New Donkey Kong Bananza game announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza Includes Fun Arcade Easter Egg

ByLiesel Booker

Donkey Kong Bananza looks like it will be a tribute to the Donkey Kong franchise. One of the main ways it pays such tribute is through the inclusion of the original arcade damsel Pauline as a major character. Ever since the character was featured in Super Mario Odyssey, she has been gaining a resurgence in popularity. Donkey Kong Bananza will also feature an easter egg that references both Super Mario Odyssey and the original Donkey Kong arcade game.

Donkey Kong Bananza Includes Pauline’s Dance

Young Pauline is doing her move from Odyssey, which itself is a reference to the Dk arcade game
byu/MRampo inNintendoSwitch2

According to The Gamer, Reddit users “IcyMeeting1051” and “Rampo” noticed Pauline doing a dance move from Super Mario Odyssey, which is, in turn, a reference to the movement Pauline makes in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. Pauline also performs the move in Super Mario Party Jamboree, which could mean that Nintendo is trying to make it her signature move.

Celebrating Donkey Kong’s Legacy

While fans are still confused about why Pauline is a child in Bananza, they are still eager to see her return. In addition to Pauline, Bananza will include other fan-favorite characters like Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong. There will be side-scrolling bonus rounds that resemble the classic Donkey Kong Country games, along with soundtrack samples from previous Donkey Kong games, such as the DK rap from Donkey Kong 64. Pauline’s dance move is yet another way that Bananza is a love letter to all things Donkey Kong.

Conclusion

I fell in love with young Pauline as soon as I saw the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, though I too wonder how her age fits in with the Donkey Kong timeline. Despite any chronological inconsistencies, I and many others are happy to see Pauline getting the spotlight in recent years after Nintendo ignored her for a long time. Her dance move could become her trademark, helping her to join Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina in the pantheon of Nintendo ladies.

Liesel Booker holds a master's degree in English Literature from Salisbury University, and she has loved reading and writing her whole life. She is an avid gamer with a special love for Nintendo and indie games. Her two adorable cats love to sit with her while she writes for Total Apex. She also really, really loves Star Wars, to the point where she is proud to call herself a geek.

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