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Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay and Review

A complete and detailed review of the gameplay of Donkey Kong Bananza as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game.
Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay and Review
Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay and Review. Source: Official Site
Article Summary
  • Donkey Kong Banana combine formulas open world with classic platforming, allowing exploration of the Underground World as well as leveling up through Banandium Gems.
  • Transformation modes such as Kong Banana, Zebra Banana, and Ostrich Banana adds variety to gameplay, plus co-op, challenges, and collections.
Disclaimer: This summary was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay and Review

If Nintendo previously relied on Zelda: BotW to carry the Switch 1 with its open world genre, then on Switch 2 the baton was passed to Donkey Kong Bananza.

Yep, their gorilla mascot is still a selling point! So, if you're also a loyal fan and curious about their latest installation, check it out!

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Donkey Kong Banana Plot

Donkey Kong Banana
Pauline, the damsel who wants to go home. Source: Official Site

It wouldn't be a Donkey Kong (DK) game without a damsel in distress. In this series, the damsel is named Pauline.

Long story short, due to an incident, DK meets Pauline, who is trapped in the game's universe: the Underground World. Her only wish is to return home and return to the surface.

Since DK is a good gorilla, he wants to help Pauline. After further investigation, he discovers that the best way is to dive into the planet's core, which is believed to grant one wish.

This is where their adventure begins. Carrying Pauline on their shoulders, they delve level by level to reach the planet's core so the damsel can return home.

Donkey Kong Bananza Gameplay

Donkey Kong Banana
DK gameplay during Zebra Bananza mode. Source: Official Site

As a well-known franchise of the side-scrolling platforming genre, Nintendo (who loves to experiment) tried a new formula by using the open world formula.

Unlike previous installations, here DK can freely explore the expanse of the Underground World. Players can control him in many ways.

From climbing, destroying obstacles, swinging weapons, throwing objects, digging, and much more. Well, basically, it's a typical open-world game!

Nintendo itself wants to maintain the theme of the original game, but with an expanded scale. And instead of going up, this time DK will be going underground.

Each level will have different terrain, challenges, mobs, and bosses. To succeed, players will need to level up by collecting 'Banandium Gems'.

Players can obtain these in many ways: mining, opening treasure chests, defeating mobs/bosses, etc. Players can then allocate all these Gems to increase skill points.

There are many skills available, and players are free to choose which ones they want to upgrade. The more Gems they collect, the stronger their DK will be.

Power-Ups and Traversal

Donkey Kong Banana
DK in Kong Bananza mode. Source: Official Site

Of course, Pauline the damsel isn't just for show. With her abilities, DK can now transform, making gameplay less monotonous:

  • Kong Bananza: DK gets power-ups and becomes a much stronger gorilla! He can crush all kinds of mobs and destroy all obstacles!;
  • Zebra Bananza: Since the game doesn't feature vehicles or mounts, Zebra Bananza serves as its land traversal mode. In this mode, DK takes the form of a burly zebra, increasing his mobility and running faster.;
  • Ostrich Bananza: An open-world game wouldn't be complete without aerial traversal. That's where Nintendo gave DK the option to transform into a massive ostrich that can fly and drop eggs as explosive missiles.

Challenges, Collections and Other Modes

2 player co-op mode
2 player co-op mode. Source: YouTube (@Nintendo of America)

Of course, just wandering around isn't enough. That's why Nintendo has added several challenges, collectibles, and other modes. Here's a summary of some of them:

  • Ancient Ruins: Throughout the Underground World, challenges called Ancient Ruins are scattered throughout the Underground World. These are mini-games you can play to earn various rewards—similar to the Shrines concept in Zelda: BotW.;
  • Britches: Simply put, these are fashion items (outfits) for DK and Pauline. Much like Zelda: BotW, each outfit will also have its own attributes that can strengthen them in specific situations;
  • 2-Player Co-Op: Besides helping DK transform, Pauline's other function is for co-op play. If you're playing with two players, player 1 will control DK and player 2 will control Pauline!

Price and Equivalence

Donkey Kong Bananza game price
Donkey Kong Bananza game price. Source: Official Site

To complete this game to 100%, the total playtime required is around 50 hours. And if you're interested in purchasing this game, you can buy it now.

Both the digital download and the physical cartridge versions are priced at $110, Nintendo says! This doesn't include the $30 DLC titled DK Island & Emerald Rush.

In total, you'll need to prepare USD 140, or the equivalent of IDR 2.3 million (February exchange rate)! So, Vicigers, do you think it's worth it for that price? 

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That was a complete discussion about the gameplay of Donkey Kong Bananza.

Artaz Gang

Artaz Gang (pen name) is a niche writer for gaming, anime, and other digital pop culture. His favorite games include MLBB, the Diablo franchise, and Minecraft.


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