A game likeDonkey Kong Bananzahas been a long time coming, and it has a chance to correct some of the mistakes made in Donkey Kong’s previous 3D platformer. Although I lovedDonkey Kong 64when I first got it for the N64, and spent a lot of hours in the multiplayer arena, there’s no denying that the game hasn’t aged as well as its contemporaries, likeSuperMario 64.Donkey Kong Bananzais DK’s first shot in a while at 3D platforming redemption.
Now, I will be honest and say that I wasn’t initially sold on what I’d seen fromDonkey Kong Bananza’s previews. DK looked different, his usual antagonists seemed to have been replaced, and my nostalgia-poisoned brain was honestly hoping a new 3DDonkey Konggame would play more similarly toDonkey Kong 64. However, the more I thought aboutDonkey Kong Bananzaas its own property, the more I started to get excited about it. I think the game even has the potential toput theDonkey Kongseries on more level ground with theMariogames.
Donkey Kong’s 3D History Isn’t As Good As Mario’s
Donkey Kong Only Has One 3D Platformer
Donkey Kong may not be as prolific as Mario, but the great ape makes up for it by having some quality games.TheDonkey Kong Countryseries has delivered some very fun and challenging platformers with a unique flair. The mine cart levels have always been a favorite of mine, and Enguarde the Swordfish even manages to make water levels more playable. However, despiteDonkey Kong’s many successes in the realm of 2D platformers, the series hasn’t shown anywhere near the same consistency or quality when it comes to 3D ones.
Donkey Kong Bananza Looks Great, But Nintendo Should’ve Made Super Mario Odyssey 2
Nintendo Switch 2 missed an opportunity to give fans a new Super Mario Odyssey and instead focused on Donkey Kong Bananza, which is disappointing.
Donkey Kong 64is the only 3D platformer the series has hadbefore toDonkey Kong Bananza. AlthoughDonkey Kong 64was well-received when it initially came out, it has aged more like one of DK’s coveted bananas than a fine wine. Like many old 3D platformers,Donkey Kong 64hadn’t quite figured out the best way to use its camera just yet. This, coupled with some clunky controls, makes it slightly frustrating to try and replay, especially if you’re stuck with a worn-out old N64 joystick.
Aside from the game’s inherent flaws,Donkey Kong 64is also not as easy to play as old 3DMariotitles.SuperMario 64can be played on the Switch via the Virtual Console, or if you were lucky enough to snag a copy ofSuper Mario 3D All-Stars.Donkey Kong 64, in contrast, has only ever been available on its original platform or through the Wii U’s Virtual Console. Now that the Wii U’s services have been shut down, you need to have an original copy ofDK 64or rely on emulators.
“It’s Still DK, Only Better Looking”: Former Rare Artist Defends Donkey Kong’s Bananza Design
Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2 is bringing a redesign to the titular ape, and while it is a controversial choice, a former DK artist is for it.
With Donkey Kong’s only 3D platformer being both dated and inaccessible, it’s no wonder thatDK doesn’t come close to having as good a track record with them as Mario. WhileDonkey Kong Bananzahas the opportunity to change this perspective, it will need to avoid some ofDonkey Kong 64’s biggest flaws if it wants to succeed. Luckily, it looks like Nintendo won’t be making the same mistakes this time around.
Donkey Kong Bananza Could Fix Donkey Kong 64’s Weaknesses
Donkey Kong 64’s Character Switching And Platforming Feel Dated
Donkey Kong 64is a game with a lot of ideas, and while few are bad ideas in isolation, it does leave the game feeling a little unfocused and bloated at times. One of the most infamous examples of this is the game’s character mechanic, where players are forced to switch between five different Kongs to complete different challenges. The issue is that this switch had to take place at a designated barrel, so you were frequently forced to backtrack and switch characters to solve a new puzzle, or collect some differently colored bananas.
It also sometimes feels likeDonkey Kong 64is having a bit of an identity crisis in terms of its genre. Aside from platforming, the game includes puzzle-solving elements, and character upgrades that almost feel like they belong in an RPG. This not only takes focus away from the actual platforming, but also frequently grinds the pace of the game to a halt, which somewhat kills the appeal of this type of game.
New Mario Kart Game For Switch 2 Has Changed Donkey Kong’s Design & Fans Think They Know Why
In the new Mario Kart game revealed during the Switch 2’s first trailer, players noticed a number of details, including some character redesigns.
Luckily, it seems likeDonkey Kong Bananzawill be addressing some of these flaws from DK’s previous 3D outing. Although it’s hard to say definitively - as we haven’t seen a ton of gameplay yet - it does look like levels are more focused. It doesn’t seem like there will be a lot of wandering around or tedium. Instead, the game’s pace seems quicker and its levels slightly more linear. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like the game will play more similarly tosomething likeAstro BotthanDonkey Kong 64.
It also looks like the game will be focused solely on DK as opposed to a group of characters. While I wouldn’t be against playing as other characters, I do think having one consistent set of controls and physics is a good thing for a 3D platformer. Playing as DK the entire time will allow us to master the game’s controls and pull off satisfying platforming feats. It will also, hopefully, meanwe aren’t schlepping back through old levels to grab a few differently colored bananas.
A Truly Great 3D Donkey Kong Is Way Overdue
Donkey Kong 64 Is Over 25 Years Old
I’m glad thatDonkey Kong Bananzalooks fun, because DK’s return to 3D platforming is long overdue.Donkey Kong 64originally came out in late 1999, meaning it will be over 25 years since the last 3DDonkey Konggame whenDonkey Kong Bananzacomes outon June 06, 2025. Originally, Nintendo had started developing a 3DDonkey Konggame with developer Vicarious Visions for the Switch, according toGame Rant. The project ultimately fell through in 2016, and it was starting to feel like Nintendo had given up on a 3DDonkey Kongreturn.
Nintendo Switch 2 Doesn’t Have Hall Effect Sticks, But Nintendo Still Thinks Joy-Cons “Feel Really Good”
Despite the widespread stick drift issues that plagued the original Switch, Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 doesn’t use Hall effect sticks
I don’t envy the team tasked with creatingDonkey Kong Bananza. After so much time, it’s going to be hard for a new 3DDonkey Konggame to live up to the expectations many players likely have for it. However, the previews for the game do have me optimistic thatDonkey Kong Bananzacould be DK’s first truly great outing in the 3D platforming world.
