When considering potential studios to work on a new Donkey Kong project, Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Albany) might not have been at the top of many lists. However, new details have come to light about a cancelled Donkey Kong project that the studio was working on. After collaborating with Nintendo on Skylanders: Superchargers, Vicarious Visions received developer kits for the Nintendo Switch and wanted to create something special for the platform. The project involved an open-world island setting for Donkey Kong, with a focus on character movement and fluidity.
One of the unique aspects of the cancelled Donkey Kong project was the introduction of innovative gameplay mechanics. In addition to the standard abilities like climbing walls and swinging on vines, Vicarious Visions incorporated a grinding mechanic inspired by their experience with Tony Hawk games. While this mechanic added a new dimension to the gameplay, there were concerns raised by none other than Miyamoto himself. He reportedly expressed worries about DK getting rope burn on his feet while grinding, leading to the creative solution of having DK wear makeshift banana peels for protection.
Aside from the gameplay mechanics, rumors swirled about other interesting aspects of the project. One such rumor was the inclusion of Pauline as a playable character, along with a storyline involving an ecological disaster in DK’s home. The project was initially codenamed ‘Donkey Kong Freedom’, but it was clarified that this was not the final title. Unfortunately, the game never saw the light of day due to Activision’s decision to cancel the project after only six months of development.
The Ultimate Decision
Despite the potential shown by the early stages of development, Activision made the call to pull the plug on the Donkey Kong project. The decline in sales of Skylanders led to a shift in focus away from single-player titles, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the game. This decision not only impacted the fate of the Donkey Kong project but also redirected Vicarious Visions towards other successful collaborations, such as assisting with the Destiny franchise and working on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.
The cancelled Donkey Kong project stands as a missed opportunity for both Vicarious Visions and fans of the franchise. The unique setting and gameplay mechanics could have offered a fresh take on the classic character, introducing new elements to the gameplay experience. While it’s disappointing that the game never came to fruition, it serves as a reminder of the challenges of game development and the delicate balance studios must strike to bring a project to completion.
The cancelled Donkey Kong project by Vicarious Visions represents a promising but ultimately unrealized vision for the iconic character. Despite the setbacks faced during development, the project showcased innovative ideas and a fresh approach to gameplay that could have captivated fans. While the game may never be released, its legacy lives on as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of the gaming industry.
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