Written by Matthew Whitaker

Note: No story spoilers are included in this article

With the Nintendo Switch 2’s incredible launch headlined by Mario Kart World, all eyes have been on Nintendo for its next hit game to convince consumers to pick up the new system. Nintendo has absolutely delivered that with Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D action-adventure game starring the titular character which released on July 17th.

Developed by the same team who brought us Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong’s new adventure ups the fun in every department with its new destruction-focused gameplay as well as a surprisingly heartfelt story.

I enjoyed every minute of the game from the minute Donkey Kong first appeared on screen until the credits rolled at the main story’s conclusion. Donkey Kong Bananza is truly Nintendo’s development talent at its finest and is pure fun for all kinds of players.

The most important part of any video game is its gameplay, and Nintendo has crafted something incredibly fun with Donkey Kong’s new adventure.

While the Super Mario Odyssey team is known for developing 3D platforming experiences, they experiment with an entirely new 3D platforming style for DK using the main idea of destruction. The developers invite you into this experiment in the new game, as all environments as well as many opponents are destructible through a variety of means.

Donkey Kong can punch his way through materials with his fists, tear chunks out of the environment or off opponents, as well as many other methods of total demolition. The best part is that the game rewards you for being destructive and especially for getting creative with that destruction. Banandium Gems are the game’s main collectible, and utilizing Donkey Kong’s destructive prowess is your main tool in collecting these potassium-filled prizes which give Donkey Kong new abilities in turn.

Destruction-based platforming challenges and puzzles are abundant throughout the game’s massive Underground World, which Donkey Kong and his new sidekick team up to explore.

 Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay Screenshots by GramLabs

Unlike most Super Mario games (outside of my personal favorite, Super Mario Sunshine), Donkey Kong Bananza has a fairly in-depth story with plenty of surprises and emotional character moments. 

The game starts with Donkey Kong alongside many other primates working on a mining operation for Banadium Gems only to be attacked and knocked underground by the greedy Void Kong and his crew. Soon after, Donkey Kong finds a small singing rock who joins him on his adventure. This rock turns out to be a timid 13-year old girl named Pauline, who was kidnapped and transformed by Void Kong. After Pauline is transformed back into a human through her and Donkey Kong’s combined music, the duo then set out to reach the Planet Core so that Pauline can wish to return home.

This sets up the narrative of the game, which tells an endearing story of Donkey Kong and Pauline’s growing friendship, enhanced by a full voiceover for Pauline. As you progress through the game, you will be treated to many heartwarming scenes and interactions between the unlikely duo, encouraging you to reach the Planet Core so that Pauline’s wish can come true. Donkey Kong Bananza’s narrative is uplifting and will certainly put you in a better mood every time you play. Pauline does more than just move the plot along and hang onto Donkey Kong’s shoulder though; she enables the game’s titular mechanic of Bananzas.

 Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay Screenshots by GramLabs

While Donkey Kong’s core moveset is already expansive and stupendously fun, the icing on the banana-flavored cake is Donkey Kong’s new Bananza abilities. Through the power of Pauline’s singing, Donkey Kong can transform into humongous animals with distinct abilities.

The first Bananza gained by Donkey Kong and Pauline is the Kong Bananza, which transforms Donkey Kong into an even bigger gorilla with even greater destructive abilities as well as a terrain-shattering punch. Other Bananzas include the Ostrich Bananza and the Zebra Bananza, which allow Donkey Kong to fly over danger or run at lightning speed over crumbling platforms. There are other Bananzas as well that offer their own unique abilities, all playing into the game’s core design element of destruction.

Bananzas are well-integrated into the gameplay, with many areas, challenges, and boss battles utilizing their abilities to progress in the story in addition to helping Donkey Kong collect even more Banandium Gems. Plus, Donkey Kong looks super-cool when using Bananzas and each has its own exhilarating song performed by Pauline!

Bananzas are a wonderful addition to an already impressive game, offering countless hours of fun just exploring the possibilities of each transformation.

 Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay Screenshots by GramLabs

Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo at its best, combining innovative destruction-focused gameplay, a heartfelt story and lovable characters, as well as creative new Bananza transformations into a timeless adventure that anyone can enjoy.

Even people less experienced with video games can enjoy Donkey Kong’s newest adventure as the game’s design takes them into account and makes sure they always know how to progress in the game’s story. Experienced players need not worry though, as there is plenty of optional challenging content, especially once you complete the game’s main story.

I loved every minute I spent with Donkey Kong Bananza and felt nothing but joy as I experienced the game’s narrative as well as its hyper-fun destruction-based gameplay.

Donkey Kong’s newest adventure is a masterpiece that everyone should experience – you will go bananas for it!