When the Nintendo Switch 2 originally launched with just Mario Kart World, people wondered if it was because Nintendo knew Donkey Kong Bananza had enough juice in the tank to make it worthy of being the first major platforming title to release in the Switch 2 era. Well, the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza proved those worries to be unfounded and much more. Not only is the latest iteration of Donkey’s platforming adventures one of the best we’ve ever seen, it might be the best we’ve ever seen. While Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze completely reinvented the character following a several-year-long stint where the character was reduced to rhythm games with plastic bongos and being second banana — pun intended — to his own title when the Minis Revolution began with Mario vs Donkey Kong and its follow-up titles.
Developed by Development Group 8, the same Nintendo Development Team that brought us Mario: Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is a wonderful way to blend the Rare era with the Kongo Bongo era and the relaunched series made under Nintendo’s roof by Retro Studios. The musical tradition of Donkey Kong and Pauline is honored, while many famous songs from the Rare era have been rearranged along with the new material. You feel the presence of every game Donkey has ever been in, and you can tell the developers paid special attention to take care of its history and bring it into the modern era.
I think anyone who grew up in my era will inevitably be anchored to certain Nintendo soundtracks for the rest of their lives. It won’t matter where I’m at in life when I hear DK Island Swing or the theme to Dire, Dire Docks. I am instantly transported back to the 90s on the floor of my bedroom, with my entire life still ahead of me, being blown away by the graphics and music Nintendo has just introduced at the dawn of the 3D era. Video game music can be an extremely powerful tool for nostalgia, and the greatest games tap into this while still moving the franchise forward. Nintendo accomplished that with Donkey Kong Bananza.
The idea behind Bananza is simple in that there are an absurd number of bananas for DK to collect as he tries to stop Void Kong from plundering the Underground World of their natural resources. A young Pauline joins DK with her amazing singing voice, as they learn the art of Bananza from different ancient Elders. These Bananza powers allow DK to take the form of more powerful beings, aiding in your quest to stop Void Kong. There are 777 Banandium Gems hidden across different layers of the Underground World. It’s no different from Mario: Odyssey while also being extremely different from Odyssey.
There are 17 different biomes to check out, each with different levels that change up the overall terrain. None of them overstay their welcome, and the various characters you learn to control are also a really fun way to introduce your old friends from the past. Don’t worry, though, characters like Rambi, Expresso, Enguarde, Squawks, and Clapper are still in the game, and they play a role. Cranky, Funky, and others also make an appearance.
Donkey Kong Bananza is easily the best game Nintendo has put out for the Switch 2, which might not move some people since there are only two new first-party Nintendo games for the Switch 2. Even still, the game shows why Nintendo remains one of the world’s premier gaming institutions. When they have the right hardware and are given the appropriate amount of time, the sky is the limit with what they can create. Their creativity is the best in the business, and few can match their unparalleled imagination when it comes to creating worlds and environments that suit their characters. Each iteration improves upon the last, and the expectations grow higher and higher.
If you have a Switch 2, you need this game. It’s the best offering on the young console, and it’s easily their most robust, as well. Mario Kart World has its place in the gaming world, but platformers are ubiquitous, and there are none better than Nintendo’s. Donkey Kong Bananza is the latest proof that Nintendo will likely be around at the end of gaming, just like they were around at the dawn of gaming. This is their most gorgeous offering yet with the mischievous gorilla, and I can’t wait for more. I just hope this gets DLC.
BSO Rating: 10-of-10
