Review of 'Donkey Kong Bananza': Indulge in the Fun with a Banana
In the vibrant world of video games, the latest addition to the Donkey Kong series, Donkey Kong Bananza, has made a significant impact. Developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo, this title shares some similarities with the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey but offers a unique twist on the 3D platforming genre.
**Gameplay**
Donkey Kong Bananza emphasizes destruction, exploration, and open-world sandbox levels set in an underground world with multiple biomes (ice, lava, tropical). The player can punch, roll, slap terrain, pick up and throw objects, and climb. Levels feature missions, puzzles, combat, secret subchallenges—including 2D side-scrolling sections as homage to classic Donkey Kong games—and mining activities.
The game also includes animal-themed transformations, such as transforming into a zebra for speed or an ostrich for gliding, each with limited energy durations, adding strategic variety.
Super Mario Odyssey, on the other hand, presents large, self-contained kingdoms with more simplistic but whimsical design. The gameplay centers on jumping, cap-throwing mechanics (using Cappy), and varied platforming puzzles across distinct thematic kingdoms. Levels are less dense in environmental detail compared to Donkey Kong Bananza, which has richer visual complexity with more foliage, interactive objects, and debris.
**Currencies**
Donkey Kong Bananza uses Banandium Gems—golden banana-shaped diamonds—as the primary collectible currency. These gems are analogous to Odyssey’s Power Moons and serve multiple functions: progressing the story, unlocking upgrades via a skill tree, and rewarding exploration or challenge completion. There is also gold as a general currency, collectible through mining activities, which can be used to redeem costumes and other items.
Super Mario Odyssey primarily uses Power Moons to unlock new kingdoms and progress the story. Additionally, it has coins collected for purchasing outfits and power-ups, but it has no skill tree or elaborate upgrade system beyond costumes that affect gameplay slightly.
**Upgrades**
In Donkey Kong Bananza, collected Banandium Gems allow unlocking and upgrading abilities in a skill tree, enhancing Donkey Kong’s moves and transformations. Outfits grant meaningful gameplay perks like cold resistance or faster energy recovery, integrating customization with utility.
Super Mario Odyssey offers outfits primarily for cosmetic change, with some outfits granting minor gameplay benefits (e.g., underwater breathing), but lacks a complex upgrade system. Power Moons unlock new levels rather than character skills or transformations.
**A Destructive Delight**
Donkey Kong Bananza offers one of the best platforming games available on Nintendo Switch 2. With its emphasis on wanton joyous destruction, fun challenges, and tasks to complete to thwart the evil Void Company, the game provides a huge amount of replay value.
The game was released on 17th July 2025 and is priced at $69.99. A copy of the game was sent for the purposes of this review.
The game's musical component, featuring songs sung by Donkey Kong and Pauline, adds to the overall charm and immersive experience. Developed by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-play for fans of the series and 3D platforming enthusiasts alike.
In the realm of entertainment, Donkey Kong Bananza for Nintendo Switch 2, along with other gadgets like technology-driven devices, offers an immersive experience that goes beyond simple gadgetry. With its focus on destruction, exploration, and intricate gameplay, it redefines the 3D platformer genre, following in the footsteps of classics like Super Mario Odyssey but carving its unique path.
Discussing Donkey Kong Bananza invites comparisons with not only games like Super Mario Odyssey but also other forms of entertainment, such as music, as the title features catchy songs sung by Donkey Kong and Pauline that add to the game's overall charm.
