Simian Slam

The Simian Slam (Buttus Bashium, lit. "butt bash") is a move performed by the Kongs in Donkey Kong 64. To perform it, the Kong must jump in the air, and while the Kong is airborne, the player must press to make them slam on the ground, which also generates a small, surrounding green shockwave. The move is primarily used for pounding Kong Switches, though it can also be used to attack enemies. Simian Slam acts as the game's equivalent to Ground Pound from the Super Mario series.

Simian Slam is the first move learned at Cranky's Lab, and the only one that can be learned for free. Donkey Kong learns the Simian Slam at the start of his adventure, inside the head of Kong Isle. Cranky Kong only allows Donkey Kong to learn Simian Slam after he completes his four Training Barrel challenges. Donkey Kong cannot leave Kong Isle without learning Simian Slam, which he must use to open a wooden gate blocking the exit of Kong Isle.

Starting with Fungi Forest, the Kongs can purchase the Super Simian Slam (scientific name: Big Buttus Bashium, lit "big butt bash") for five Banana Bunch Coins at Cranky's Lab. The Super Simian Slam replaces the original Simian Slam. It can activate blue Kong Switches along with the regular ones. It is otherwise functionally the same except that it emits a blue, slightly stronger shockwave. It also shows an aesthetic of green and purple stars.

Starting with Creepy Castle, the Kongs can purchase the Super Duper Simian Slam (scientific name: Bigga Buttus Bashium, lit. "bigger butt bash") from Cranky's Lab for nine Banana Bunch Coins. The move is necessary for pounding red Kong Switches, which the other two Simian Slams cannot hit. The Super Duper Simian Slam generates a red shockwave that is slightly larger than the blue shockwave of the Super Simian Slam. Like the Super Simian Slam, it also displays a minor aesthetic of small stars except it also shows sparks.

Despite being upgrades, the Super Simian Slam and the Super Duper Simian Slam give as much damage to enemies as the regular Simian Slam. The three Simian Slams are the only moves at Cranky's Lab that apply to every Kong.

In the Donkey Kong in When the Banana Splits comic, Donkey Kong managed to defeat King K. Rool by Simian Slamming him. Both Donkey Kong's and Chunky Kong's variant of the Super Duper Simian Slam were also featured in the Donkey Kong Country trading card game based on the eponymous animated TV show.

Trivia

 * Chunky Kong's Super Duper Simian Slam can be seen during the DK Rap scene during his verse. Donkey Kong's Super Simian Slam is seen in Jungle Japes' intro cutscene except that Donkey Kong does not perform a front flip.

Simian Slam