Donkey Kong Bananza: Is it Worth the Hype (and the Price)?

Donkey Kong is back with a bananza of a new game, and the internet is already going bananas over it! But is Donkey Kong Bananza really worth all the hype (and the hefty $99.99 price tag)? Let’s dive into the jungle and find out.

A Destructive Delight: Redefining Donkey Kong Gameplay

Bananza isn’t just your average platformer. This time, Donkey Kong’s packing some serious punch, quite literally. The core gameplay revolves around Donkey Kong’s ability to destroy nearly everything in his path with powerful, directional punches. This destructive power isn’t just for show; it adds a unique puzzle-solving element, forcing players to think strategically about how to use the environment to their advantage. It’s a fresh take on the classic Donkey Kong formula, and early impressions suggest it’s a welcome one. Reviewers and players alike are praising the innovative gameplay, with some even calling it a “must-have” title for the Nintendo Switch 2.

From Switch to Switch 2: A Four-Year Journey

Developing Bananza wasn’t a smooth ride. The “Ask the Developers” interview revealed the team initially started development on the original Switch, immediately following Super Mario Odyssey. However, they eventually transitioned to the more powerful Switch 2 around 2021 to fully realize their ambitious vision for the game. This four-year development cycle included challenges adapting to the new hardware, but ultimately allowed the team to push the boundaries of what’s possible, especially with the extensive use of voxel technology. This voxel-based approach, even more advanced than that seen in Odyssey, is what allows for the game’s highly destructible environments and stunning visual effects.

A Fresh Look for a Familiar Face

Did Donkey Kong look a little different in the recent movie? That’s because his updated design was actually created for Bananza! The developers opted for a refreshed look to better suit the 3D environment and enable more expressive animations. This modern Donkey Kong is more than just a visual upgrade; he’s a testament to the team’s commitment to breathing new life into this iconic character.

The Sound of the Jungle: A Musical Masterpiece

No Donkey Kong game is complete without a killer soundtrack, and Bananza delivers. The game features a delightful mix of rearranged classic tracks by legendary composers David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, alongside brand-new compositions that perfectly capture the game’s energetic spirit.

Technical Hiccups and a Premium Price Point

While Bananza is receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews, it’s not without its issues. The game currently suffers from performance problems when docked to a TV, something Nintendo will hopefully address in a future patch. Thankfully, handheld mode reportedly runs smoothly at a solid 60 frames per second. The other big hurdle is the $99.99 price tag, a premium cost that might give some players pause, especially considering the added expense of the Switch 2 itself.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Despite the Cost?

Despite the technical issues and the high price of entry, Donkey Kong Bananza seems to be living up to the hype. With innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and a fantastic soundtrack, this is shaping up to be a must-have title for Switch 2 owners and Donkey Kong fans alike. The 20-hour campaign to reach the final act, with additional content for completionists, offers a significant amount of gameplay for the asking price. The question remains whether the docked mode performance will be addressed quickly enough to satisfy early adopters.