Donkey Kong's 'Bananza' - A Swinging Good Time or Just Monkeying Around?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Eurogamer's review of 'Donkey Kong Bananza' paints a picture of a fun, inventive platformer with a few rough edges, but ultimately a worthwhile addition to the DK canon – especially if you're a fan of smashing stuff.
Alright, listen up, mates! Word on the street (and by 'street,' I mean Eurogamer) is that Nintendo's dropped a new Donkey Kong title, 'Donkey Kong Bananza,' and folks are, well, going bananas for it. Alex Donaldson over at Eurogamer reckons it's a proper blast, but with a few caveats – naturally. (You can find the full Eurogamer review here).
So, what's the fuss about? Apparently, 'Bananza' introduces this whacky destruction mechanic that lets DK smash the living daylights out of the environment. Think Minecraft meets Donkey Kong, but with a whole lot more ape-fuelled demolition. You're not just mindlessly smashing things, though; there's a hierarchy of materials, see? Stone beats thorny terrain, obsidian crushes concrete... it's all very rock-paper-scissors but with more smashing. (And, dare I say, ever so slightly educational?).
Donaldson makes the point that it’s Nintendo's answer to Minecraft, pushing the boundaries and taking cues from the best. Not only is this feature important when traversing through the world but also when facing certain enemies. Using the environment to your advantage is key in this adventure.
Now, here's where things get a bit… iffy. According to Eurogamer, while the core concept is brilliant, some of the game's ideas feel a tad undercooked. DK's transformations, for example (the titular 'Bananzas' where he turns into other animals), are a mixed bag. Some are genuinely useful, while others feel about as impactful as a wet banana peel. It all begins when DK and his new pal Pauline embark on a journey to the planet’s core.
There are also some complaints about boss battles. Donaldson reckons they get a bit repetitive, like a scratched record stuck on repeat. Even the end-game bosses get a runback, but with different materials. It’s a little bit like a Legend of Zelda game where you are made to fight every dungeon boss twice! Despite these little setbacks, the author enjoyed the game for the way it was able to transport you to another world.
But hold on, it's not all gloom and doom! Eurogamer stresses that 'Bananza' has a certain 'sticky' quality (their words, not mine!). It's the kind of game that sucks you in, melts away the hours, and leaves you strangely satisfied, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of 'Mario Odyssey.' Apparently, past the halfway point things really begin to motor and the end game challenges are a fun addition. There is also a beautiful story about an Ape and a little girl which is surprisingly heartfelt.
And it's not just about the smashing; there's also a surprising amount of heart to the story, apparently. DK and Pauline (that's Mario's ex, by the way, talk about awkward!) form a surprisingly endearing duo. They even think that the pair will feature in the upcoming Donkey Kong film!
So, is 'Donkey Kong Bananza' worth your hard-earned doubloons? Eurogamer seems to think so, despite its flaws. It's a delightful and inventive adventure and probably the best Donkey Kong game without the word ‘Country’ in the title. If you're looking for a 3D platformer with a healthy dose of destruction and a surprisingly heartwarming story, you could do a lot worse.
Tags: Donkey Kong, Nintendo Switch, Platformer, Review, 3D Platformer
Original article: Eurogamer