Donkey Kong Bananza – DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC Impressions
One of the biggest surprises of Friday’s Nintendo Direct was that Donkey Kong Bananza was getting paid DLC. Not only that but it actually came out on Friday too. I managed to pick it up and have some impressions of it so far.
When I saw that Donkey Kong Bananza was getting paid DLC, the DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC, I knew I had to get it. Thankfully I managed to pick it up. Here are my thoughts so far on the expansion!
DK Island is the new area in the Donkey Kong Bananza expansion. This area isn’t as big as other areas in this game, however it is pretty neat. I love being able to visit Donkey Kong’s home, buy statues, ride the minecart and explore the surrounding area. I don’t think I’ve found all of the secrets of the island yet either.
The main attraction for the DLC is Emerald Rush though. As long as you’ve beaten the main game (which I have), Void Kong will show up on the island. He hires you to work for him and collect Emeralds in a new mode called Emerald Rush.
Basically this mode is a timed roguelike mode. The goal is to collect a certain amount of Emeralds within a time limit. You have to get around the island quickly, sometimes using a limited amount of given warp barrels. To help you, you’ll find special stones that give you random perks that help with challenges and emerald collecting. Your abilities-amount of health and such, will be reset each time you play.
Emerald Rush is super addictive. Its so much fun collecting as many emeralds as you can and there are special challenges to take on, like destroying some enemies or giving one or your friends a high five, that make things even crazier. Plus, you get points at the end of each Emerald Rush run and that’ll unlock special rewards like clothes…and Emerald Rush in new layers!
Thats right: Emerald Rush isn’t limited to DK Island. You’ll unlock the mode in new layers and that brings the fun of the DLC to bigger areas and things start to get even more challenging. whew
Overall, I’m pretty happy with the new DLC. I do wish DK Island was a bit bigger but Emerald Rush adds so much more replay value to Donkey Kong Bananza. Now there’s the post-game and the amazing Emerald Rush mode! Wow. Love it.
I also wonder if even more DLC will be added to this game. With the way the menu works as you visit layers, its very possible. Time will tell. I think this DLC is absolutely worth getting if you love Bananza and wanted more to play. It was such a cool surprise from the Direct!
Donkey Kong Bananza is a really great game. If you have a Switch 2 and haven’t played it yet, there is a free demo for you to check out too. Go check that out and then get this game. Its so much fun.
Article By Daniel Fugate
