Donkey Kong: Bananza

Every developer under the sun has dabbled in the 3D platformer space at one point or another, but Nintendo has consistently proven that no one does it better

Donkey Kong Bananza is a groundbreaking 3D platformer from the Super Mario Odyssey team that pushes the genre to thrilling new heights.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a game so committed to its premise you can’t help but revel in the gorgeous, destructive genius of it all. Constantly building to a spectacular finish and incorporating the most comprehensive post-game experience I have seen in a Nintendo game to date, this is a proper benchmark of brilliance for what a first-party Switch 2 title should be. The world is your oyster – so why not punch it into pieces.

Donkey Kong Bananza successfully transitions the franchise into 3D with impressive scope and satisfying destruction mechanics.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the first major post-launch title for the Switch 2 developed by Nintendo. It also happens to be the first 3D outing for Donkey Kong since

One of the most unique Nintendo Switch 2 games is finally here and Donkey Kong Bananza is awesomer than a bunch of just-ripe bananas.

I will be the first one to admit I was bummed out with the initial reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, as well as its launch lineup. Ever since grabbing a portable gaming PC, the entire concept of “big budgeted AAA gaming on the go” had lost its novelty. It’s still very much appealing, of course, but when you have access to a Steam library on-the-go, a launch lineup plastered with third party ports and just, like, two new Nintendo games wasn’t delivering the best of first impressions. Su...

Donkey Kong Bananza is an incredible iteration and spin on the Odyssey formula creating another incredible first-party experience. The world destruction did rob some of the challenge of the world, but it was a smaller percentage of the time.

A triumphant return to centre court for Donkey Kong, with the best destruction effects in gaming and mountains of bizarre and wonderful ideas – and a surprising amount of jank when it comes to the camera.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an almighty re-introduction to the world of 3D platforming for DK, and arguably the Switch 2's first absolute must-play. The punching and crashing is a passing novelty that, once you get your fill, quickly becomes just another way of exploring the wonderfully varied and beautifully presented layers. Whether it's smashing through the scenery with a Bananza Transformation or carefully planning a route to a hidden Banandium Gem, you'll have trouble finding more originality and, crucially, more enjoyment from a platformer in recent years. As the DK Rap so wisely said, "Donke...

Bananza is a great platformer, but it can't match Mario's heights

Donkey Kong Bananza is a smashing good time. With Pauline clutching onto the fur on his back as the pair race to the centre of the world, you’ll be rampaging across the landscape of each level, slapping rock-encased enemies around, and dig-punching yourself in a gluttonous frenzy of screen-filling button mashing as you search for the moreish bananas that DK goes ga-ga for.