Nintendo Exec’s Vision Sparks Donkey Kong Bananza in 3D
▼ Summary
– Donkey Kong Bananza is the next project from the Super Mario Odyssey team, marking the franchise’s first 3D platformer since 1999 and the first in-house developed one since 2004.
– Nintendo executive Yoshiaka Koizumi proposed the idea of a 3D Donkey Kong game, which was later discussed with Shigeru Miyamoto, who highlighted Donkey Kong’s unique abilities like his long arms.
– The development team experimented with voxel technology, previously used in Super Mario Odyssey, which allows for interactive and destructible environments.
– The combination of Donkey Kong’s distinctive physical traits and voxel tech inspired the core gameplay focus on destruction in Donkey Kong Bananza.
– In unrelated Nintendo news, the Switch 2 is now available for purchase by invitation on Amazon, and the Wild Hearts S demo is live with save transfer to the full game.
The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Nintendo prepares to launch Donkey Kong Bananza, marking the iconic ape’s triumphant return to 3D platforming after decades. Developed by the same creative minds behind Super Mario Odyssey, this ambitious project represents a bold new direction for the franchise. But what inspired this unexpected shift, and why now? Insights from the development team reveal fascinating details about the game’s origins.
During a recent interview, producer Kenta Motokura shared how Nintendo executive Yoshiaki Koizumi sparked the idea for a 3D Donkey Kong adventure. The concept gained momentum after discussions with legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who highlighted the character’s untapped potential. Unlike Mario, Donkey Kong boasts distinct physical traits, his powerful arms and imposing stature, which opened doors for fresh gameplay mechanics. Koizumi, drawing from his experience directing Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, emphasized how these traits could redefine platforming in three dimensions.
Meanwhile, another key piece of the puzzle fell into place when a Mario Odyssey developer began tinkering with voxel-based technology. This approach, popularized by games like Minecraft, allows for dynamic, destructible environments built from modular blocks. Early experiments with the tech in Odyssey, seen in the Snow Kingdom’s powdery terrain and the Luncheon Kingdom’s malleable cheese, hinted at its potential. Combining Donkey Kong’s brawny moveset with voxel physics created a perfect synergy, paving the way for Bananza’s destruction-heavy gameplay.
Motokura summed it up best: “Once we saw how well Donkey Kong’s strength and reach paired with voxel tech, everything clicked. It became clear that smashing through obstacles could be the heart of the experience.”
In related Nintendo news, the Switch 2 is now available through Amazon’s invite-only system, while the Wild Hearts S demo has gone live with full save compatibility. Fans won’t want to miss what’s shaping up to be a groundbreaking chapter for Donkey Kong and beyond.
(Source: GAMESPOT)
