Donkey Kong Bananza – A Smash Hit for the Switch 2
The King of the Jungle Returns
Donkey Kong Bananza doesn’t just bring the big ape back into the spotlight – it swings in, tears the place apart, and builds something bold and brilliant in its wake. Developed by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, this is no side project. Bananza is a fully-fledged, expertly crafted 3D platformer that dares to break new ground – literally and metaphorically. With destructive environments, inventive mechanics, and a charming story to boot, this is Donkey Kong at his most dynamic.
A World Built to Break
What sets Bananza apart is its commitment to fully destructible environments. Practically everything is designed to be smashed, tossed, surfed on, or climbed by DK. This isn’t just chaos for chaos’ sake, either – the destruction is smartly integrated into exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Whether you’re tearing chunks out of walls to use as projectiles or bouncing through tunnels of your own creation, Bananza constantly rewards creativity.
DK’s toolkit is fresh and satisfying. He can roll-jump-roll for momentum, climb almost any surface, and perform powerful combos with precise timing. His partner Pauline adds further depth with her singing-based waypoint system, helping players hunt for collectibles across the game’s vertical, layered worlds.
Layered Level Design
Levels – or “layers” as the game calls them – are sprawling, multi-dimensional playgrounds packed with secrets, clever challenges, and rewarding exploration. Visual cues nudge you in the right direction, and the game rarely relies on brute-force smashing to make progress. Instead, it encourages you to observe, experiment, and enjoy the journey.
From icy puzzles in the Freezer Layer to sky-high platforming in Resort Layer’s Liftoff Ore sections, each world offers its own visual identity and mechanical twist. There’s freedom in how you approach each area, but smart gating prevents sequence-breaking while still leaving room for speedrunners to go wild.
Fresh Powers, Fierce Forms
DK’s Bananza transformations are a highlight. Each one gives him new abilities: Zebra Bananza speeds things up, Ostrich Bananza lets him glide, and Kong Bananza turns him into a powerhouse. These transformations are as entertaining as they are useful, with great visual flair and musical cues from Pauline to match.
That said, they can feel a little too powerful at times, sometimes offering easy solutions to puzzles meant to challenge you. Thankfully, this freedom fits well with modern Nintendo design: if it works, it works.
Endless Ideas and Smart Collectibles
Bananza’s puzzles never stop surprising. Standout moments include brilliant slime-based puzzles that require spatial reasoning and an understanding of how materials interact. The game constantly repurposes old ideas in new ways, creating that addictive “just one more challenge” feeling.
Collectibles are meaningful too. Banandium Gems serve as both rewards and resources for upgrades, while fossils unlock new outfits. There’s real incentive to go after everything, especially with a smartly designed map system that tracks your progress in detail.
Some Rough Edges – But Not Enough to Dull the Shine
Performance is generally solid, though heavy destruction can cause brief frame dips – nothing game-breaking, but a reminder that even the Switch 2 has its limits. The camera occasionally struggles in tight spaces, especially during tunneling sections, but again, these moments are minor.
Boss battles are visually creative but a bit on the easy side early on, thanks to DK’s overwhelming power. Thankfully, difficulty ramps up toward the end and post-game content pulls no punches
