Gameplay-wise it barely resembles Donkey Kong anyway I think. Like none of the mechanics are really something you'd associate with him. In general the whole gold mining thing seemed like they initially planned out a Wario game and changed it later on, lol.
That’s true
That actually makes a lot of sense. Which now gas me looking at Nintendo crazy lol
Nintendo's internal teams really do their own thing. I think Retro and especially Rare really being more flavor. EPD did Jungle Beat too which echoes a few gameplay choices on Bananza.