.jfif)
Donkey Kong Bananza Review: A Groundbreaking Triumph for Nintendo’s Iconic Ape
Nintendo’s legendary ape makes a triumphant return in Donkey Kong Bananza, a revolutionary 3D platformer that redefines the genre. Far from a mere spin-off from the Super Mario Odyssey team, Bananza stands as a bold reinvention of Donkey Kong’s legacy—delivering an adventure brimming with creativity, exhilarating mechanics, and Nintendo’s signature magic.
A Fresh Yet Familiar Adventure
Bananza masterfully balances nostalgia with innovation, paying homage to Shigeru Miyamoto’s arcade classic and Rare’s beloved Donkey Kong Country trilogy while carving its own path. The narrative follows DK and his spirited companion, Pauline, as they venture deep into the planet’s core in pursuit of a legendary wish-granting treasure. Though lighthearted, the story serves as a charming backdrop to a gameplay experience that grows richer with every layer uncovered.
Destruction as a Gameplay Pillar
Unlike Mario’s precision platforming, Bananza centers on fully destructible environments—a mechanic perfectly suited to Donkey Kong’s raw power. Nearly every structure can be shattered, punched, or repurposed, offering unparalleled freedom. Whether hurling debris at enemies, creating makeshift platforms, or tunneling through terrain, the sheer dynamism of DK’s toolkit is a technical marvel and an absolute joy to master.
Crunchy, material-specific sound design heightens the immersion, from the satisfying collapse of stone walls to the splatter of pulverized fruit. The controls are impeccably polished, allowing seamless combos—like tearing up terrain, launching it at foes, and rolling through the debris—that feel as fluid as they are empowering.
A World That Rewards Creativity
Bananza avoids the pitfalls of gimmickry by ensuring destruction is just one tool in a vast sandbox. Exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat are equally emphasized, with clever mechanics like DK’s upgradable sonar and Pauline’s singing ability (which marks collectibles) keeping progression engaging. While the open-ended design occasionally allows for unintended shortcuts, the game smartly gates major objectives behind indestructible terrain, ensuring a balanced pace.
Each of the game’s distinct layers introduces fresh mechanics, from the Freezer Layer’s icicle platforms to the Resort Layer’s gravity-defying Liftoff Ore. The interplay between materials—like freezing lava to create pathways—adds depth to puzzles, which grow increasingly ingenious as the adventure unfolds.
Collectibles with Purpose
Bananza’s primary collectible, Banandium Gems, are scattered liberally but meaningfully. Unlike Odyssey’s Power Moons, Gems contribute to a skill tree that upgrades DK’s abilities, providing tangible rewards beyond completionism. Fossils unlock region-specific outfits, while gold—initially abundant—later becomes crucial for premium upgrades. With hundreds of Gems to uncover, completionists face a satisfyingly massive challenge, aided by a detailed 3D map tracking progress.
Spectacle and Style
Visually, Bananza is a feast. DK’s animations brim with personality, and the vibrant, destructible environments are packed with nods to franchise history—from arcade-era girders to Donkey Kong Country-inspired side-scrolling segments. The soundtrack shines, including a stunning rearrangement of Stickerbush Symphony.
The Bananza transformations—temporary powered-up states—steal the show. Kong Bananza smashes through indestructible materials, Zebra Bananza dashes across fragile terrain, and Ostrich Bananza takes to the skies. Each is accompanied by Pauline’s catchy theme music, making every transformation a delight. However, their near-constant availability (thanks to plentiful Bananergy) can trivialize some puzzles, tempting players to bypass challenges rather than engage with them.
Bosses and Difficulty
Boss battles adopt a health-bar system over Mario’s traditional weak-point formula, fitting DK’s brawler ethos. While early fights are disappointingly short, later encounters offer thrilling spectacles and tougher challenges. The post-game, in particular, ramps up the difficulty with inventive twists on core mechanics.
Performance and Polish
Though Bananza mostly maintains a smooth 60 FPS, occasional dips occur during intense destruction or when entering new areas. These minor hiccups are forgivable given the game’s ambition, and they rarely detract from the experience.
Verdict: A New Benchmark for Platformers
Donkey Kong Bananza is a masterclass in game design, blending Nintendo’s timeless charm with groundbreaking mechanics. Its destructible sandbox, inventive puzzles, and rewarding exploration set a new standard for the genre—one that even Mario may struggle to surpass. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Bananza is an essential, unforgettable adventure.