In “Donkey Kong Bananza”, a severe storm sweeps Donkey Kong into an underground world rich in banana-shaped gemstones, setting the stage for a dirt-filled journey to the centre of the Earth. This first Donkey Kong platformer since 2014 is built around pulverising destructible environments as players see fit.
Players can burrow through floors or batter their way through walls, unleashing a cathartic sense of mindlessness in smashing stone out of every inch of the ground beneath them. The physics tech is pushed to its limits, revealing hidden collectibles and passageways.
A young girl named Pauline joins Donkey Kong on his journey, singing like Mariah Carey to send him into a frenzy and powering him up with new transformations. These animal-themed forms allow players to smash through concrete as they glow red and embark on rhythmic rampages.
The game features a skill tree for upgrading DK’s moves, raising health, and teaching new attacks. Collectible hidden fossils serve as currency for stat-boosting outfits, adding to the fun and chaos of gameplay.
Bananza takes cues from Rare’s seminal N64 Donkey Kong platformer, blending destruction-led chaos with elements of Banjo-Kazooie and Incredible Hulk simulator. The game offers a unique experience with ranged projectiles, wacky transformations, and a wide variety of enemies to battle.
Boss battles are also an essential part of the gameplay, pitting DK against foes like the golden skeletal pterodactyl or hopping stone alligator head. With its off-kilter tone, Bananza promises to be a delightfully chaotic experience for players.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jul/02/donkey-kong-bananza-nintendo-switch-2