Nintendo has always been about fun, creativity, and innovation — especially in games like Donkey Kong Bananza, a fresh and exciting take on the DK universe. But for one parent, something about the game stood out in a surprising way. This isn’t just a review of gameplay mechanics or design. It’s about something deeper: communication. Why does Donkey Kong still not speak in full sentences in a game made for modern players?
If you're a parent with a young gamer in the house, this might hit home. Let’s explore how Donkey Kong Bananza lands with a new generation and why its language style may be its only banana peel.
A Game Made for New Fans
Donkey Kong Bananza feels like it was made with kids in mind. From bright colors and charming characters to fun action and humor, it’s perfect for young players discovering DK’s world for the first time.
The release also couldn’t come at a better time. With the Super Mario Bros. Movie becoming a family favorite and a Donkey Kong movie on the way, many kids now meet Mario, DK, and friends through TV screens, not old-school consoles.
To young players, Donkey Kong isn’t just a video game character — he’s a movie star.
In this game, DK is joined by Pauline, the classic damsel from the original arcade game, who now returns with a voice, attitude, and style that’s more powerful than ever. Together, they make a memorable team. But only one of them speaks English.
The Language Gap: A Real Problem?
Nintendo has often used text-based dialogue, silly sounds, or gibberish “voices” instead of full voice acting. That’s fine for older kids or adults. But for a 4-year-old who can’t read yet, the world of DK Bananza can feel like watching a silent movie.
In this game, DK, Cranky, and even villains all speak in noises. Their mouths move, the emotions are clear, but their words? Unclear. Subtitles appear — and unless your kid is already reading, those don’t help much.
Now, here’s the odd part: Pauline speaks fluent English.
She’ll talk directly to the other characters, who reply in made-up sounds. It creates a strange moment where it feels like two different worlds are colliding.
As a parent watching alongside your child, you might ask:
Why does only one character speak normally?
A Child’s View of DK Bananza
The writer’s young daughter is a perfect example. To her, Donkey Kong isn’t just a game character — he’s “the monkey from the movie.” She’s thrilled to see Pauline join him. She even tried to play the game herself, despite the complex controls.
But she ran into a wall:
“Why can’t they just talk, Daddy?”
And honestly, it’s a fair question. For a company that does so much right, why is Nintendo still holding on to this old-style communication method?
Nintendo's History With Gibberish Speech
This isn’t just a Donkey Kong Bananza issue. Nintendo’s been doing this for years.
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In The Legend of Zelda, Link doesn’t talk.
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In Animal Crossing, villagers speak in a cute but unreadable “animalese.”
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Bowser in Mario games roars or grunts, not speaks.
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In Pikmin, the creatures squeak or buzz.
Nintendo seems to love letting players fill in the blanks. Sometimes that works. But in a character-driven story game like DK Bananza, it might be time to reconsider.
Why This Matters for Young Gamers
A lot of parents are introducing their kids to gaming through Nintendo. It’s safe, colorful, fun — and often educational. Reading text in games is great for building vocabulary. But for kids who can’t read yet, having no real voices can make the story harder to follow.
Worse, they may feel left out.
Games like Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, or even LEGO titles include full voice acting. They speak in full English sentences, guiding young players through the action. Nintendo risks falling behind in this area.
The Case for More Voices
Donkey Kong Bananza does so many things right:
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Amazing animation
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Beautiful design
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Charming characters
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A fun story with humor and heart
So why not go the extra step and add voice acting?
It could help:
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New readers follow the story
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Parents enjoy watching along
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The DK universe grow in ways that connect across generations
Adding full voices doesn’t mean removing charm. It means more kids can connect with the story — especially if they already know these characters from movies.
The Future of DK: A Brighter (and Louder) One?
With a Donkey Kong movie coming soon, it’s clear Nintendo is ready to take DK to a wider audience. And in that world, voice acting is the standard. Kids now expect it.
Imagine how powerful it would be for the next DK game to let Donkey Kong speak. Not too much, just enough to help kids understand, laugh, and follow along. Even short phrases would make a difference.
Nintendo can still keep its signature style — cute, funny, and family-friendly — while giving its younger fans a little help.
Final Thoughts
Donkey Kong Bananza is a wonderful, exciting game. It brings a classic character to a new generation with style and heart. But for young kids, the lack of real voices makes the experience harder to follow.
As a parent, it’s a reminder that games are not just for us anymore. They’re for the kids watching, learning, and growing up with Donkey Kong as their hero.
So come on, Nintendo — let the monkey talk.