- Donkey Kong Bananza redefines 3D platforming with destruction and exploration mechanics.
- The gameplay stands out for its freedom, interaction with the environment, and variety of transformations.
- Its high collectible and technical content makes it a benchmark for the new generation of Nintendo.
The arrival of Donkey Kong Bananza a Nintendo Switch 2 has been a real event in the world of video gamesAfter years of waiting, the Mushroom Kingdom's most famous gorilla returns with a 3D platform adventure featuring outstanding production and an innovative spirit that has surprised both the press and gamers.
In a context where major releases mark the direction of the catalog of the new Nintendo console, Donkey Kong Bananza It has positioned itself as one of the year's must-haves. From the first playthrough, the game exudes the magic so characteristic of titles created in Kyoto, blending tradition and new ideas into a formula that isn't intended to be a simple copy of Super Mario Odyssey, but rather offers something genuine and memorable.
A game that leaves its mark from the first minute
Donkey Kong Bananza has achieved an average of more than 90 points on Metacritic, standing out above most recent releases for Nintendo Switch 2 and only surpassed by a few titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince and Split Fiction. International critics agree that we are facing a game that marks a before and after for the character and the console itself.
Media such as IGN, COGconnected or Eurogamer consider that Banance It's a masterpiece, highlighting the enormous creative and technical investment it represents. Other reviews, such as those from GameSpot, Meristation, and Digital Trends, emphasize how Nintendo's approach goes far beyond simply bringing the Donkey Kong universe to 3D, opting for open level design and destruction and exploration mechanics never before seen in the series.
Note the addictive gameplay, the in crescendo pace of the campaign and the production values that hark back to the best years of Nintendo 64, but adapted to today's standards of adventure, collecting and freedom of action. Many international reviews place Donkey Kong Bananza among its favorites for Game of the Year, a position the franchise has not achieved for decades.
The press and the players They agree that Donkey's return was necessary, especially after a period of drought following Tropical Freeze. The move to 3D was risky, but the result is a game that justifies buying the new console and sets the bar high for future releases.
The average rating of the main publications is often between 90 and 100, with special praise for the originality of mechanics, stage design and visual depth from a title that takes advantage of the graphic potential of Switch 2.
A journey to the center of the world full of surprises and destruction
This new release opts for a structure of sandbox-style open worlds, in which Donkey Kong and his inseparable Pauline explore different underground strata in search of valuable golden bananas, or banandium gems. The story begins after the impact of a meteorite on Ingot Island, triggering a cataclysm that drags our protagonists into the interior of the planet and gives rise to an adventure full of biomes and challenges.
The scenarios range from fishing villages to rocky factories, lush forests to frozen landscapes. The visual variety is one of the game's greatest achievements, and the profusion of vibrant colors, HDR and details at each level reinforce the feeling of being in a new generation product.
The level design is structured in layers, each with main missions, subplots, inhabitants, bosses, and dozens of secondary challenges. Destroy the ground It's the core mechanic, allowing you to open paths, discover secrets, or find collectibles. Eighty percent of the stage is destructible or modifiable, encouraging creative strategies and constant experimentation.
The Bananza transformationsActivated by Pauline's singing, these transformations allow Donkey to transform into various beings with special abilities: from a giant gorilla capable of breaking any material to a zebra or a gliding ostrich. These transformations are not only spectacular, but are also essential for overcoming obstacles and accessing secret areas.
In addition, collectables They play an important role, with banandium gems being the primary item for leveling up and unlocking upgrades. There are also fossils (for purchasing outfits with unique abilities), music discs (for customizing the soundtrack), and hidden items that reward the player's curiosity.
Innovative control design and mechanics
One of the most notable points for critics and users is the Donkey Kong control. Nintendo has reinvented the way the character moves, hits, and faces enemies and obstacles, avoiding reusing the classic 3D Mario scheme. Here, the jump is less important than the ability to destroy, dig, and manipulate the environment.
Donkey can punch in different directions (up, down, forward), tear off pieces of the scenery and use them as weapons, surf on platforms, or use sonar by clapping to locate hidden secrets. The combination of movements provides an unparalleled sense of strength and agility, clearly differentiating DK from the plumber and offering a fresh and addictive experience.
Pauline, although her playable role is more limited, contributes with her singing ability to open barriers and activate transformations. However, the gameplay is clearly centered on Donkey, with levels designed to maximize his full potential, from combat to the most in-depth exploration.
The system upgrades and skills It adds depth. By collecting golden bananas, the player earns points to increase vitality, destructive power, or enhance transformations. Bonus challenges and secret rooms require mastering all of these mechanics if you want to collect 100% of your collectibles, maintaining interest over dozens of hours of gameplay.
The game bets on the freedom in problem solvingThere are multiple ways to reach a goal: building bridges, digging tunnels, using transformations, or utilizing objects in the environment. This approach is reminiscent of recent Zelda games, where the player's creativity is the key to progress.
Challenges, collecting and exploration in its purest form
Offering optional content It's overwhelming. Each main level houses dozens of secrets, combat challenges or puzzles, alternate scenarios, and time trials that reward collectibles of all kinds. The bonus challenge structure is reminiscent of the golden age of the Nintendo 64, but enhanced by the physics and destruction engine that the Switch 2 can now offer.
El collecting It's one of the biggest motivations. Some players will be able to finish the story in about 20 hours, but for completionists the clock can easily exceed 30 or 40 if they want to collect all the bananas, fossils, discs, and suits. The variety of routes, the density of secrets, and the possibility of developing the character make Donkey Kong Bananza in a game that lasts as long as the player wants.
El sonic clap It's a simple yet addictive mechanic for finding hidden objects and alternate routes. Boosting this skill with suits or upgrades allows you to explore even further.
The design of open levels It not only rewards skill, but also curiosity. The important thing here is not just getting from point A to point B, but exploring, discovering, experimenting, and taking advantage of all the tools available. The result is an engaging game that makes each play session a succession of small achievements and rewards.
This title combines classic level structure with exploration that rewards player creativity, maintaining tension and fun in every corner of the world.
Technical and audiovisual section: new generation from day one
El technical jump compared to the previous generation it is evident. Donkey Kong Bananza sports upscaled 4K graphics at a near-constant 60 FPS in docked mode, with a stable handheld version running at 1080p. The animations, physics and particles supports the core mechanic of permanent destruction, visible even when leaving and returning to an already explored world.
Some analyses have detected occasional drops in performance, usually when opening complex maps or in boss fights where the destructible terrain increases. However, this doesn't detract from the experience at all, as spectacle and interaction have been prioritized over absolute stability. The overall feeling is that of a truly next-generation game for the Nintendo ecosystem.
El sound and music are also at an outstanding level. The inclusion of Pauline as a co-star allows for the most creative musical justifications. soundtrack combines new pieces, greatest hits from the series, and iconic arrangements like the DK Rap. The sound effects, powered by HD Rumble 2, immerse you in the action and distinguish each type of destroyed material.
Visually, they stand out the details in the design of characters and environments, the naturalness of the animations and the richness of light and color effects, all optimized to take advantage of the hardware from Switch 2. DK's textures, particles and fur are examples of a technical commitment that goes beyond what is usual for the Japanese company.
Story, characters and co-op mode
As for the narrative, the title advances compared to previous Nintendo installments, presenting a simple yet endearing story that explores the relationship between Donkey Kong and Pauline. The two characters meet by chance in the underworld and embark on a journey motivated by the promise of seeing their most cherished wish granted if they can reach the Earth's core.
La personality of the characters Supporting characters, the inhabitants of each stratum, and the Void Company itself (the antagonist) add charisma and variety to the journey. While the plot doesn't compete with major cinematic productions, it more than fulfills its purpose and justifies every mechanic, challenge, and transformation in the game.
El cooperative mode It allows a second player to join in, controlling Pauline, albeit in a secondary role and less relevant to progression. It's an addition designed for family play, sharing challenges, and enjoying the adventure together, but the main focus of the gameplay clearly lies with Donkey Kong.
Also to highlight the references and nods to classic installments of the saga, with guest appearances by characters such as Cranky and Rambi, stages that pay homage to the 2D style of Donkey Kong Country Returns, and challenges that hark back to historic moments in the franchise.
International reception and evaluation
Virtually the entire specialized sector agrees that Donkey Kong Bananza It is one of Nintendo's greatest titles of recent years. IGN, Washington Post and Eurogamer Portugal have given it perfect scores, highlighting its originality, technical ambition and constant funOther media outlets such as Meristation, Atomix, Multiplayer.it, and WellPlayed give it a score between 93 and 96, highlighting the balance between nostalgia and innovation.
Less enthusiastic reviews, such as those from VGC, TheGamer, and Gamesurf, which give it a score of around 80, acknowledge that the game may experience difficulty spikes, performance drops, or occasionally a classic structure, but they always emphasize that the fun, charisma, and variety of mechanics far outweigh any shortcomings.
Among the most repeated strong points are the accessible yet deep gameplay, the creativity in the level design, the visual spectacularity, and the collectible system. While some bosses (especially the mini-bosses) can be too simple, and the camera can suffer in tight spaces during the excavation phases, the overall experience is still outstanding.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the game manages to make each run feel unique, maintaining the spirit of Nintendo's best titles and positioning Donkey Kong as a top-tier protagonist, capable of standing head-to-head with Mario or Link in the company's catalog.
The launch of Donkey Kong Bananza It has been a decisive boost for the Switch 2 catalog, justifying the purchase of the console for both veteran fans of the series and new players looking for a fresh, fun experience with the potential for hours and hours of entertainment.
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