Donkey Kong Bananza, revealed during last week’s Nintendo Direct, is an exclusive for Switch 2. Featuring new gameplay mechanics, players will collect a unique currency called Banandium Chip while navigating diverse environments. DK showcases classic moves and interacts with the environment using music cues. The game introduces engaging elements like the Odd Rock and a time-limited challenge reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey. Set for release on July 17, pre-orders are available for €59.90.
Exciting Reveal of Donkey Kong Bananza
Last week’s Nintendo Direct introduced the much-anticipated Switch 2 exclusive, **Donkey Kong Bananza**. Following its reveal, both press and players have had the opportunity to experience the game firsthand; check out our impressions at the end of this article. The game was showcased during **Nintendo Treehouse Live**, featuring nearly an hour of gameplay spread across three videos, highlighting two demo areas. It’s worth noting that players had a limited time to explore, either by reaching the demo’s conclusion or running out of time. Be sure to check it out if you have some spare moments! **The entire introductory segment was unveiled.**
Gameplay Mechanics and Unique Features
In Donkey Kong Bananza, along with gold, players will encounter a new currency known as **Banandium Chip**. This resource, which has motivated the monkeys to delve into the mines on **Ingot Isle**, takes the form of gems resembling the delightful banana fruit. When aiming is activated, players will receive **indications regarding the material’s hardness** to enhance interactions. Donkey Kong (DK) can break objects, climb specific surfaces, and unleash his signature moves, including rolling, spinning, chest pounding, and performing a dive jump. Additionally, he can **clap his hands on the ground or in the air to collect scattered items and reveal elements in the environment**.
Music plays a pivotal role in the game, with waves appearing when DK claps his hands, allowing players to **detect hidden objects**. Checkpoints are indicated through tuning forks, reinforcing DK’s role as a true **Maestro**! Notably, DK begins with suspenders, which he loses during a cutscene featuring the enemies from **VoidCo**. However, later images show him wearing them again, hinting at either a return or customization options.
The gameplay revealed that the level named **Ingot Isle Cave-In** features a terrain strength indicator on a five-star scale, linked to a new move where players can surf on a rock that gradually shrinks. Obstacles like solid thorns will require clever navigation to clear paths, and a purple metallic surface associated with antagonists will cover sections of the environment, needing a seal to be broken for passage.
One engaging element is the **Odd Rock**, a peculiar rock that can speak and is voiced. DK’s facial expressions add a humorous touch to the game, while music serves as both a GPS and a tool to break seals. There’s even a town present, raising questions about its potential role as a hub later on.
The second video transports players to a lagoon, a deeper area beneath the ocean floor, where exploration is rewarded through environmental destruction, and maps assist in uncovering secrets. Blocks that appear indestructible will require multiple hits with rocks or explosives. A significant detail emerges: **everything players destroy will remain visible over time**, reflecting in the 3D map menu, ensuring that if players aim for 100% completion, their journey will leave a lasting mark.
Collecting fossils, known as **Ammonite**, reveals the presence of a style shop, and the beloved Cranky Kong returns. The game takes inspiration from **Super Mario Odyssey**, featuring a time-limited challenge with barrels that rewards players with a **Banana Gem**, reminiscent of the **Moons** but with a focus on traditional collectibles. **Challenge Course 1**, titled **Hangin’ on Roof Road**, showcases DK navigating and hitting while suspended from ceiling grids, introducing the **Red Balloon** which provides safety against falls.
Finally, players will encounter the formidable Croccoid, an intriguing enemy encased in a thick metal shell from **VoidCo**, concealing a golden skeleton underneath. Its design brings to mind the Kremlings, suggesting a possible connection.
The third video explores the same level, highlighting that multiple seals may block deeper progression for DK. Players will discover that there isn’t just one path down. Quick glimpses of SL101 reveal that the same biome may unfold across several floors, and the tuning forks will also function as teleportation points in a rather amusing manner, activated by being swallowed by a quirky creature. Donkey Kong Bananza will also include a Photo mode, perfect for capturing DK’s many facial expressions.
Mark your calendars for the release of **Donkey Kong Bananza** on July 17 for Switch 2. Pre-orders are currently available at **Cdiscount** and **Amazon** for €59.90.
Read more: **PREVIEW Donkey Kong Bananza: a future gem of the Switch 2 that will break the bank?**