Donkey Kong Bananza Review … Journey to the Center of the Earth!

The big guy is back and I don’t mean Superman… I mean the big guy, not King Kong but Donkey Kong himself who successfully smashes his way onto the all-new Nintendo Switch 2 console. Although Donkey Kong Bananza shares many parallels with the excellent Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza is its own game with its own unique gaming moments and graphics that truly showcase the Switch 2.

As a fun fact, the original Donkey Kong (DK) game was released in July 1981, the year when Raiders of the Lost Ark was at the movies and Castle Wolfenstein in the gaming world. However DK at the time set a new benchmark in the gaming world thanks to its designer Shigeru Miyamoto… plus it was the first appearance of Jumpman (aka Mario). So here we are 44-years later with a very different gaming landscape with the current instalment, a 3D platformer and adventure game but with plenty of nods to its past.

The story of Banaza starts innocently enough that starts with DK on Ingot Isle as our hero is mining for Banandium Gems that look like giant gold bananas. Unfortunately, his colourful day is shattered when the nefarious corporation called VoidCo needs these gems for their own dastardly deeds as our hero must venture to the planet’s core to find the wish granting Banandium Root.

Thankfully DK has some help along the way where he befriends a strange creature called Odd Rock who later is revealed to be none other than 13-year-old Pauline and was the original “damsel in distress” in the first game. In Bananza, Pauline has a magical singing ability that gives her friend DK new abilities and is also a playable character in coop. So put on your red tie and get ready for a unique “journey to the centre of the Earth” as you explore various levels beneath the surface, each with its own unique inhabitants and dangers. Each “layer” feels like a whole new interconnected game!

The gameplay of Donkey Kong Bananza is a next-gen take on the 3D platformer genre that highlights the brute strength and destructive capabilities of DK… Well, he is a huge ape! Players can literally smash through almost any surface, carving new paths, uncovering hidden treasures and even using ripped-up chunks of terrain as projectiles. As Donkey Kong and Pauline delve deeper into the planet core, they unlock powerful “Bananza Transformations,” activated by Pauline’s singing. These transformations grant DK unique abilities, such as enhanced smashing power (King Bananza), increased speed (Zebra Bananza) or even flight (Ostrich Bananaza). As a result, this adds multiple layers of strategy and variety to the areas and enemies that you explore and encounter. There is also a basic RPG element that allows you to upgrade DK’s abilities which allows you to tweak how you can play the game.

Further, the game cleverly balances the chaos of destruction with clever world building that rewards players with exploration. Given the destructive capabilities of DK and the massive levels that you explore, this game would not have been possible on the original Switch, particularly with the almost seamless layers from lush forests to icy tundras. It’s impressive as is the over the top combat and bigger than King Kong (almost) boss battles. Further, the controls are very responsive on the console whether playing in tablet mode or via the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller on your TV. Kudos to the developers as Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect homage to our favourite gaming Ape that plays absolutely well on the NS2.

Graphics & Audio

Visually, Donkey Kong Bananza is a vibrant and colorful title, with expressive character animations that bring Donkey Kong and Pauline’s journey to life. The detailed environments look amazing as do the shimmering Banandium Gems, including the vast variety of lighting and special effects. Sure there are some framrate drops at times but for the most part, it’s smooth sailing. Equally the sound design must be heard via your TV or a headset to truly appreciate this virtual living breathing world. Further, the sound effect and soundtrack go hand in hand with the gameplay as does the voice acting that takes the DK’s legacy to new heights… well new depths but in an amazing way.

Final Thoughts?

Donkey Kong Bananza is a must play title for the Nintendo Switch 2 console that is a highly enjoyable reimaging that will leave you reeling with so many “wow” moments that makes it an essential title for this console. Apart from the destructive capabilities of DK, I really enjoyed the new gameplay brought to DK thanks to Pauline’s magical abilities that provides some fun and unexpected power-ups for our favourite hominoid. So, with its stunning visuals, immersive sound design and clever level design, this game proves that the “big guy” still has what it takes to be a king of the jungle or in this case, the king of the planet’s core.