Donkey Kong Bananza Review:
A Groundbreaking Adventure for the Nintendo Switch 2Released on July 17, 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza has stormed onto the Nintendo Switch 2. It marks a triumphant return for one of gaming’s original icons. Developed by the same talented team behind Super Mario Odyssey, this 3D platformer is being hailed as a masterpiece.
It earned a perfect 10/10 from IGN and widespread acclaim across the gaming community. As we dive into the twilight of the Switch 2’s second month, Bananza is already shaping up to be a must-play title. It blends nostalgic charm with innovative gameplay.
Let’s explore what makes this game a standout and why it might just be the killer app the Switch 2 needed.A Fresh Take on a Classic CharacterFor years, Donkey Kong has played second fiddle to Mario, with his recent outings limited to ports and remakes. But Donkey Kong Bananza changes the game—literally. This isn’t just a side project; it’s a bold reinvention of the hulking ape, crafted by Nintendo’s 3D Mario team.
The game draws inspiration from Donkey Kong’s rich history, nodding to the arcade classic and Rare’s beloved Donkey Kong Country trilogy. It carves out a new path with its destructible environments and expressive mechanics.The core idea? Everything is breakable. From the moment you start punching through the game’s underground world, you realize this isn’t your typical platformer.
Donkey Kong’s ability to tear up chunks of terrain
whether to hurl at enemies, surf across hazardous ground, or uncover hidden paths—feels tailor-made for his character. It’s a refreshing departure from Mario’s finesse, replacing it with raw, gorilla-powered chaos that’s both fun and fulfilling. Gameplay That Packs a Punch At the heart of Bananza is its groundbreaking mechanic: fully destructible environments.
Unlike Super Mario Odyssey’s body-snatching hat or Sunshine’s water pack, this game’s big idea suits Donkey Kong perfectly. You can punch through walls, carve tunnels, and reshape the landscape, with each action opening new areas to explore. The controls are intuitive—punch with Y, punch down with B, punch up with X, and jump with A—making it easy to dive into the action.
The game strikes a brilliant balance between accessibility and challenge. Optional Assist Mode boosts DK’s health, while two-player mode lets a second player fire Pauline’s vocal projectiles using Joy-Con controls—ideal for younger gamers or cooperative play. For veterans, hidden Gems in platform challenge rooms and a robust post-game offer hours of extra content.
The 20-hour campaign is just the beginning, with mechanics that evolve into increasingly creative and exciting puzzles. Stunning Visuals and Sound Visually, Donkey Kong Bananza is a feast for the eyes. The Switch 2’s enhanced hardware brings DK’s world to life with vibrant, detailed environments and expressive animations.
From fallen girders echoing the original arcade game to sidescrolling segments reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country, the game pays homage to its roots while pushing forward with voxel-based destruction—a tech that evolved from Odyssey’s cheese rocks and icy drifts.The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a stunning new arrangement of Stickerbush Symphony and original tunes that elevate the experience.
Pauline’s vocal contributions add a playful layer, especially during transformation sequences like the zebra or ostrich forms, which, while quirky, are kept brief to avoid overstaying their welcome.A Story Worth Digging IntoThe narrative follows Donkey Kong as he loses his Banandium Gems to the Void Company, a mining outfit aiming to reach the planet’s core.
Plunged underground, DK teams up with Pauline to fight bosses like Grumpy Kong and Void Kong, restoring water to the Lagoon Layer and beyond.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a fun tale about a big monkey losing his banana hoard. It’s not deep, but it’s charming. The real star is the gameplay.
The game has different forms for Kong, Zebra, and Ostrich. These changes add variety, but can feel too powerful at first. Later, the game balances this with clever puzzles that keep you hooked.
The game’s finale is a thrilling mix of story and gameplay. It’s been called one of Nintendo’s best moments. Players leave smiling, wanting more.
No game is perfect, and Bananza has its issues. The voxel technology can cause frame-rate drops during big destruction scenes. Director Kazuya Takahashi says he focused on fun over perfect performance.
There are also camera problems and repetitive boss battles. But these are small compared to the game’s strengths. Most players find the game’s smooth experience and vast exploration worth these minor flaws.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-have for the Switch 2. It’s priced at $69.99, a great value for its depth and replayability. The Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo add extra value, especially for collectors.
The game has a Metacritic score of 90 and an OpenCritic rating of 91. It’s a strong contender for Game of the Year. Its success might lead to more Donkey Kong adventures or even a Super Mario sequel.
Donkey Kong Bananza is more than a game; it’s a statement. Nintendo has taken a risk by focusing on DK for its first Switch 2 3D platformer. It’s paid off in a big way.
This game is a delightful mix of nostalgia, innovation, and fun. It’s clear the Switch 2 has found its first masterpiece. So, grab your copy, smash some terrain, and start hunting for bananas!
