Nintendo's latest DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza left me feeling underwhelmed, yet the addictive roguelike game mode has me constantly returning.
In the jungle-filled world of Donkey Kong Bananza, a new adventure awaits players with the release of the Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC. This exciting expansion, developed by Nintendo, introduces a reimagined version of Donkey Kong's homeland, DK Island, and a thrilling new game mode called Emerald Rush.
DK Island, a revisitation of Donkey Kong's homeland as seen in SNES and N64-era games, leaves a bit to be desired for some players. While it lacks Banandium Gems to collect and only includes bonus stages recycled from the main game, it serves as a faithful recreation of the classic Donkey Kong environment.
The star of the show, however, is the Emerald Rush mode. In this mode, Donkey Kong is hired by the game's villain, Void Kong, to collect newly discovered emeralds as part of Void Co's mining operations. Players must roam the land over the course of a run, consisting of multiple rounds, smashing through enemies and terrain to gather emeralds.
Emerald Rush offers overall records, with higher difficulties, more rounds, and limited access to transport barrels and Bananza abilities. The mode also introduces a skill tree that players can clear by completing missions and finding fossils. Each mission completed and fossil found offers a choice between three skills to power up Donkey Kong.
Leveling up the Void Co employee card unlocks new perks, levels, and outfits. Void Kong provides missions throughout Emerald Rush, offering bonus gems, banana chips, and skills. Completing missions in Emerald Rush results in the clearing of the skill tree, requiring emerald banana chips or smashing specific Emerald Banandium Gems to regain abilities.
Moving around as the big ape, rolling, jumping, and using chunks of land to surf feels exceptional in Donkey Kong Bananza. The ability to destroy terrain and smash through enemies makes for one of the most satisfying platformer characters ever made. Emerald Rush makes great use of DK Island, but becomes truly elite when applied to other Bananza maps.
In other Bananza maps, Bananas and Emerald Deposits are more spread out, and Void Kong's missions become harder due to the presence of hidden characters like Cranky Kong. Emerald Rush provides a reason to continue playing Donkey Kong Bananza after completing the main game, offering a fresh and challenging experience.
Upon its announcement during the Nintendo Direct, the author was initially excited for DK Island, despite it being part of a $20 DLC. Donkey Kong Bananza, already the author's favourite game of 2025, benefits greatly from the addition of the Emerald Rush mode, providing an ape-tacular new way to enjoy the game.
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