At the recent Switch 2 Direct presentation, Nintendo took a nostalgic turn by unveiling their latest 3D platformer. However, a familiar face was noticeably absent. Instead of Mario, it was Donkey Kong taking center stage in the much-anticipated “Donkey Kong Bananza.” The title cleverly nods to the gorilla’s well-known love for bananas. Initially, many might have thought they were seeing a sequel to 2017’s “Super Mario Odyssey,” but as the iconic ape emerged, it was clear that this was an entirely new adventure.
The game showcases expansive, open-world levels that fans of “Odyssey” will find familiar, as Donkey Kong embarks on a quest filled with smashing and bashing against novel foes. Although iconic enemies like the Kremlings and King K. Rool remain in the shadows for now, there’s speculation that they might appear in future reveals. This reveal leaned heavily on exploration, introducing new mechanics that promise to shake things up. One standout feature is Donkey Kong’s ability to drill through the earth and reappear in new locations, alongside a dynamic ability to hurl chunks of the environment at nearby structures to uncover hidden treasures. It appears that chaotic fun is a key theme here, mirroring how Cappy expanded Mario’s abilities. With these new powers, players can unleash their energy through Donkey Kong’s mighty fists, turning the game into their personal stress reliever.
Delving deeper into the trailer, there are subtle elements reminiscent of what made “Super Mario Odyssey” such a hit. There’s a nostalgic throwback to “Donkey Kong Country” with segments that shift into a 2D perspective, reminiscent of Odyssey’s nod to “Super Mario Bros.” and its unforgettable scene in New Donk City. Some new adversaries evoke memories of the Broodals, including one riding a hovering rock, and Donkey Kong even gains a quirky purple rock companion. The crescent moon imagery floating above Ingot Isle brings to mind Mario’s moon collectibles. A few scenes, such as the opening underground jungle and the lush plains, almost had me wondering if I was watching a preview for “Super Mario Odyssey 2.” However, what we’ve got is just as exciting and perhaps even more enticing.
“Donkey Kong Bananza” marks the freshest entry in the franchise since “Donkey Kong 64,” and there’s a world of possibilities for how this new 3D installment can innovate. Bankrolled by the talented team behind “Super Mario Odyssey,” it’s hard not to feel a surge of excitement. While the Switch 2’s hardware improvements may not have blown me away, seeing Bananza embrace what made Odyssey extraordinary was precisely the reassurance needed from the Direct. Donkey Kong’s starring role in the recent “Super Mario Bros. Movie,” his dedicated theme park attraction at Universal Studios, and now this promising adventure set to launch with the Switch 2, all highlight one resounding truth. Donkey Kong isn’t just back—he’s here to stay for the long haul.
