When a new Nintendo console launches, it’s usually accompanied by a platformer starring a certain Italian plumber. But for Nintendo Switch 2, the moustached hero is busy kissing apexes and dodging blue shells in Mario Kart World, leaving room for another IP to take the spotlight. Enter Donkey Kong, returning with his first internally developed Nintendo title in 21 years: Donkey Kong Bananza.
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It’s worth noting that the team behind this new adventure also created Super Mario Odyssey in 2017, arguably the greatest 3D platformer ever made. So yes, it’s in good hands, though it has some big shoes to fill.
Fresh Identity
The game builds on Odyssey’s foundations but isn’t afraid to tweak, expand, or even break them. It carves out a fresh identity in the 3D platforming genre, where exploring and doing the unexpected often leads to rewards. Thinking outside the box is encouraged.
Bananza’s standout feature is its fully destructible world. You can rip, punch, bash and grab your way through environments, even weaponising rocks to forge new paths. It’s a system that offers genuine freedom, you can go wherever you like.
Free Simian
You might think this freedom compromises Nintendo’s signature level design, but surprisingly, it doesn’t. The game anticipates your wild moves and seems prepared for every possibility.
This becomes clear in how it handles collectibles and secrets. In most games, they’d be hidden away obscurely, but here they’re cleverly placed. The game gently nudges you in the right direction without being heavy-handed.
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Destruction is woven into the gameplay too. You’ll use it to solve puzzles, fight enemies, or simply have fun. But even if you play more conservatively, you’ll discover rich, complex sandboxes and beautifully crafted levels that invite hours of exploration.
There are also “challenge rooms” offering rewards for completion. These test your skills across platforming, destruction and combat.
Side Content
When not smashing things up, you’ll encounter NPCs and small villages, much like in Odyssey. These often offer side quests or shops where you can gear up with new items.
You’ll also unlock a skill tree by collecting five Banandium Gems, this game’s version of Mario’s Moon Stones. The tree includes buffs like extra health and stronger attacks, plus new abilities such as surfing across water on grabbed stones.
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It’s a welcome addition that adds depth and meaningful rewards for your efforts, something past Nintendo titles haven’t always nailed.
Surprising Story
While the gameplay shines, the story is also impressively handled. It might be the most narrative-driven Nintendo title in years, fully voiced (mostly in monkey chatter).
The tale begins simply: Donkey Kong travels to Ingot Isle after discovering the Banandium Gems. A massive storm sweeps him underground into a hidden world ruled by the villainous corporation VoidCo.
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VoidCo is led by Void Kong, alongside Grumpy Kong and Poppy Kong. They’ve stolen the Banandium Gems and are racing to the planet’s core, believing it will grant any wish.
Donkey Kong isn’t alone, of course. He finds Pauline (yes, the singer from Odyssey) trapped inside a mysterious “Odd Rock.” Once freed, she joins your mission.
Pauline’s singing unlocks Donkey Kong’s Bananza Transformation skill. You can become Kong Bananza for brute strength, Zebra Bananza for speed, or Ostrich Bananza for flight and egg attacks.
These transformations evolve as you progress, and you can combine them for impressive results.
Switch 2 Showcase
Visually, the game is stunning, a true showcase for the Switch 2’s capabilities. It’s one you’ll want to show off to your mates.
The sound design is classic Nintendo: upbeat and joyful, but tense when needed. Pauline is the only character who speaks English.
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The only issue I encountered was the camera system early on. It felt clunky, especially when digging through walls or downward. But once you understand how it works, it becomes second nature.
Donkey Kong Bananza may have missed the launch window by a few weeks, but it’s a modern masterpiece. Building on a beloved classic, it sets a new benchmark for 3D platforming that could define the genre for years to come.
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