Everything You Need to Know About Bananza on Switch 2
Nintendo is ready to go bananas. Following the highly successful launch of Switch 2, the console manufacturer is transitioning into delivery mode with numerous high-profile releases across the rest of the calendar year. Though no new Super Mario or The Legend of Zelda titles are on the horizon, Nintendo is aiming to give some of their other characters a chance to shine. That kicks off July 17 with Donkey Kong Bananza, the first 3D platformer the lovable ape has starred in since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64. With less than a month to go, Nintendo has dropped a treasure trove of information about the upcoming Switch 2 title.
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Donkey Kong SMASH!
Donkey Kong Banaza begins with Donkey Kong traveling to the Ingot Isle to obtain recently discovered golden bananas. While searching for them, an underground storm sweeps him deeper into the earth where he meets up with a young Pauline and becomes entangled in a plot by the villainous Void Company. They steal the golden bananas and begin making their way to Planet Core, where, legend says, it can grant your heart’s desire. It’s a race against time as DK and Pauline attempt to beat VoidCo to the core.
As a 3D platformer and a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza aims to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience while showcasing the power of the new hardware. Most of this is accomplished through the destruction mechanics. Players will be able to manipulate the environment and create their own platforming opportunities with abilities like Dive Punch to drill deep into the earth or Hand Slap to reveal hidden items. For combat, DK can tear out chunks of earth to throw at enemies or ride on top of them via Turf Surfing. It’s a much different way to approach platforming than what we’ve seen in Super Mario and previous 2D Donkey Kong titles.
Jump up, super star
Further helping differentiate Donkey Kong Bananza from other 3D platformers is Pauline, a talented young singer that, yes, is the same Pauline who will one day become the mayor of New Donk City. Powered by her singing, Donkey Kong is able to transform into different creatures. Some examples include Kong Bananza, which makes DK super strong, Zebra Bananza, which makes him faster and enables him to dash, and Ostrich Bananza, which allows him to fly and drop egg bombs.
As a 3D platformer and a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza aims to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience while showcasing the power of the new hardware.
The introduction of Pauline also opens the game for co-op play. While the game is fully playable solo, Bananza does allow you to share the destructive fun with a friend. The second player controls Pauline’s vocal blasts via the Joy-Con 2 controller’s mouse functionality. The game also serves as a showcase for the Switch 2’s GameShare and GameChat features. With GameShare, you’ll be able to share the game and play in co-op with another player locally, even if they don’t own a copy of the game. Then, via GameChat, you’ll be able to invite friends to watch all the destructive action.
Donkey Kong Bananza also includes numerous other goodies besides the campaign and leveling terrain. The game features a wide array of collectibles, timed battles, side-scrolling stages, obstacle courses and more to enjoy throughout the adventure. You’ll meet up with old friends like Cranky Kong, listen to classic Donkey Kong tunes and snap creative pics in the photo mode.
Donkey Kong Bananza marks a major step for Nintendo’s beloved ape. As the first 3D Donkey Kong game in more than 20 years, and the first post-launch Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, there’s a lot of pressure on Nintendo to deliver. What we’ve seen so far looks fun, innovative and beautiful. While we will need to wait a month to see if Donkey Kong’s return to 3D is a success, what we have seen looks promising.
Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17 on Switch 2.
