Donkey Kong Bananza: Switch 2’s Must-Play Exclusive, Critics Say
▼ Summary
– Donkey Kong Bananza is a highly anticipated 3D sandbox game for the Switch 2, receiving rave reviews and perfect scores from some outlets.
– The game features destructible maps, collectible-fueled transformations, and evolved mechanics, created by the Super Mario Odyssey team.
– Reviews praise its inventive gameplay and strong finale, though some note flaws like framerate drops and underdeveloped ideas.
– DK’s animal transformations add depth but can feel overpowered outside designed challenges, impacting platforming ingenuity.
– The game marks Nintendo’s first internal Donkey Kong project in decades, blending destruction with playful, non-violent interactions.
Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be the flagship 3D platformer the Switch 2 desperately needed, blending classic Nintendo charm with groundbreaking mechanics. Early reviews suggest this sandbox adventure could rival the brilliance of Super Mario Odyssey, delivering a fresh yet familiar experience that capitalizes on the next-gen hardware. Critics praise its inventive level design, dynamic transformations, and sheer fun factor, though some note occasional performance hiccups and unexplored potential in its mechanics.
Developed by key members of the Super Mario Odyssey team, Bananza reimagines Donkey Kong’s world with fully destructible environments and animal-powered transformations. These “Bananza” abilities, like flight as an ostrich or steel-shattering strength as an ape, add depth to puzzles and combat, though some reviewers argue they occasionally trivialize challenges. The game’s 20+ hour campaign reportedly builds to a spectacular finale, with late-game surprises earning comparisons to Nintendo’s finest moments.
Scoring an impressive 91 on Metacritic, the title has garnered perfect 10/10 ratings from outlets like IGN and The Washington Post, who call it “genre-defining.” Even more measured critiques, such as Eurogamer’s, concede it’s a polished, if occasionally uneven, experience. Performance varies between handheld and docked modes, with framerate drops during intense destruction sequences, but most agree these flaws don’t overshadow the game’s creativity.
Standout moments include physics-driven puzzles, like freezing lava to create platforms, and the sheer joy of demolishing entire landscapes. As one reviewer put it, “Smashing things has never felt this rewarding.” The emotional core, centered on DK’s bond with a pint-sized sidekick, adds unexpected warmth, contrasting sharply with darker narrative-driven games.
While some wish certain mechanics were explored deeper, the consensus is clear: Bananza isn’t just a great Donkey Kong game, it’s one of Nintendo’s best modern platformers. Whether it surpasses Mario Odyssey remains debatable, but for Switch 2 owners, it’s an essential play.
(Source: Kotaku)
