Tag Archives: Donkey Kong

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo addressing about decisions behind Mario Kart Tour & the redesign of Donkey Kong

Nintendo’s redesign of Donkey Kong and the naming of Mario Kart World instead of “Mario Kart 9” have sparked discussions among fans. Here’s a deep dive into the reasoning behind these changes and their potential impact.

Nintendo’s Justification for Donkey Kong’s Redesign

Nintendo has opted for a modernized look for Donkey Kong, aligning his appearance with the version seen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. This redesign features:

  • Smoother facial features: His once furrowed brow has been softened, giving him a more approachable and expressive look.
  • Updated fur texture: More detailed rendering enhances realism while maintaining his classic charm.
  • Merchandise integration: Nintendo has introduced new Donkey Kong-themed products featuring this updated design.

Fans have had mixed reactions. Some appreciate the friendlier aesthetic, while others miss the classic rugged look that defined Donkey Kong for decades. Former Donkey Kong Country artist Kevin Bayliss responded to the redesign, stating, “Everything changes! Change is good!”.

The redesign hints at a larger focus on Donkey Kong in upcoming Nintendo projects. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, speculation suggests:

  • A new Donkey Kong game featuring the updated design.
  • Further integration of the character into Mario Kart World and other franchises.

Why “Mario Kart World” Instead of “Mario Kart 9”?

Nintendo’s decision to name the latest installment Mario Kart World instead of continuing the numbered sequence reflects a shift in vision. According to producer Kosuke Yabuki, the game aims to be more expansive, incorporating a global racing experience rather than just adding new tracks.

This change suggests:

  • A broader scope: Potentially featuring international circuits and new gameplay mechanics.
  • A fresh branding approach: Moving away from sequential numbering to emphasize evolution rather than iteration.

Nintendo’s approach to evolving its characters and franchises reflects its commitment to keeping them fresh and relevant. Whether fans embrace these changes or remain nostalgic for the past, one thing is certain—Donkey Kong and Mario Kart are entering a new era.

Nintendo Goes All In on Donkey Kong Redesign Seen in Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 First Look – IGN
Nintendo is going all in on the Donkey Kong redesign spotted by fans in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay debuted during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event.
Source/Via
Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo did it again with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD!

I guess that it takes long for Nintendo to be extremely careful as fan are as observers as ever, but due diligence seems to be annoying and with this, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remastered version of the original game developed by Retro Studios for the Wii and later ported to the 3DS.

The remaster was handled by Forever Entertainment, but when the credits rolled, the original Retro Studios team members were not individually credited

Instead of listing the names of the original developers, the credits simply stated: “Based on the work of the original development staff.” This has caused significant backlash from fans and former Retro Studios staff.

After this made enough sound, Nintendo issued a statement to Eurogamer, saying:

“We believe in giving proper credit for anyone involved in making or contributing to a game’s creation, and value the contributions that all staff make during the development process.”

However, they did not provide a detailed explanation for why the original team’s names were excluded.

This was brought to the general attention as actually, isn’t the first time Retro Studios has faced this issue. In early 2023, the developers behind Metroid Prime Remastered were also left out of the credits, leading to similar frustrations. Senior gameplay engineer Zoid Kirsch expressed his disappointment on social media, calling it “a travesty.”

And it baffles that Nintendo didn’t expect many fans and former Retro Studios staff have voiced their disappointment and frustration over the omission. They feel that the original team’s contributions are not being properly recognized.

Despite the backlash, Nintendo has maintained its stance on condensing the credits for an entire development team into one sentence. This decision has sparked a debate about how remastered games should credit their original creators.