Nintendo reveals new Donkey Kong Bananza story and gameplay details

Nintendo’s latest Direct has unveiled a ton of new gameplay and story details for Donkey Kong Bananza, the beloved gorilla’s upcoming 3D platforming return arriving on July 17.

The details:

• In the Direct, it was revealed that Donkey Kong will be accompanied on his journey by a younger version of Pauline, the long-time series singer and, most recently, the mayor of Super Mario Odyssey’s New Donk City. However, she will be first introduced as “Odd Rock,” a strange purple rock that was seen in the game’s initial reveal.
• Pauline will provide the ability for Donkey Kong to transform into different creatures by singing songs learned from the Giant Elders. These transformations allow DK to gain new abilities temporarily, such as flying by becoming an ostrich, therefore granting access to previously inaccessible locations.
• Throughout the game, DK can also upgrade his skills by collecting Banandium Gems, which can be found in hidden locations and earned through Challenge Course Ruins. Much like recent Zelda games, both DK and Pauline can acquire new outfits, providing buffs and more.
• Bananza will offer a two-player co-op mode where a second player can control Pauline and destroy objects by using the Switch 2 Joy-Con’s mouse mode. It also features “DK Artist,” a strange mode that allows players to paint and create rock sculptures.

More gaming news:

• Bungie has announced that Marathon has been indefinitely delayed.
• Game modding website Nexus Mods has been sold for the first time in 24 years, but its users are concerned about its new undisclosed ownership.