singing. There’s a wide variety of challenge levels inDonkey Kong Bananza, some of which see players defeating a certain number of enemies within a time limit, some see players leisurely exploring an area in search of Banandium Gems, and others see them using DK’s Bananza Transformations to reach the end of an obstacle course.
But by far some of the most memorable challenge levels inDonkey Kong Bananzaare the handful directly inspired bytheDonkey Kong Countryseries. There are a total of four throwback secret levels inDonkey Kong Bananza, one based on the Nintendo mascot’s 1981 arcade debut, and three inspired by the primate’s 1990s 2D platformers. Titled “Cart Country,” “Nostalgia Country,” “Bramble Country,” and “Arcade Country,” each level focuses on a distinct series feature, such as blasting out of barrels and riding mine carts, and all four switch the game’s 3D perspective for a 2D camera angle.
Donkey Kong Bananza Lays Strong Foundations for a New DK Country Game
Donkey Kong Bananza’sDK Country-inspired levelsobviously work very well as a quick hit of nostalgia. Along with the throwback perspective, these stages include very familiar environments and present players with remixed versions of classicDonkey Kong Countrytracks, capturing the essence of these beloved games perfectly.
ButDonkey Kong Bananza’s secret levels are more than just fan-service; they act as a proof of concept for whata newDonkey Kong Countrygamecould look like on the Nintendo Switch 2. These levels show just how gorgeous a newDK Countrycould look on modern hardware, and they do a good job of teasing howBananza’s destruction mechanics could work in a more traditional 2DDonkey Kong Countrysetting.
Donkey Kong Bananzahas been a universal hit with critics, and it’s set a strong course for the franchise’s future. ButBananzais also rumored to have taken around seven years to develop, and Nintendo shouldn’t wait that long again to capitalize on the mascot’s new wave of popularity. It might be a good idea to release a smaller-scaleDonkey Kong Countrygame between now and the next 3DDonkey Kongrelease, and Nintendo should useBananza’s challenge levels as the foundations.
