Pauline
The Musical Mayor
🎤 About Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline
Pauline is a remarkable character in Donkey Kong Bananza who has evolved from a damsel in distress to a powerful ally and leader. Originally appearing as the kidnapped girlfriend in the 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game, this Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline has transformed into a confident, capable woman with extraordinary musical abilities that make her essential to the underground adventure.
As the former mayor of New Donk City, Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep connection to music and performance. Her powerful singing voice in Donkey Kong Bananza isn't just for entertainment—it possesses genuine magical properties that can heal allies, solve puzzles, and even control certain environmental elements throughout the underground layers.
In Donkey Kong Bananza, Pauline joins DK on his most challenging adventure yet, venturing into the 17 underground layers of DK Island. Her musical abilities prove essential for triggering DK's transformation powers and unlocking the secrets hidden in the deepest reaches of the island. Every Donkey Kong Bananza adventure showcases Pauline's evolution as the ultimate musical ally.
🎵 Abilities & Powers
Musical Magic
MusicalPauline can use her powerful singing voice to create magical effects, solve puzzles, and heal allies.
Voice Commands
MusicalHer vocal abilities can activate switches, open doors, and control certain environmental elements.
Melody Healing
SupportCan sing soothing melodies that restore health to wounded allies and calm hostile creatures.
Rhythm Boost
SupportProvides temporary speed and agility boosts to allies through energetic musical performances.
Sonic Blast
CombatCan project powerful sound waves that can break obstacles and stun enemies.
Musical Transformation
SupportIn Bananza, can trigger special transformation sequences for DK through coordinated musical cues.
Leadership
SocialFormer mayor of New Donk City, skilled at organizing and coordinating group efforts.
Acrobatic Skills
PhysicalSurprisingly agile and athletic, capable of navigating challenging terrain alongside the Kong family.
👥 Relationships
Donkey Kong
Ally & Friend
Once a damsel in distress, now a powerful ally who helps DK in his adventures. Their friendship has evolved significantly since the arcade days.
Cranky Kong
Old Acquaintance
Pauline remembers the original Donkey Kong (Cranky) from their arcade encounters. Their relationship is now more respectful and cordial.
King K. Rool
Enemy
As an ally of DK, Pauline opposes K. Rool and his schemes. Her musical abilities prove surprisingly effective against Kremling forces.
VoidCo
Corporate Opposition
As a former mayor, Pauline is naturally opposed to VoidCo's corporate exploitation of natural resources and communities.
📚 History
Arcade Era (1981)
Pauline first appeared as the damsel in distress in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, where she was kidnapped by the original DK.
Hiatus Period (1982-2017)
Pauline largely disappeared from the series, with Princess Peach taking over as the main female character in most Nintendo games.
Odyssey Revival (2017)
Made a triumphant return in Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City, showcasing her musical talents and leadership skills.
Modern Era (2017-2024)
Appeared in various Mario games including Mario Kart Tour and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, establishing her as a recurring character.
Bananza Era (2025)
Joins DK in his deepest adventure yet, using her musical abilities to help unlock the mysteries of the 777 underground layers.
🎮 Donkey Kong Bananza Features
Musical Puzzles
Pauline can solve unique musical puzzles that only respond to her voice, unlocking secret areas and passages.
Transformation Triggers
Her songs can trigger DK's transformation abilities, allowing for powerful combination attacks and special moves.
Healing Melodies
Can restore health to the party and provide temporary protective buffs through her soothing musical performances.
Environmental Control
Certain environmental elements like moving platforms and mechanical devices respond to her vocal commands.