Nintendo has announced that the upcoming title, Donkey Kong Bananza, will serve as a blueprint for the future of 3D Donkey Kong games, differentiating from traditional 2D installments. Producer Kenta Motokura revealed the game's development was sparked by Yoshiaki Koizumi's vision, aiming for a creative team behind 3D Mario to craft an innovative 3D Donkey Kong experience. This approach allows for the coexistence of both 2D and 3D games in the franchise, akin to the Mario series. With an emphasis on destruction as a gameplay theme, Donkey Kong Bananza will showcase the character in a fresh light. The game has also prompted a redesign of Donkey Kong, returning to elements of his original look, while allowing for further expansions in the franchise, including potential future games and a rumored movie project.

What will Donkey Kong Bananza offer that distinguishes it from previous titles?

Donkey Kong Bananza aims to create a unique identity for 3D Donkey Kong games through innovative gameplay focused on destruction, paralleling how Mario's franchise evolved with separate 2D and 3D titles. It also features a revamped character design that honors the original Donkey Kong aesthetic.

Donkey Kong is an iconic video game character first introduced in the 1981 arcade game created by Shigeru Miyamoto. Over the years, the franchise has expanded with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and crossovers, including appearances in the Super Mario franchise. The character's transition to a more contemporary 3D format with Donkey Kong Bananza is part of Nintendo's broader strategy to rejuvenate the franchise while still cherishing its roots.