Donkey Kong Bananza: A Strong GOTY Contender
▼ Summary
– Donkey Kong Bananza, a Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive platformer, has received stellar reviews, positioning it as a strong Game of the Year contender.
– The game has high scores (91 on OpenCritic, 90 on Metacritic) and praise from critics, including a 10/10 “Masterpiece” rating from IGN.
– Developed by Nintendo’s in-house team in Japan, Bananza marks DK’s first major in-house title in 20 years, signaling renewed focus on the character.
– Despite genre biases favoring story-driven games, Bananza benefits from Astro Bot’s recent GOTY win, which may boost platformers’ award chances.
– While Bananza’s success is notable, Clair Obscur remains a front-runner due to its underdog narrative, though DK’s return is also an appealing story.
Donkey Kong Bananza has stormed onto the scene as a potential Game of the Year frontrunner, earning widespread acclaim from critics and players alike. The Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive platformer boasts impressive scores, with a 91 on OpenCritic and 90 on Metacritic, cementing its place among 2025’s highest-rated releases.
IGN’s perfect 10/10 review hailed it as “a groundbreaking 3D platformer,” while Eurogamer’s four-star assessment praised its highs while noting it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Super Mario Odyssey. That comparison isn’t coincidental, Bananza was developed by the same Nintendo team, marking the first in-house Donkey Kong title from Japan in two decades. With Nintendo reportedly working on a DK movie, the iconic ape is clearly reclaiming his spot as a flagship character.
The game now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with heavy hitters like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Split Fiction in the race for Game of the Year at The Game Awards. Historically, the jury leans toward narrative-driven adventures, but last year’s win for Astro Bot, a love letter to platforming, suggests the tide may be turning. Bananza’s strong reception could give it an edge, especially with its nostalgic appeal as Donkey Kong’s grand return to form.
While Clair Obscur’s underdog story might resonate more with awards voters, Bananza’s polished gameplay and Nintendo’s legacy backing it make a compelling case. Whether it takes the crown or not, one thing’s certain: Donkey Kong is back, and he’s swinging harder than ever.
(Source: Polygon)
