Nintendo’s new title, *Donkey Kong Bananza*, marks the ape’s first 3D adventure since *Donkey Kong 64*, showcasing impressive graphics and destructible environments. Players control Donkey Kong as a miner, digging for treasures and navigating various challenges. While the gameplay is robust and satisfying, concerns about repetitiveness and difficulty remain. Promising mechanics like surfing on rocks add excitement, but improvements are needed in control handling and map clarity. Overall, it shows potential as a standout entry in the Switch 2 lineup.
Nintendo’s Innovative Leap
Fans had their fingers crossed for a new Mario 3D title akin to Odyssey, but this time, it’s our beloved ape who takes the spotlight in his first 3D escapade since Donkey Kong 64. The surprise is indeed a delightful one.
The initial impression from the Donkey Kong Bananza demo is that it serves as a showcase for the new hardware. Similar to Mario Kart, which now features an open-world format, Bananza establishes itself as a technical marvel in a raw yet effective style.
In this fresh adventure, Donkey Kong dons the role of a miner who excavates with his fists. Three dedicated buttons enable this unique digging ability, allowing him to burrow downwards, into walls, or upwards. While the storyline remains somewhat ambiguous, the mission is clear: unearth as many hidden treasures as possible, including the inevitable bananas to indulge in.
The game impresses with its technical prowess, showcasing a fully destructible environment. The vibrant and intricate scenery is particularly striking. So far, we’ve mainly explored the initial world, which is set amidst majestic mountains following an effective tutorial. The trailer unveiled during the direct presentation hints at other breathtaking landscapes to come. From the outset, a cutscene demonstrates the graphical advancements made possible by the Switch 2, featuring numerous visual effects and more expressive character animations.
Notably, Donkey Kong sports a new design that follows the style seen in the Mario Kart trailer and is inspired by the animated film. This fresh look might confuse some long-time fans, but it seamlessly fits into the game’s lively and cartoonish aesthetic.
Is Donkey Kong Too Wild?
True to his nature, Donkey Kong lacks the finesse of Mario. The gameplay is intentionally robust, making it incredibly satisfying to smash through the environment. Each “smash” uncovers treasures or collectibles, like fossils, which contribute to a gold counter. This counter slightly decreases with each death, though its eventual purpose remains unclear.
However, Donkey Kong isn’t merely a brute force character. He can scale most walls, switch between classic platforming sequences and mini-puzzles requiring him to activate switches. In combat, he has a roll maneuver that doubles as both an attack and a dodge, along with a special move where he uproots a rock to hurl as a projectile, especially effective against airborne foes. There are also unique rocks, such as the explosive red ones, that clear large areas with a single throw, adding to the game’s enjoyment.
A delightful surprise is the ability to use these rocks for improvised surfing, which might just be the most exciting mechanic introduced so far. Additionally, grabbing a rock allows for quick excavation of larger areas, although it comes with limited durability as it shatters after several uses.
Could Donkey Kong Dig His Own Grave?
While our initial impressions are positive, a lingering concern exists: the potential for repetitive gameplay centered around the concept of destruction. Nintendo will need to introduce varied scenarios to keep players engaged. Thankfully, elements showcased in the trailer, such as a 2D segment reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country or a cart sequence, suggest a promising diversity in gameplay.
Nevertheless, some technical aspects warrant improvement, particularly the handling with the gyroscopic Joy-Cons of the Switch 2. For instance, shaking the controllers currently only allows digging in a forward direction. Furthermore, the map lacks clarity, which can become problematic considering the game’s destructible environment. Depth is certainly an aspect that should not be overlooked.
Lastly, a noticeable lack of challenge is apparent even in this early demo. While we were navigating the initial levels, it’s surprising for a series renowned for its difficulty, such as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. An additional feature, where Donkey Kong can perform a little dance to reveal a glowing path to the objective, might feel like an unintended assist.
Overall, Donkey Kong Bananza stands out as one of the most promising entries in the Switch 2 lineup, featuring a distinct artistic vision, innovative gameplay, and an impressive technical showcase. If the game can diversify its mechanics and maintain player engagement, it has the potential to become a valuable addition to Nintendo’s catalog. While there’s still work to be done, the foundational elements are in place, enticing players to dig deeper into this exciting new adventure.