Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)

[Fatboi1]

 

[Jaguar93]

K Rool better be in this game

 

[tripleaamin]

I for some reason never got to play DK64 even though I was a big 3D platformer fan especially during the N64 era. I played Banjo Kazooie, Conker, Mario 64, even garbage like Chameleon Kid but didn't get around to Dk64.

Tbh DK 64 was padded and lacked an identity as a 3d platformer. It felt way too familiar to all of them that appeared in the 90’s if you never played it you lost almost nothing in terms of a unique experience.

Bananza with the whole destruction concept gives it a clear simple identity. Depending how much tie into it as a 3d platform we it has potential to shine.

 

[Da Rhythm Rebel]

When do reviews drop tomorrow?

 

[tripleaamin]

Nintendo Is 'Aware Performance May Drop Slightly' In Donkey Kong Bananza But Says The Team Prioritized 'Fun and Playability' During Development - IGN

The director of the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza has acknowledged some "performance" issues, while saying the team prioritized "fun and playability" during development.

www.ign.com

 

[Grand Conde]

When do reviews drop tomorrow?

9 pm PT.

Game sounds like it will score in mid 90s.

 

[Gizmo_Duck]

Opencritic (89)

Bananza is pretty much the pinnacle of Donkey Kong I've been waiting for since the 90s. This game is so good, it's changed my whole outlook on DK as a character. He was always second-string, at least for me. Now, DK has been bumped up to A-rank, and it's all thanks to Bananza. This game is beautiful, with an incredible soundtrack, seamless mechanics, relentless pacing, and brand new levels of Nintendo polish. Mario Kart World was a great introduction to the Switch 2, but Donkey Kong Bananza is the first can't-miss game to come to the platform. You'd be a fool to pass on this one.

COGconnected (10/10)

Like I said, when Bananza smashes it's totally remarkable. Occasionally it feels like it gets a bit lost, or fails to expand on some of the excellent foundations it's laying down. That's the sort of thing that keeps a game from being declared as a total classic for me - even if it nevertheless earns a hearty, full-throated recommendation. And even with my myriad quibbles, certainly it is the new best Donkey Kong adventure that doesn't have the word 'Country' in its title - which puts it in high standing indeed.

Eurogamer (4/5)

Donkey Kong Bananza offers a new start for Donkey Kong that is distinct from the Donkey Kong Country games. The focus on destructability captures what makes DK different from other platforming characters--his titanic strength--and giving him a cute sidekick grants the game unexpected emotional depth. As part of the launch line-up for the Switch 2, this nicely fills the gap for one of Nintendo's signature substantial single-player adventures. But more importantly, it's an excellent game in its own right, and deserves to be mentioned alongside games like Mario Odyssey as among Nintendo's best recent work.

Gamespot (9/10)

The leader of the bunch is finally back to kick some tail in Donkey Kong Bananza, a brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey and a smashing return for a classic Nintendo character. It was a bold choice to build the Switch 2's first 3D platformer around Donkey Kong instead of Mario, but it's proven to be the best decision Nintendo could've made. DK's satisfying, expressive movement and powerful, dynamic abilities create a truly groundbreaking adventure. The ambitious, destructible layers of this underground world are densely packed with satisfying collectibles, abundant charm, and clever challenges that never seem to run out of smart ideas, even long after the credits have rolled. Bananza is a constant crescendo across its 20-hour campaign and beyond, with puzzle-platforming concepts that only grow richer as DK and Pauline dive deeper toward the Planet Core. Every element comes together in complete harmony to create Nintendo's first Switch 2 masterpiece.

IGN (10/10)

Donkey Kong Bananza is a statement from Nintendo — making it clear that the company's innovation isn't going to stop on Switch 2. And it's fair to say that this is a game that could have only been achieved on this new system, with how wildly ambitious its world structure and destruction are. Bananza isn't just a system seller; it's a genre-defining game that others will likely be looking to for years to come.

Inverse (10/10)

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, "Donkey Kong is here." Now let's just hope he stays.

Nintendo Life (9/10)

Donkey Kong Bananza is my new favorite DK game, due to its fantastic gameplay and how well it shows exactly what the Switch 2 can do. I loved the story. I loved the environmental design. I loved the worldbuilding. The gameplay is fantastic, save for that one jerk opponent. This is a stunning example of what this new system can do. Donkey Kong Bananza is not only one of the best Switch 2 games in 2025, it will be one of the best titles released this year on any platform.

Siliconera (10/10)

Falling short of Odyssey's genius, Donkey Kong Bananza is still a top tier Switch 2 platformer from the masters of the genre. A heartfelt story and pleasing nods to DK's past make this the ape's most memorable adventure in many years.

VGC (4/5)

 

[Blackfyre]

Reviews: MetaCritic: 91 OpenCritic: 91
Donkey Kong Bananza Review

Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Switch 2 Review - Is It Worth It?

Donkey Kong Bananza - Nintendo Switch 2 - Digital Foundry Review

 

[Da Rhythm Rebel]

We got one!

 

[iceberg_is_on_fire]

This has the shape to be the best 3D platformer from Nintendo First Party since Mario Galaxy games imo. This one def feels like it has much more gameplay variety and creativity then Odyssey had.

The only concern is gameplay difficulty. Hopefully it is not like Odyssey where 97% of the game was easy af.

I expect that level of (non) difficulty 100% but still to be amazed at the level of creativity at the same time. I'm picking up the physical from best buy tomorrow so I'm excited.

It's Nintendo with one of the best development teams ever. Of course this is going to be en fuego.

 

[GambinoMakeItWork]

another W for platformers

 

[rabbid]

This shyt looks

them challenge rooms looking extra fun. & they remixed stickerbrush symphony. I guess we dont need a new mario for awhile now.

 

[Artificial Intelligence]

another W for platformers

They thought I’d make an another Mario……..Never backwards stupid… here’s another classic -nintendo

 

[Uchiha God]

Game looks fun. I don't like the art direction though - something about it looks tech demo-ish to me. Nonetheless, game looks super fun

 

[The Mad Titan]

Wonder if it'll be considered for GOTY...