1332 - 40 Years of Rare

The Kongversation presents "The Elephant Kong" by David (Thomas) Lynch. What happens when Donkey Kong gets a trunk, promptly inhales some junk, and strips an entire sultry spa clean? You're going to shakey-shake your body when we discuss Donkey Kong Bananza's Tempest Layer, and if you don't, you are not a human being. You... are... an... animal. Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 903.

The Kongversation takes a look at Rare's 40th anniversary celebration! We discuss the surprise return of Conker's Pocket Tales, what went into Cameron and Dustin's own official art pieces, and what the studio has meant to us for the vast majority of our lives!

The Kongversation unwinds in the Resort Layer of Donkey Kong Bananza! We discuss the giant fruit, Liftoff Ore, the introduction of Collectone, and that surprise Donkey Kong 64 callback as Donkey Kong and Pauline bond in the salty shores and melon rind! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 800.

You can peck out any time you like, but you can never leave. The Kongversation reaches out and grabs ya with a detailed discussion between Hyle and Jeff on Donkey Kong Bananza's wonder-holed Forest Layer and the events of Sublayer 700! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 700.

The Kongversation Divides its time between Sublayer 400 and the Freezer Layer of Donkey Kong Bananza! And since there's a Freezer Layer, we had to have Freezer on as the co-host for this episode to figure out if the Zebras are getting milked and if DK is impressed with his horsey Bananza endowment! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 503.

Continuing the dive through Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyle and Malik discuss the Canyon Layer! The dusty refinery of the Banadium found across the Underground World, we ride its rails while pondering the absence of the Giraffes, the mystery of the Foreman, and whether or not one of its fossils actually came from Dinosaur Planet! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 302.

Welcome to the Fractone Appreciation Society! Hilltop Layer, Donkey Kong Bananza's second world, introduces us to the enigmatic rock people of the Underground World. Did they win over Hyle and Matt, or was all of our adoration reserved for the first 2D Challenge Course of the game? Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 200.

Hyle and Mitchell get into an in-depth discussion about Donkey Kong Bananza's Lagoon Layer! From the intricate brilliance of the game design that becomes apparent in the world to the reveal of Odd Rock's identity as Pauline, we fish up forks and spoons alike as we sing and wiggle about Sublayers 100 to 102! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 102.

Donkey Kong Bananza is here! Hyle and Dustin discuss their first thoughts on the long-awaited return of the Kong, including the game's controls, mechanics, and presentation, before mining up some 24-karat chat about the Ingot Isle prologue area! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 10.

The Kongversation discusses the July 2025 layoffs across Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios, which also impacted Rare, resulting in the cancellation of Everwild and the departure of several longtime creative talents at the studio.