In the final chapter of Donkey Kong Bananza, a surprising reveal brings back the iconic villain King K. Rool after 18 years. The game's eye-opening twist blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling, delighting longtime fans. This moment caps off the 2025 adventure with callbacks to classic Donkey Kong titles.
Donkey Kong Bananza, released in 2025, follows Donkey Kong and Pauline as they battle the Void Company and its leader, Void Kong, across layers of a planet in search of the Banandium Root. Throughout the game, subtle reptilian hints appear, including enemies resembling Kremlings from past Donkey Kong adventures, green treasure chests with crocodile teeth designs, and the Root itself evoking familiarity.
These elements build to Chapter 15's climactic boss fight against Void Kong. After a tough battle, Pauline saves Donkey Kong, mirroring his earlier rescue of her and completing her arc from a stage-frightened child to a confident performer. As the pair stands smiling, Void Kong charges the Root to claim its legendary wish-granting power. The screen fades to white, and a massive, vein-ridden green eyeball fills the view. A scaly green fist punches Void Kong away, revealing King K. Rool for the first time in 18 years.
K. Rool explains he and his Kremling crew were trapped underground while seeking the real Banandium Root. Freed by Donkey Kong's actions, he thanks them before jumping deeper into the planet's core to continue his quest, launching the game's endgame. Author Jason Fanelli describes the moment as evoking the thrill of a WWE return, like Stone Cold Steve Austin aiding Mankind in 1999, but with K. Rool's eye opening instead of breaking glass.
The subsequent Chapter 16 introduces a gauntlet of classic Kremling enemies, complete with original sound effects from the 1994 Super Nintendo game Donkey Kong Country: Kremlings emit an "awh" when punched, Zingers buzz statically, and Neckys squawk during charges. These foes, previously disguised as rock monsters, now attack openly. The level connects via mine cart rides amid a golden glow reminiscent of the original Banana Hoard.
K. Rool battles with his blunderbuss in a quick but fun encounter. Fake credits roll with Kremling names, a nod to past games, before he pursues in a jetpack chase backed by a hard rock rendition of "Gangplank Galleon," his theme from Donkey Kong Country. Emerging in New Donk City from Super Mario Odyssey, K. Rool floods the area with rotten bananas using the Root's power. Donkey Kong fights through Kremlings and mush to a final showdown, where K. Rool transforms into "K. Rool, King of Rot." Victory brings the true credits, wrapping the adventure.
Fanelli praises this as a masterclass in nostalgia, noting how Void Kong's insults echoed K. Rool's style, making the reveal a seamless memory lane trip that enhances the game's pure joy.
