Donkey Kong Bananza Reviews
Donkey Kong Bananza, however, is a fantastic production that shows how Nintendo can take advantage of the new platform's capabilities to provide great fun.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bananza is the perfect launch window title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It highlights the kind of creative whimsy that Nintendo can achieve with its new hardware, demonstrates that the Switch 2 really is more than a slightly bigger Switch… and is just a very fine game on top of all of that. Donkey Kong has finally appeared in a 3D platformer worth a damn.
Following Mario Odyssey is a tall order, and the game should not be solely compared to it, and while this is still a very engaging platformer, it's more surface level than it initially seems.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
A fresh and ambitious 3D platformer that builds on Odyssey's strengths, Donkey Kong Bananza trades tradition for freedom'and mostly succeeds.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
A well-executed and fun proposal that leaves you with a smile on your face and hooks you from start to finish. It has everything it needs to be a fantastic new beginning for a gaming icon that should never be caged again
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Donkey Kong finds a new identity that embraces and rewrites the long legacy of the character, integrating his musical flair and his love for bashing stuff. It's a long, fun game, full of crazy ideas. It may be a bit too easy for veteran players, especially in the first half, but by now we know that's mostly to be expected from Nintendo.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Created by the team that developed Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is a celebration of the character, a 3D platformer that finally puts him in the place he deserves. Its colorful and fully modifiable world, its variety of mechanics and its collecting spirit make it a worthy heir to its predecessor.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the most unique and immensely enjoyable games that I've ever played. Plus, behind its chaotic open-ended gameplay and incredibly imaginative worlds, you'll find a lot of heart. 🍌
Donkey Kong Bananza is a strong, triumphant return of the famous gorilla, proving that he still has plenty of energy and charisma. The destruction mechanics sets this game apart from other platformers, offering a sense of freedom that’s challenging to find elsewhere. The world is beautiful, the characters are charming, and the gameplay is engaging. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth diving into this adventure.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bonanza isn’t just a return to form, it’s a new benchmark for 3D platformers. It captures the spirit of the Donkey Kong Country games I grew up loving, but reimagines it with modern design and freedom. It’s endlessly rewarding, visually gorgeous, packed with things to do, and bursting with charm. Whether you’re a longtime DK fan or someone new to the franchise, this is an absolute must-play. It’s also one of the best reasons yet to own a Nintendo Switch 2. This is the kind of first-party title that justifies the hardware, it’s ambitious, creative, and full of surprises. It’s a game that feels handcrafted for all ages, where every player will find something to love.
Donkey Kong Bananza is an immaculate return to 3D for DK. Bananza offers creativity seen in very few games in our industry have achieved. Each Layer is expertly crafted, Donkey Kong is endlessly fun to control, and the narrative is surprisingly great. While the general lack of difficulty, especially with bosses, leaves a bit to be desired, Donkey Kong Bananza is one of my favorite Nintendo games of the last decade. Let's just hope this marks a new era of consistent Donkey Kong games.
In short, Donkey Kong Bananza is a platformer that truly deserves a lot, and I'm only sorry it was promoted in such a peculiar way .
Review in Italian | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bananza redefines 3D platforming and sets a new benchmark for the genre - a Switch 2 showcase, and a modern masterpiece.
Donkey Kong Bananza successfully transitions the franchise into 3D with impressive scope and satisfying destruction mechanics. The open-sandbox design encourages exploration, while intuitive controls and collectibles keep players engaged. However, it suffers from performance issues in docked mode, simplistic difficulty, and a forgettable story. Despite these shortcomings, Nintendo delivers a polished launch title that captures the joy of destruction and expands the series' potential.
I’ve written more than 2,000 words about Donkey Kong Bananza, and I’m still not quite sure I’ve done the game justice. Yes, the early hours are a bit of a slog, but the game ramps up by the halfway point and is all gas until its very climatic finish. The Bananza abilities capture much of the “what’ll I transform into next?!” energy of Super Mario Odyssey, while the fully destructible environments add welcome dimension to an IP that has been criminally underserved the past few decades. No, it isn’t perfect, but the juice is well worth the squeeze. Whether you’re a 3D Mario transplant or you’ve played every Donkey Kong title since the arcade, you’ll find quite a lot to love in DK Bananza. Take time to clear past the rock, and you’ll strike certain gold.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a colorful, wild ride through a jungle of transformations, laughter, and chaos that brings back childhood memories while offering freshness for a new generation. If you love platformers with heart and humor, Bananza is a true jungle delight.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bananza is an outstanding game, and it has the potential of redefining its genre. The game not only fulfills the high expectations we had after the preview but excels in delivering an unforgettable experience through its masterful blend of narrative, exploration, and refined gameplay mechanics. This meticulous attention to detail across all facets, from level design to character interaction and dynamic environments, makes Donkey Kong Bananza a triumph for Nintendo, and real killer application for Nintendo Switch 2.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bananza is probably the game that will be best remembered as the main attraction within Switch 2 launch window. As with most Nintendo titles, the main focus is providing as much fun as possible.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the first major titles to release for the Nintendo Switch 2 and it is everything gamers were hoping it would be.
Nintendo has an obvious Game of the Year contender here, and Nintendo Switch 2 has yet another system seller.