By Emma Reynolds 
Grab your controller, put on your headset and prepare to delve deep into the pixelated jungle of Nintendo’s cult classic, Donkey Kong Bananza. Today, we’re not talking about the addictive gameplay, nor are we discussing the iconic characters. Instead, let’s turn our attention to something slightly unconventional yet utterly captivating – the art of villainous monologues.
These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill, mustache-twirling villains. Oh no, dear readers. These are foes that express their wicked intentions and dastardly plans in great, theatrical detail. The monologuing villain is a staple of storytelling that has been embraced in Donkey Kong Bananza, and it’s one that has me hooked.
In a game where bananas and barrel-throwing apes are the norm, it may seem strange to focus on the spoken word. However, there’s a certain charm to the verbose villains of this game. Every utterance, every cunningly crafted sentence, adds a new layer to the narrative, making the villains more menacing and the gameplay more engrossing.
However, as I navigated my way through this symphony of villainous verbosity, I found myself craving something more. While the text-based monologues are great, imagine the impact of these speeches if they were fully voice acted. A voice can bring a character to life, giving them depth and personality that text alone cannot provide.
It’s time for Nintendo to step up their game. Yes, we adore the iconic “It’s-a me, Mario!” and the adorable noises of the Pokémon universe. But wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could actually hear the villainous taunts in Donkey Kong Bananza? To hear the sneer in their voice as they lay out their plans, or the manic laughter as they believe they’ve finally bested our hero?
As a dedicated gamer and avid lover of story, I believe in the power of the spoken word. In the realm of video games, where immersion is the name of the game, voice acting is the logical next step. It’s a bold move, for sure, but one that could significantly elevate the gaming experience.
So, Nintendo, it’s time to truly embrace fully voice acted characters. Let’s hear the villains in all their wicked glory. It’s time to bring our games to life in a way that text alone can’t. A chorus of voices is waiting in the wings, ready to take the world of Donkey Kong Bananza – and indeed, the entirety of Nintendo’s beloved universe – to the next level.