Destruction is the constant in Donkey Kong Bananza. Most of the time, you can punch your way through problems, earning mountains of gold as a reward. The concept is simple, supported by a chaotic and violent energy that’s expected from a game where Donkey Kong smashes, punches, and throws large chunks of rock at everything in sight. But behind all the fur and muscles, there’s a softie heart capable of doing the impossible — and it’s all to help his little friend Pauline.
Donkey Kong is obviously a big and strong dude, a fact he goes to lengths to ensure no one forgets. He’s always digging holes — central to the “dudes rock” identity. Just look how much time he’s willing to spend just making more holes on the ground, on the walls, even on the little Fractones who try to show him directions. What’s more, DK has plenty of opportunity in Bananza to show off a flamboyant side when changing into the musical, flashy Bananza transformations. Maybe some sleek moves with the Snake Bananza, or an elegant performance as Ostrich Bananza. But no! All of his Bananza forms are angry beefy animals who look like they came out of the banner of a jiu-jitsu academy.
What DK needed was a change to prove life is more than just bananas and tunnels. Pauline makes DK’s softer side bloom because she rocks — even after she stops being a literal rock. Pauline brings to our little old overworked DK the bump of energy that comes from those who allow themselves to enjoy life: teenagers. It’s this pump of energy that makes Donkey Kong pursue Void through multiple layers (some with sublayers!) Sure, Bananza ostensibly tells us DK is only going on the adventure to get literal hundreds of bananas. But let’s be real. My big guy is doing it mostly because Pauline counts on him to help her get back to the surface.
Pauline is still a kid and, although she’s facing quite an adventure, I don’t think she would have the mental endurance to face the situation by herself. I worked teaching teenagers for ten years of my life, so I know that they can handle a lot, but by and large they can’t handle everything by themselves. Donkey Kong becomes an emotional support to Pauline. She’s still learning to trust in herself and her abilities. (See, for instance, how much support she needs when grabbing the microphone to perform the Bananza songs for the first time.) However, all it takes is for DK to slam his gigantic hands on his chest, giving her the beat, for Pauline to find the strength to put her music in the world.
It’s the fun moments that Pauline and DK share as friends that allow us to see how sweet our big guy really is. DK starts dying his fur while simultaneously expanding his collection of cool pants and funny ties. He’ss even willing to wear matching outfits, and you can’t convince me that this was not one of Pauline’s ideas. They have short talks before going to bed, where Pauline always has a witty observation to share with DK, who’s probably just staying awake to listen to his friend’s comments on the exciting world she’s been learning about. No punches, only funsies. I can definitely see them coming up with silly plans late at night, like when Pauline decides she wants to wear ties like DK but can’t tie one by herself.
The experience of just going with the flow and accepting the whims of a kid just to make them happy is relatable. Without Pauline, Donkey Kong Bananza would be a chaotic experience. But her attitude and friendship with DK show that a giant primate’s heart can be as big as his biceps.
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