We've got a new feature for our interview spotlight with our friends from the Indie Retro Homebrew Showcase at Super MAGFest 2025, and today, we have the winner of Best Gameplay, the action puzzle game Banana Bash! by Brian Flanagan, and Robbie Dieterich. This reimagined Japanese folk tale is brought to life in an 8-bit world that blends classic action-puzzle mechanics with unforgettable charm. The game gives a funky remix to an ancient legend, turning it into an adventure brimming with vibrant, ultra high quality pixel art, wacky characters, and a head bobbing soundtrack like nothing you've heard on the NES!

Time to look into the development of the game! 

Tell us about how your game was born.    

Brian, and Robbie: "I took a simple, familiar mechanic and pushed it to its limits, exploring every way to keep it fresh and engaging.

The game is a remix of Japanese folklore, (loosely) inspired by an ancient Japanese legend that shapes its world and aesthetic."

What was the development like?

"Long, way too long! But had we rushed it, it wouldn't be the game it is now."

What's your favorite memory as a gamer?

"Late ‘80s arcades—the thrill of walking in and discovering something completely new, with no previews or spoilers. Every game was a surprise, and that sense of discovery was pure magic."

What games influenced Banana Bash! the most?

"Games like Don Doko Don, Snow Bros., Bubble Bobble, and Rainbow Islands were major influences. Their tight mechanics, creative level design, all played a role in shaping the game."

Any fun stories or wild moments during development?

"Not exactly wild, but bringing in my former iNiS programming compatriots to help finish the game was a lifesaver. Their expertise and camaraderie made all the difference.

Also seeing what our hired gun, Antoine did for the water effects was a major boost!"

Do you think preserving older gameplay mechanics in new games is important?

"Definitely! Especially in 2D games, where movement is still mainly limited to two axes, looking to the past is key to shaping the future. Retro mechanics provide a foundation that can be refined and reimagined in new ways."

What makes this game unique?

"The game stands out with its unique mechanics and a super poppy soundtrack featuring genres like disco, ’60s pop, and ska styles rarely, if ever, heard in NES games. We also have a vs. battle mode!"

Anything else you'd like to add? Promote?

"Huge thanks to Mega Cat for giving us a spotlight, and a fistbump to the judges for voting us with for gameplay! 

I hope you all enjoy our homage to ’90s arcade action! We’ve poured our hearts into this game, packing in tough bosses, rewarding endings, and nonstop fun. If you’re excited to play, you can register your interest on our Kickstarter."

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Join Ooki the monkey on a whimsical journey across a mysterious island to reclaim his stolen bananas from a cunning clan of crabs! Navigate through lush jungles, sandy beaches, deep lakes, and perilous oceans, each filled with its own surprises. But beware: the crabs are calling in backup—bigger, tougher family members who’ll stop at nothing to keep Ooki away!

Jump, punch, smash, warp, and swim through mind-bending traps and puzzles. Will you outwit the crab clan and reclaim your treasure? Embark on this epic journey in Banana Bash! and rewrite a legendary tale, 8-bit style!

Follow Work3 Studio on X to get more updates about the game! Follow Banana Bash! on Kickstarter to get notified of its launch

Watch Banana Bash! trailer here: