Play Banana Prince Online

Summary

Banana Prince is a quirky NES platformer that first appeared in Japan in late 1991, courtesy of KID and Takara, before slipping into German stores a few months later with tweaked graphics and region‑specific quiz questions. The game’s charm lies in its blend of classic side‑scrolling action with a plant‑growing mechanic that lets you sprout foliage to reach hidden areas, while a relentless hunt for fruit fuels the score.

Bonus rounds break the pace with simple, multiple‑choice questions that feel like a retro game show, and the tight, responsive controls let the character’s varied animations shine across each colorful stage. Early reviews were split: some praised the fresh fruit‑collecting focus and solid gameplay, while others dismissed the audiovisual polish and clunky translation as “rather sloppy.”

Looking back, critics have grown kinder, noting the lack of flicker, smooth sound design, and overall creativity. Even comparisons to Kirby’s Adventure have surfaced, cementing Banana Prince as an above‑average, if overlooked, gem in the NES library.

Storyline

The Banana Prince, an island native, sets out to recover the weapons stolen from his home. Along the way he gathers companions and even takes part in a quirky game‑show that lets the player warp to another level. He carries a bag of seeds that can sprout a flower he can climb, and by collecting flower tokens he can grow larger blossoms to reach hidden platforms and doors. The game also features hidden platforms and special doors that require these flower tokens. In addition to his botanical tricks, the Banana Prince can wield the recovered weapons to aid his adventure.