For over a decade now, starting with “New Super Mario Bros.” in 2006, Nintendo has consistently launched both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) games featuring their iconic mustached character, Mario. Every system generation sees approximately one new 3D title like “Super Mario Odyssey,” but fans also continue to receive fresh 2D installments such as “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” It appears that Nintendo intends to follow a similar pattern with Donkey Kong, as the producer of the upcoming game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” Kenta Motokura, discussed the game’s origins and their ambition to create both 2D and 3D games around this character in an exclusive interview on Nintendo’s official website.
Speaking of the latest title in our ongoing series, it’s crucial to balance freshness and familiarity, but we aimed to encapsulate Donkey Kong’s charm specifically. To achieve this, we decided to create something original while drawing upon our skills in developing 3D Mario games. Consequently, this approach allows us to develop both 2D and 3D versions of Donkey Kong, similar to how we handled the Mario series. With the intention of making this game synonymous with 3D Donkey Kong, and by highlighting his abilities and new actions, we felt that a theme centered around ‘destruction’ would be fitting.
In the game titled “Donkey Kong Bananza“, this is the first 3D adventure for the character since “DK64>” back in 1999. With such a long gap, the creators of “Bananza” had the chance to modernize and refresh the idea of a 3D game starring Donkey Kong. So far, playing “Bananza“, it feels less like the N64 classic and more akin to “Super Mario Odyssey“. This similarity is not surprising as some of the same developers are behind “Bananza“, but fans of the series will still recognize many familiar aspects.
Before the release of Bananza, Nintendo had primarily focused on creating 2D Donkey Kong games. This includes the popular titles like 2010’s Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze from 2014. Fans of these 2D games will be pleased to know that Nintendo plans to continue developing in this genre. However, Motokura did not provide any details about the release date for the next 2D Donkey Kong game or who will be involved in its creation. With Retro Studios nearing completion on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, there’s a possibility they might take on a third Donkey Kong Country project, but this is just speculation at this point.
Even though Nintendo’s famous characters eventually transitioned to 3D games, it’s gratifying that we’re still experiencing games reminiscent of the NES and SNES times. Just like Mario, Nintendo keeps introducing new 2D installments in series such as Zelda and Metroid. For those who enjoy 2D over 3D, or prefer a mix, it’s comforting to know that the choice will persist with the DK series. However, future 3D games may rely on the success of “Donkey Kong Bananza”. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another 26 years for a sequel!
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2025-07-15 19:41