Hands-on: Donkey Kong Bananza is extremely Super Mario Odyssey-coded, but also nails that delicious, specific Rare flair

Nintendo has a quirky new tradition. Before release, the company avoids discussing the development team behind its games. This is part of Nintendo’s strategy to focus on the gaming experiences rather than the individuals involved. So, while it may be tempting to speculate that the creators of Super Mario Odyssey are also responsible for the latest Donkey Kong game, the actual details remain undisclosed. However, the resemblance is striking.

Playing Donkey Kong Bananza for a brief period at the first hands-on experience with the Nintendo Switch 2, I was pleasantly surprised by how reminiscent it was of Odyssey. The fundamental gameplay remains the same, but structurally, it closely resembles Mario’s adventurous escapades on the Switch.

This makes it a unique Nintendo game – pun unintended – as it’s uncommon for Nintendo to transfer a successful formula from one franchise to another. However, a clear transformation has occurred here, and the outcome is positively exciting.

What sets this game apart is its focus on large open zones with various smaller objectives, rather than the typical grand-scale goals of 3D platformers. These objectives range from combat encounters and brain-teasing puzzles to platforming challenges, some cleverly hidden. The glistening golden bananas replace Odyssey’s Moons, yet the essence remains similar to Odyssey.

The core mechanic has been revamped, with a shift from Cappy to wanton destruction. For those familiar with the Xbox 360 era, this game can be likened to Red Faction Gorilla, incorporating the impressive deforming technology for interactive gameplay elements. Players can smash through the environment, creating new pathways and engaging in thrilling battles.

This destruction aspect fits well with Donkey Kong, maintaining a playful and enjoyable tone throughout the gameplay. The game’s progression hints at a descent into a mine, with each floor requiring strategic destruction to advance further. The game provides a detailed 3D map reminiscent of Metroid Prime to aid players in navigating the intricate environments.

Nintendo encourages players to explore the demo of Bananza multiple times, emphasizing its hidden discoveries. Similar to Odyssey, players can get lost in the vast stages, encountering new challenges and puzzles along the way. The game offers a sense of exploration and curiosity, rewarding players for their perseverance.

Despite the structural similarities to Odyssey, Bananza introduces a fresh perspective to the gameplay. As one of the flagship titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, it offers a familiar yet distinct experience compared to its predecessors. The incorporation of Rare’s influence adds a nostalgic touch to the game, bridging the gap between past and present gaming eras.

Overall, Donkey Kong Bananza showcases Nintendo’s ability to adapt successful formulas while retaining the essence of its beloved franchises. With its engaging gameplay mechanics and nostalgic charm, the game promises an exciting adventure for players of all ages.

There is something about the overall look and feel of the game, including the googly eyes, that gives off a vibe reminiscent of a blend between Rare’s Donkey Kong and Nintendo EPD’s modern 3D Mario vision.