Experience Donkey Kong Bananza with DK’s Classic Design

Amidst all the buzz surrounding Donkey Kong’s redesign in “Donkey Kong Bananza,” an artist took on a creative challenge: they reimagined what the famous ape might have looked like if Nintendo had stayed true to his previous design for the upcoming Switch 2 game.

“I’m not a fan of DK’s portrayal in Bananza, so I edited some of his stranger expressions to be more in line with Rare’s style,” shared Felipe Valdés in a post on X dated April 20. They also welcomed feedback from others.

The adjustments primarily focused on minimizing Donkey Kong’s oversized mouth and giving his soft brows a firmer appearance.

In Bananza, Donkey Kong comes off as a playful character, but Valdés’ rendition channels the classic, tougher vibe from games like Donkey Kong Country. Personally, being nostalgic and resistant to change, I’m drawn to this vintage look, even though I understand and appreciate Nintendo’s effort to inject more playful, ape-like quirks into his Bananza animations.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these are static images. Despite their appeal, Donkey Kong’s classic Rare design might not have blended well with the artistic vision Nintendo pursued for Bananza. While Valdés’ dedication and passion for this project deserve applause, it’s important not to jump to conclusions with calls for “Nintendo, hire this person” based on some attractive edits. Game development is a complex and detailed endeavor. While some of us may favor the old-school look, it’s essential to recognize and respect the work of Bananza’s development team. The game still promises to be impressive.