Donkey Kong Bananza Review: A Groundbreaking Adventure on Switch 2
Here at Gaming News, we pride ourselves on delivering the most insightful and comprehensive reviews in the industry. We’ve spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of Donkey Kong Bananza, meticulously exploring every nook and cranny of this groundbreaking title for the Switch 2. Mario may have started Nintendo’s platforming excellence, but Donkey Kong is also one of the most excellent characters Nintendo owns. And it comes to no surprise that Nintendo created one of the best new games for their new console! Prepare to delve deep into our review, where we’ll dissect the game’s innovative mechanics, heartwarming story, stunning visuals, and overall impact on the platforming genre.
Apes, Destruction, and Damsels: The Premise of Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just another platformer; it’s a complete reinvention of the formula, seamlessly blending familiar elements with fresh, innovative ideas. The story kicks off with Donkey Kong stumbling upon a young Pauline, the original damsel-in-distress from the classic 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game. As fate would have it, they’re thrust into a quest to reach a wish-granting core deep underground, with the goal of returning Pauline to her rightful home.
A Story That Surpasses Expectations
Many wouldn’t expect a profound narrative from a Donkey Kong game. Nintendo has been prioritizing on gameplay instead of stories, but Donkey Kong Bananza defies expectations. The narrative is surprisingly touching, drawing players into the unlikely friendship between Donkey Kong and Pauline. Watching Pauline’s character evolve and grow throughout the adventure is genuinely rewarding, and her conversations at getaway spots offer delightful insights into her personality and background. She is never annoying, and the journey that she partakes on is something to behold. The storyline makes this a memorable game, more than just a platformer.
Destruction as a Core Mechanic: A Revolutionary Approach to Platforming
While precision jumping remains crucial, the real star of Donkey Kong Bananza is its revolutionary destruction mechanic. Almost every element of the environment can be pulverized, reshaped, and manipulated with Donkey Kong’s mighty fists.
Unleashing Controlled Chaos
The ability to tear down walls, collapse ceilings, and reshape the terrain creates a sense of wild chaos that is incredibly fun to engage with. This mechanic not only adds an element of unpredictability to the gameplay but also opens up a vast array of possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Unearthing Secrets Through Destruction
The destruction mechanic often allows players to bypass environmental obstacles and uncover hidden secrets that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Discovering a hidden stash of bananas or uncovering a secret passage by smashing through a wall is immensely satisfying. The most fun is in tearing down the walls. When the walls break, there can be many secrets to be found, and it is rewarding to do so.
Golden Skeletons and Satisfying Smash Attacks
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of ripping a massive chunk of granite from the ground and using it to obliterate an enemy, exposing its golden, smashable skeleton. These over-the-top moments of destruction are what truly set Donkey Kong Bananza apart and elevate it to a new level of gaming bliss.
Breaking the Monotony: Puzzle Areas and Creative Challenges
While the destruction mechanic is undeniably fun, the developers recognized the potential for it to become repetitive over time. To combat this, Donkey Kong Bananza incorporates puzzle areas reminiscent of the Shrines from recent Zelda games.
A Refreshing Change of Pace
These puzzle areas provide a welcome break from the constant destruction, challenging players to use their problem-solving skills and think outside the box. They offer a diverse range of challenges, from manipulating environmental elements to utilizing Donkey Kong’s abilities in creative ways.
Showcasing Brilliant Level Design
The puzzle areas also allow the developers to showcase their level design prowess, creating intricate and engaging challenges that test players’ ingenuity. These sections are a highlight of the game, and provide a fun change of pace from the intense action.
A Captivating Underground World: Exploring the Depths of Bananza
The game’s structure, which involves delving deeper and deeper underground, adds a unique layer of charm to the overall experience. Each time Donkey Kong plunges into a sinkhole, players are transported to a new and intriguing area, creating a sense of wonder and discovery.
Claustrophobia and Intrigue
The interconnected nature of the underground world creates a sense of claustrophobia that is both unsettling and captivating. This feeling of being trapped and isolated adds to the game’s atmosphere and encourages players to explore every nook and cranny.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Deep
The constant desire to see what lies beneath the surface and what new creatures or challenges await is a powerful motivator. The game consistently delivers on this promise, introducing new and exciting elements as players descend further into the depths.
Beyond Destruction: Creation and Ingenuity in the Later Stages
While destruction remains a central theme, the later stages of Donkey Kong Bananza introduce elements of creation and require players to think beyond brute force. This shift in focus adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, making it even more engaging.
Thinking Outside the Fists
The game forces players to utilize Donkey Kong’s abilities in new and creative ways, such as using debris to create platforms or manipulating the environment to solve puzzles. This encourages players to experiment and discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles.
A Grand Finale: The Climax of Donkey Kong’s Adventure
The ending and final levels of Donkey Kong Bananza are arguably the best parts of the game, showcasing the developers’ creativity and attention to detail. These sections are filled with unexpected twists, challenging puzzles, and breathtaking visuals that leave a lasting impression.
A Love Affair Worth Reliving
The game’s final hours solidify Donkey Kong Bananza as a must-play title, transforming a strong initial impression into a full-blown love affair. The desire to revisit these levels and uncover every hidden secret is a testament to the game’s exceptional quality.
The Switch 2 Showcase: A New Era for Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Bananza is a true showcase for the Switch 2, demonstrating the console’s capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a 2D platformer. This entirely unique adventure features familiar characters, innovative mechanics, and stunning visuals that would not have been possible on the original Switch.
Meeting Nintendo’s High Standards
Donkey Kong and Pauline’s adventure is a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to quality and innovation. Donkey Kong Bananza meets the incredibly high standards that the developer has been setting for itself since the ’80s, proving that Nintendo is still at the forefront of the gaming industry.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Switch 2 Owners
Donkey Kong Bananza is a triumph, a groundbreaking platformer that reinvents the genre while staying true to the spirit of the Donkey Kong franchise. With its innovative destruction mechanic, heartwarming story, stunning visuals, and captivating world, this game is an essential addition to any Switch 2 owner’s library.
Score: 9/10
Donkey Kong Bananza sets a new benchmark for 2D platformers and solidifies Donkey Kong’s place as one of Nintendo’s most beloved and enduring characters. Its ground breaking destruction mechanic has made it a game worth investing in, and we are sure you won’t regret it!