Check Out Donkey Kong Bananza Featuring DK’s Classic Design

With all the buzz surrounding Donkey Kong’s revamped appearance in Donkey Kong Bananza, one creative artist decided to take a crack at envisioning how the iconic character might have looked in the upcoming Switch 2 game if Nintendo had opted for their classic design approach.

“I’m not a fan of how DK is depicted in Bananza, so I took it upon myself to tweak some of his quirky expressions to align more closely with Rare’s original design,” shared Felipe Valdés in an X post on April 20, inviting feedback from the community.

Valdés’ adjustments primarily focus on downsizing Donkey Kong’s oversized grin and transforming his soft, expressive eyebrows into something a bit more traditional and sturdy.

While the Bananza version of Donkey Kong is all about being fun and goofy, Valdés’ rendition channels a tough, nostalgic vibe reminiscent of Rare’s classics like Donkey Kong Country. As someone who appreciates the old school, I’m drawn to this style, even though I can see why Nintendo aimed for a more playful take in Bananza’s animations.

It’s crucial to remember, though, that these are static images. Although Valdés’ reinterpretations are impressive, the classic Rare design might not have meshed well with the stylistic goals Nintendo had in mind for Bananza. While it’s tempting to shout “Nintendo, hire this person,” we must recognize that crafting a video game is a complex and detailed endeavor. Even if some of us lean towards Donkey Kong’s vintage look, it’s essential to acknowledge the creative efforts of the Bananza development team, who have crafted a visually striking game.