As anticipation builds for the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, an intriguing interview with Kenta Motokura, the game’s producer, and Kazuya Takahashi, the director, has surfaced from Rolling Stone. The developers pulled back the curtain on their creative process, revealing fascinating insights about the game’s unique characters, particularly Pauline’s notable role alongside Donkey Kong.
While they held back on details regarding Pauline’s new child form, they delved into her significance within the game’s narrative. Interestingly, she wasn’t always the primary choice as Donkey Kong’s companion during the brainstorming phase. Motokura shared a pivotal moment in their design journey: “One of our concept artists illustrated a whimsical image of Donkey Kong transforming into a zebra. This concept inspired us to collaborate with our composer to craft a soundtrack that echoed this transformation. It sparked an idea for Pauline to lend her voice to the game. Once we made that decision, it felt like everything else began to fall into place.”
With the story populated by a variety of non-human characters, such as the enigmatic Void Company and whimsical fractone villagers, the inclusion of Pauline—who speaks English—brings a refreshing layer of relatability. Takahashi explained, “Having Pauline as a human character is incredibly beneficial. Her ability to communicate in English allows players to connect more deeply, especially during her musical segments.” This distinct vocal presence not only distinguishes her but also enriches the overall storytelling experience, drawing players into the narrative during cutscenes and gameplay alike.
Moreover, Pauline’s enchanting voice underscores the game’s musical focus, a foundational element of the Donkey Kong franchise. Motokura expressed, “Music has always been a vital aspect of our world, feeding into our design discussions. In Donkey Kong Bananza, sound transcends mere background ambiance; it plays an integral role in guiding players through levels, unlocking hidden mechanisms, and enhancing Donkey Kong’s abilities.”