DK's Spectacular Bananzas

How about that Donkey Kong Bananza? Despite taking umbrage with one aspect, I thoroughly enjoyed it! And why wouldn’t I? It not only combines destruction with singing, which surprisingly works, it’s also a great time. It might even be my favourite Donkey Kong game! However, its best element is the Bananza transformations, each of which is a different animal and has a corresponding tune that Pauline sings. Why not rank them?

By the way, spoilers ahead. If you haven’t played it and are on the fence, I suggest trying out Donkey Kong Bananza for yourself first.

5. Zebra Bananza:

This is my least-favourite Bananza. Yes, the design looks bonkers, as zebras don’t walk on their hind legs. Yes, the song that Pauline sings is a banger. And yes, dashing over collapsing bridges is great. But aside from that, what does it truly accomplish?

I know this’ll upset fans of it, but the Zebra Bananza’s lame in relation to the others. It might allow me to run quickly, especially when platforms are flimsy, but still. What does being a ridiculously-shaped zebra offer that other Bananzas don’t? Even in combat, the Zebra Bananza pales to the others. All it can do is punch faster, and that’s not exciting.

I’ll give it this: aside from its design, having a buff marathon runner as a Bananza is neat. It might be impractical for everything else, but it can actually evade attacks. It’s also funny that you acquire it in the Ice Layer, as zebras aren’t cold weather animals. Nevertheless, this is the Bananza I go back to the least. Sorry.

4. Snake Bananza:

Ignoring the Zebra Bananza, the Snake Bananza isn’t all that impressive. It’s the final Bananza you acquire, and it feels like it was included only because the developers had room for one more. However, whereas the Zebra Bananza feels lacking, the Snake Bananza has several advantages. Never mind that it also looks cool, being a coiled snake with arms. What could it have that stands out?

Two features. The first involves slowing down time. It’s not immediate, and it doesn’t last long, but slowing down time in combat can be an asset with fast-moving enemies. I initially found myself using it quite a bit after acquiring it, as many of the enemies moved too quickly in real time. It also allowed me to get past a part that actually required it, as it had many obstacles that forced me to slow down time. It wasn’t perfect, but it helped.

The second feature involves spring jumping/double jumping. This might not seem so big at first, but it comes in handy in hard to reach places. Similarly, the Snake Bananza can shatter through platforms that wouldn’t crumble otherwise while jumping or landing. So while not the best Bananza, feeling like an afterthought, I prefer it to the Zebra Bananza. Also, the matching tune has Pauline rapping lyrics at one point.

3. Ostrich Bananza:

The only bird, the Ostrich Bananza’s a conundrum: on one hand, ostriches can’t fly, making the flying Bananza into one big head-scratcher. On the other hand, I’ve never understood why ostriches are flightless birds, so this is the ultimate power fantasy. Besides, Pauline calls out the ridiculousness of the Ostrich Bananza’s powers, so the game’s self-aware. The Ostrich Bananza being a decent power-up helps.

Perhaps the selling point, as I said previously, is flying. Not long distances, but the ability to fly gives the Ostrich Bananza an advantage with far away platforms. The Ostrich Bananza can also dive-bomb enemies in the air, made easier by being carried higher with fans. It’s nice having the Ostrich Bananza be aviation-friendly, allowing you to avoid attacks in midair. It also has a funky beat to compliment it.

My one critique of the Ostrich Bananza involves its egg bombs. I don’t understand how they work. You get several to use, and while not entirely useless, the eggs aren’t always effective. I found myself preferring to use chunks of broken ground instead, as those are easier to understand. But I guess old habits die hard, right? It’s still a cool Bananza.

2. DK Bananza:

The first Bananza you acquire, the DK Bananza, catchiness of its melody aside, is a beast to have in your arsenal. Not only is it an overpowered brawler, being excellent for hand-to-hand combat, it can also punch through barriers you can’t break otherwise. I found myself switching between it and one other Bananza in the latter part of the game because of how powerful it is, taking out baddies with a charged punch. The DK Bananza can also send boulders flying.

Actually, let’s zone in on that. In a later level, I found myself confronted by a giant boulder I couldn’t move. I needed to get rid of it, but nothing worked…until I used a charged punch. This wasn’t only satisfying, it helped me prepare for the upcoming boss, as my opponent tossed boulders frequently. Using a charged punch from the DK Bananza was, therefore, useful, even if I learned I could do that late.

Above everything, the DK Bananza’s an overpowered and effective brawler. Need to beat enemies quickly? Activate the DK Bananza. Need to break through a wall? Activate the DK Bananza. Need to deliver a powerful punch? You know what to do. Bless the DK Bananza!

1. Elephant Bananza:

The Elephant Bananza’s my favourite. Right when I saw its powers, as well as heard its tune, I knew I was in for a treat. My only regret was not having access to it earlier. Seriously, a Bananza that doubles as a vacuum cleaner? And an efficient one? Sign me up!

The Elephant Bananza’s greatest asset’s its trunk. Why? Because it can inhale matter. This is helpful because some matter, like volcanic ash and thorns, is harmful if you come in contact with it, so inhaling it becomes a priority. It’s super helpful.

Additionally, the Elephant Bananza converts inhaled matter into boulders to toss at enemies. And it can whip out 10 boulders per transformation. This is a necessity later on, especially with more difficult enemies and bosses. I often found myself toggling back-and-forth between the Elephant and DK Bananzas to make my life easier, with the former my immediate go-to for clearing paths. It’s also why the Elephant Bananza’s my favourite one.

And that about does it for this! Now then, about that mysterious Lion Bananza…