Nintendo Confirms Pauline's Age in Donkey Kong Bananza — Leaving Fans Wondering Whether It's a Super Mario Odyssey Prequel, and If Mario Will Appear As a Potential Villain - IGN
The Mysterious Case of Pauline: Uncovering the Truth Behind Donkey Kong Bananza
In a shocking revelation, Nintendo has confirmed the age of one of its most iconic sidekicks, Pauline. For decades, fans have wondered about the young character's backstory and her place in the Donkey Kong franchise. With the recent announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza, many questions have been raised regarding Pauline's timeline and how it will intersect with previous titles.
Who is Pauline?
For those who may not be familiar, Pauline is a mainstay of the Donkey Kong franchise, having first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. She was introduced as the damsel in distress who gets kidnapped by the titular ape, and it's up to Jumpman (later renamed Mario) to rescue her.
The Confession
In a surprise move, Nintendo has confirmed that Pauline is now 25 years old, according to an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the creators of Donkey Kong. This revelation comes at a time when Bananza, a new game in the series, has sparked excitement among fans.
The Timeline Conundrum
So, what does this mean for Pauline's timeline? Fans have long wondered how she fits into the larger Donkey Kong narrative. With Bananza introducing a new storyline and characters, it's unclear how Pauline's age will intersect with previous titles.
- Donkey Kong (1981): In this original game, Pauline is introduced as a 21-year-old office worker who gets kidnapped by Donkey Kong. According to Miyamoto, she was actually supposed to be older than that in the final version of the game.
- Mario Bros. (1983): This side-scrolling platformer follows Mario and Luigi as they try to eliminate pests in the sewers beneath New York City. Pauline is not a character in this game.
- Donkey Kong Country (1994): In this prequel to Bananza, Donkey Kong is portrayed as a young ape who must rescue a group of baby Dinos from the clutches of King K. Rool.
The Bananza Connection
Bananza takes place in an unspecified era, with no clear connections to previous titles. However, it's possible that Pauline's 25-year-old age could be a key plot point. Will she play a role in rescuing Donkey Kong from his latest predicament?
- A New Era: The game's storyline hints at a new era for the franchise, with a focus on exploration and discovery. Could this be an opportunity to explore Pauline's backstory and her relationship with Donkey Kong?
- Pauline's Agency: With Bananza introducing a stronger narrative focus, it's possible that Pauline will take center stage in future titles. This would mark a significant shift from her damsel-in-distress status.
The Future of Pauline
As the franchise continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Pauline's age has opened up new possibilities for her character development. Will she become a more proactive player in the Donkey Kong universe?
- Exploring Her Backstory: A prequel or spin-off game could delve into Pauline's past, exploring her relationship with Donkey Kong and how it shaped her into the person we know today.
- A New Role: With Bananza marking a new beginning for the franchise, it's possible that Pauline will take on a more prominent role in future titles. Will she become a trusted ally to Donkey Kong or perhaps even his love interest?
Conclusion
The age of Pauline has sparked a renewed interest in the Donkey Kong franchise. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: this young character's timeline will be explored in greater depth than ever before.
With Bananza setting the stage for new adventures and possibilities, fans can't help but wonder what lies ahead for Pauline. Will she become a hero in her own right? Only time will tell.
What do you think about Pauline's age and its implications for the Donkey Kong franchise? Share your thoughts!
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