Donkey Kong Bananza proves that Nintendo still has the ability to reinvent its characters and deliver incredibly addictive gameplay. This time around, Donkey Kong is more expressive than ever, and the inclusion of Pauline adds charisma and energy to the adventure.
The story follows both characters as they journey to the center of the Earth in search of a wish, though the villains have other plans in mind. The narrative stands out as one of Nintendo’s best, incorporating cutscenes and dialogue not only between the protagonists but also with other characters in the game world. The plot reaches a surprisingly emotional peak and ends with a twist that will genuinely catch players off guard.
Gameplay is where Bananza truly shines. One of the most impressive mechanics is the level of environmental destruction players can flatten tall, vertical stages into completely horizontal ones if they choose. The game features a wide variety of stages, including jungles, beaches, industrial areas, icy caves, and more.
Each boss has an RPG-style health bar, and their designs make battles both fun and engaging. RPG elements such as a skill tree are also present, something rare for a Nintendo title, and they significantly enhance the gameplay depth.
Collectibles are just the beginning in this adventure. With the same creative team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza is packed with unlockables including outfits, abilities, and hidden surprises. Completing the game 100% could easily take over 80 hours.
Donkey Kong Bananza is without a doubt the spiritual successor to Donkey Kong 64 and Super Mario Odyssey that fans have been waiting for. Nintendo delivers a perfect blend of compelling storytelling and addicting gameplay, creating one of its most memorable titles in recent years.
Final Score: 5/5