The Summer Gaming Escape: Donkey Kong Bananza
As summer rolls around, many of us crave those big, entertaining movies that allow us to escape reality for a bit. This season, that escape comes in the form of Donkey Kong Bananza, a game that’s all about action and fun. Both my son and I have become engrossed in it, vying for our fair share of gameplay. Having played it extensively since an early preview, I can safely say it stands as the most exciting addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup in a long time, potentially since Super Mario Odyssey. However, the catch is that you need the new Nintendo Switch 2 console to play it, which has many gamers eager to make the switch.
Nintendo has successfully created a hit with Bananza, which combines elements from various classic games. It’s as if Mario and Zelda decided to collaborate. The story, as whimsical as you’d expect from a Nintendo game, involves Donkey Kong’s struggle against a group of malicious apes that disrupt the world following a meteor impact. The mechanics of gameplay allow you to destroy nearly everything in your path as you navigate expansive 3D maps that are rich in detail and opportunity for exploration. Although the game doesn’t feature traditional co-op, it introduces a unique mechanic where a second player, as Pauline, can literally throw her words to aid in combat and puzzle-solving, making it a refreshing take on the cooperative experience.
Developed by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza offers 3D platforming that feels comfortable yet innovative. The gameplay encourages exploration through large sublevels reminiscent of the kingdoms in Odyssey. Each level features its own challenges, sub-bosses, and collectibles, including giant crystal bananas and fossils for outfits that also provide gameplay advantages. While players are tasked with progressing toward specific objectives, the allure of side quests and hidden gems keeps you digging deeper into your surroundings. The balance between structured goals and the freedom to explore is a key highlight of this exhilarating game.
Fans of Zelda will find familiar gameplay elements within Bananza. The game invites players to engage with various characters scattered throughout each sublevel, disseminating quests and useful information. As you navigate through the game’s intricate 3D maps, tracking progress becomes an engaging experience. Similarly to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, challenges require players to understand and manipulate their environment, making use of real-time physics to solve puzzles. Yet, unlike Zelda, Bananza maintains a more confined structure, making it easier for players to keep track of tasks without getting overwhelmed.
One of the standout features of Bananza is its originality, which refreshes the gaming experience. Rather than layering an intricate lore, the game presents a distinctive universe where players are introduced to new elements—like spirit animals that provide special abilities upon gaining sufficient gold. Even after multiple hours of gameplay, Bananza continues to present surprising encounters, all while feeling nostalgic and familiar, akin to a blockbuster summer film. While the absence of an online mode may raise eyebrows, the game’s smaller file size compared to other Switch 2 titles is a pleasant surprise.
Overall, Donkey Kong Bananza serves as a testament to Nintendo’s evolution with the Switch 2. It builds upon the strengths of past games while introducing innovative mechanics in a vibrant gaming universe. The synergy of features from Super Mario and Zelda creates an exhilarating gameplay experience that has struck a chord with both new and seasoned players. With its nonlinear exploration and immersive world, it’s clear that Bananza, along with Mario Kart World, serves as a compelling reason to invest in the new console, giving fans of Nintendo something truly exciting to explore.
