Donkey Kong is incredibly adaptable; he started out as a notorious video game antagonist, but has since become the protagonist of his own platformer series and even a rhythm game sensation. While his foray into 3D platforming with Donkey Kong 64 didn’t quite hit the mark, it’s clear that this resourceful ape isn’t easily defeated. With the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2, I have high hopes that this could be his chance to shine once more in the 3D platformer genre.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblance between Donkey Kong Bananza and another iconic Nintendo game, but it’s the unique central hook that sets them apart. The overall ambiance and smooth movement navigation throughout the world bear a strong resemblance to Super Mario Odyssey. However, unlike our agile little plumber, Donkey Kong is renowned for his brawny build. Instead of being fleet-footed, he’s all about delivering powerful blows. This translates into an exhilarating playground filled with destructible environments, just waiting to be smashed through by none other than the mighty Donkey Kong.
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In Bananza, almost everything is destructible, which might initially seem confusing. However, DK’s powerful punches can clear out vast sections of cave wall or ground, making it simple to charge forward while swiftly overcoming obstacles. Over time, you’ll pick up on some subtle nuances, particularly with the controls. The directions of the face buttons typically indicate the direction in which you strike: B for a downward, digging-like blow; Y for a forward punch; and X for an upward hit. With practice, you can start to attack purposefully, clearing caves in the intended direction.
Some things can’t be broken or penetrated easily – like metal floors and walls, which help guide you on the right path. Yet, there’s something instinctive about digging or smashing through obstacles that resonates deeply within us. Clearing a space brings satisfaction, and DK is the perfect companion for this task.
The settings are lively and colorful, while the rock and earth adapt well, offering a satisfying crunch underfoot. However, what truly elevates Donkey Kong Bananza as a visual spectacle on the Switch 2 is none other than our titular character. Both Donkey Kong and the monkeys and foes he encounters are beautifully depicted as cute, squat cartoon characters that can deform with expressiveness. Never before has Donkey Kong looked so good in gaming form, and his design here strongly resembles how he appeared in the animated Mario movie.
In the story’s setting, the metal surfaces are present as this version of DK is situated within a simian-run mining operation for banana-shaped gems buried deep within the earth. It’s puzzling why these monkeys would value a banana they can’t consume, but let’s not ponder that now. A catastrophe strikes the mine, kicking off DK’s journey. Intriguingly, he sheds his trousers at some point. That he wore pants to begin with suggests this world acknowledges nudity; however, other apes seem unfazed by his newfound nakedness.
As you progress, the digging becomes more focused, metaphorically and physically, as you delve into various levels and encounter adversaries. Occasionally, you can punch these foes, but often you must pick up a rock filled with explosives and throw it at them. When you hurl an explosive rock in the direction of destructible surroundings, one might wonder – now you’re truly appreciating the art of demolition.
In this portion of the demonstration, the action unfolded on a stage resembling water, and although there wasn’t a specific goalpost, the flow and visual cues guided us towards higher ground. As Donkey Kong moved along, he climbed a sloping terrain, defeating adversaries as he progressed, to eventually reach the narrative objective at the summit. However, DK occasionally stumbled upon crystal bananas concealed within rocks, much like how Mario unearths power moons scattered across the open-world stages in Super Mario Odyssey. These bananas share a visual resemblance with the moons too.
In Donkey Kong Bananza, there’s hidden a platforming game, nestled deep within caves filled with earth, rock, and soil. From the brief playthrough I experienced, it appears there will be goals to accomplish, crystal bananas to collect, adversaries to vanquish, paths to traverse, and likely several boss battles. The limited number of these elements I encountered during the demo seemed quite engaging. However, Donkey Kong Bananza is primarily about the joy of excavating through solid rock and dirt as a super-strong monkey, which embodies the essence of innocent, childlike delight.
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2025-04-03 16:11