Nintendo’s highly anticipated big surprise game was revealed to be Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D adventure game starring the king of the Kongs. However, the game failed to deliver on expectations. During a 30-minute playthrough, it became clear that Donkey Kong Bananza is more of a palette swap than a genuine sequel to Super Mario Odyssey.
The gameplay involves Donkey Kong sprinting through mines, breaking everything in his path, and throwing boulders. With very little platforming involved, the game focuses on wrecking stuff rather than precise movements. While chaotic at times, it was still enjoyable, especially for fans of Donkey Kong’s destructive persona.
However, beneath its chaotic surface lies a more structured game. Mini-objectives keep the player engaged, and collectibles are hidden throughout the levels. The large environments and varied paths provide a sense of exploration, making the game feel more like a major first-party release than expected.
Ultimately, Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a misfire, prioritizing the joy of destruction over traditional 3D platforming. It’s unclear if this is the sequel to Super Mario Odyssey fans were waiting for, and Nintendo’s surprise game has left many underwhelmed.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch-2/552075/donkey-kong-bananza-hands-on-preview-impressions