Donkey Kong Bananza: More Than Just Smashing Stuff? Early Impressions Hint at Rare-Like Magic
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Donkey Kong Bananza might be more than just a smashing simulator! Early previews suggest a deeper, more varied experience with nods to classic DK games and a surprising 'Super Mario Odyssey' influence.
Alright, so Nintendo's been waving around this new Donkey Kong game, 'Donkey Kong Bananza,' and the initial buzz was... well, a bit 'Red Faction Gorilla' (that's another game about smashing everything, for those not in the know). But is it *just* smashing? Turns out, there's more going on under the hood than you might think.
According to Alex Donaldson over at Eurogamer, who got some early hands-on time, Bananza is channelling some serious 'Super Mario Odyssey' vibes. And get this – it's apparently the *same* development team behind Odyssey! Talk about a pedigree, eh? Nintendo's usually tight-lipped about who's working on what until the credits roll, but they're happily shouting from the rooftops about this one. Smart move, if you ask me.
So, what does that mean for us? It means we're getting the same clever game design concepts, but applied to the world of Donkey Kong. Think about it: DK's all about strength, so they've leaned hard into the destruction mechanic. You can grab pretty much anything and hurl it at enemies, or smash your way through walls to find secrets. (Reminds me of when I tried to shortcut my way through a dungeon and accidentally ended up outside the map...good times!)
The environment is a key part of the gameplay. Different materials react differently. Sand can be used to build bridges, gold shatters into collectibles, and metal is too tough to break with your bare hands (but makes a killer weapon). It's all very rock-paper-scissors, but with more explosions. And Pauline, DK's sidekick, has some tricks up her sleeve too. She's not just there for decoration; her singing can unlock areas and undo magic. Apparently, she's quite chatty, which will either delight you or drive you bonkers (no middle ground, I reckon).
Beyond the smashing, there are transformations (an Ostrich that can flutter-fly? Yes, please!) and a skill tree to beef up DK. But the real kicker is the persistent destruction. Unlike Odyssey's discrete stages, Bananza feels like one big interconnected world (mostly vertical, though), with levels denoted by 'layers' as you dig deeper. Smash something in one area, and it stays smashed… unless you leave the layer or use the "reset terrain" button (a lifesaver, trust me). This opens up some seriously unorthodox ways to solve puzzles and find secrets. It’s all about wandering around, experimenting, and seeing what you can get away with.
Eurogamer's Donaldson notes that the main storyline seems fairly breezy, but there are plenty of harder side challenges for completionists. And here's where it gets interesting: Bananza has a certain "Rare energy." Think googly-eyed NPCs, music from David Wise and Grant Kirkhope, and even 2D side stages that harken back to the classic Donkey Kong Country games. There’s even a Bramble Blast tribute, which is a nostalgia bomb waiting to happen. (Fair dinkum, I loved those games!)
Donaldson is cautiously optimistic. The destruction mechanic, combined with the level design, creates a unique feeling, but there are hints of over-complicated levels. Still, the three hours they spent with the game flew by, which is always a good sign. Colour me intrigued. This could be something special, a proper marriage of Odyssey's brilliance and the entirety of DK's history.
Tags: Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey, Rareware, Platformer
Original article: Eurogamer