Nintendo’s great ape finally returns to the spotlight in a truly groundbreaking adventure.
The team behind Super Mario Odyssey has done something remarkable: they’ve crafted the best 3D platformer in years, and Mario is nowhere to be found. Instead, Donkey Kong takes center stage in Bananza, a brilliant reinvention that proves Nintendo’s original mascot deserves his own moment to shine on Switch 2.
Breaking New Ground
Bananza builds its entire world around one revolutionary concept: everything can be destroyed. Unlike the careful, precise platforming Mario demands, DK’s adventure embraces chaos and power. You can tear chunks from the ground to hurl at enemies, punch through walls to reveal secret paths, or simply demolish entire sections because it feels good. The tactile satisfaction of destruction—complete with material-specific sound effects—makes every interaction feel weighty and impactful.
This isn’t mindless mayhem, though. Nintendo has crafted each “layer” of this underground world to reward smart destruction over random button-mashing. Visual cues guide you toward breakable walls hiding treasure, while DK’s sonar ability reveals buried collectibles. The result is exploration that feels both free-form and purposeful, where creative problem-solving trumps following a predetermined path.
More Than Muscle
DK’s moveset extends far beyond his famous punch. He can climb nearly any surface, surf on torn-up terrain, and chain together satisfying combos that feel distinctly different from Mario’s precise jumping. His companion Pauline adds her own flair with singing abilities that reveal hidden waypoints, while the game’s “Bananza” transformations—including a speed-focused Zebra form and gliding Ostrich mode—provide temporary power boosts that open new traversal options.
The 20-hour campaign constantly evolves these mechanics through increasingly clever challenges. Early puzzles might involve simple wall-breaking, but later layers introduce complex material interactions—ice creates platforms when thrown on lava, while blue and pink slimes mirror each other’s destruction patterns. It’s remarkable how Nintendo extracts maximum value from every gameplay element.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Bananza lovingly nods to DK’s entire history, from arcade girders scattered in the opening level to gorgeous remixes of classic Donkey Kong Country tunes. Yet it never feels beholden to nostalgia. This is a thoroughly modern adventure that happens to star a classic character, not a retro throwback trading on fond memories.
The game’s visual presentation sparkles with personality. DK’s animations burst with character, environments showcase vibrant detail, and the destructible world creates spectacular moments of beautiful chaos. Occasional frame drops during intense destruction sequences are a minor blemish on an otherwise polished experience.
Built to Last
While the main story provides a satisfying challenge without overwhelming newcomers, Bananza’s true depth emerges through exploration. Hundreds of Banandium Gems hide throughout each layer, often requiring genuine ingenuity to reach. Challenge rooms scattered across levels offer focused puzzle-platforming that rivals Nintendo’s best work, and the post-game content pushes mechanics to thrilling extremes.
The optional Assist Mode and two-player cooperation ensure accessibility, while completionists can easily spend 50+ hours uncovering every secret. Unlike some collect-a-thons, gathering gems always feels purposeful thanks to meaningful upgrades and the sheer joy of discovery.
The Verdict
Donkey Kong Bananza doesn’t just succeed as a spiritual successor to Super Mario Odyssey—it establishes its own identity as one of Nintendo’s finest platformers. By embracing DK’s strength and building entire systems around controlled destruction, Nintendo has created something genuinely fresh in the 3D platforming space.
This is the rare sequel that honors its inspirations while blazing its own trail. DK’s long-overdue return to starring roles couldn’t have asked for a better showcase. Bananza proves that sometimes the best way forward is to let everything fall apart—then build something beautiful from the pieces.
Score: 9.5/10 A masterpiece that redefines what 3D platforming can be.
