Review: Smash, Explore & Rediscover DK’s Underground World
When the big banana-lover returns, you know something fun is about to happen. With Donkey Kong Bananza, the beloved ape takes center stage again in a bold 3D platforming adventure that embraces destruction, exploration, and joyful chaos. Released July 17 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2, it marks the first major Donkey Kong game in years and shows Nintendo isn’t afraid to smash walls and expectations.
1. Story & Setting
You take control of Donkey Kong and his unlikely companion Pauline as they dive into a mysterious underground world after the evil VoidCo steals precious Banandium Gems. Their mission: restore the balance, smash obstacles and retrieve what was stolen.
The world is layered: above ground, you have colorful jungle and classic DK charm; below ground, the subterranean realms reveal caverns, molten terrains, icy biomes, and destructible architecture. That dual-setting gives the game variety and keeps the exploration fresh.
2. Gameplay & Mechanics
Exploration & Destruction
Unlike many platformers that focus purely on precise jumps, Bananza encourages you to tear through terrain. Walls, floors, even chunks of ground are smashable. Donkey Kong can punch, throw pieces of the environment, dig through rock and create new paths.
Transformations
As you progress, DK gains fun animal-themed transformations — zebra speed, ostrich gliding, elephant strength, snake jump-boost. These powers aren’t just shiny gimmicks; they tie into how you navigate levels, find hidden routes and tackle puzzles.
Co-Op Mode
Bananza supports 2-player co-op: one plays DK, the other plays Pauline, who uses vocal blasts and terrain-manipulation support. It’s a strong addition for families or friends wanting to play together.
Best Buy
Challenge & Reward
Beyond the main path, you’ll find optional missions, collectibles, and mini-games offering more transformation upgrades or stylish unlocks. The platforming occasionally ramps up difficulty (especially in optional zones) but remains accessible for a wide audience.
3. Visuals & Audio
Bananza looks vibrant and polished. The destructible environments ooze spectacle — when walls break and terrain shifts, it feels dynamic. Reviewers praised the visuals, calling it one of the best looking Switch 2 titles upon launch.
Audio complements the action: a lively soundtrack, satisfying thuds when you smash terrain, and character voice-effects brimming with personality. The world feels playful and energetic, underlined with small emotional beats in Pauline’s storyline.
4. Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ Strengths
Creative freedom via destruction-based traversal
Strong 3D platforming design (rare for DK)
Co-op mode that works well
Visuals & performance highlight of Switch 2
❌ Weaknesses
Camera control occasionally fumbles in tight spaces
Optional missions may feel repetitive if you over-grind
Some long-time DK fans may miss side-scrolling simplicity
Exclusively on Switch 2 → limits access for other platforms
5. Who Should Play It?
Play if you
Love platformers with big ideas and fresh mechanics
Enjoy exploring varied environments and discovering hidden secrets
Have a Switch 2 and want a flagship experience
Maybe skip if you
Prefer pure linear narrative games
Don’t own a Switch 2
Are looking for competitive multiplayer instead of single/co-op adventure
6. Final Verdict
Score: 9/10
Donkey Kong Bananza manages to be fun, inventive and meaningful. It revitalizes a classic franchise with new ambition while maintaining its charm. Whether you’re smashing your way through rock walls or soaring as a zebra transformation, the experience feels fresh and rewarding.
It’s one of 2025’s standout platformers and well worth your time if you enjoy creativity, fun and adventure rolled into one gorilla-powered package.
“When you smash, you don’t just move forward — you rewrite your path.”
That’s Bananza in a nutshell.
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