Donkey Kong Review

Sami-Jo Perruzza

22 Jul 2025 • 5 min read

It's been AGES since Donkey Kong took center stage in a 3D platformer. My memories go back to watching my mom play Donkey Kong 64 while eating snacks; now the roles are completely reversed, and she’s been right there cheering for ME on the couch as I tackle Donkey Kong Bananza. The nostalgia is real, and thankfully, the experience lives up to the hype. Bananza isn’t just a strong return for DK—it’s one of the best 3D platformers I’ve enjoyed in years.

Bananza delivers classic DK energy at full blast. The game unfolds across 17 stages, or as the game calls them, "Layers," each a sprawling world packed with platforming challenges, puzzles, hidden secrets, and inventive environmental mechanics. Every Layer has its distinct look and feel, keeping the adventure fresh from start to finish. Whether you’re exploring jungle ruins or venturing into volcanic mazes, there’s always something to discover.

The core gameplay loop is classic but addictive. Exploring, smashing obstacles, digging through terrain, and hunting down secrets feels endlessly satisfying. Donkey Kong controls amazingly well, and interacting with the ever-changing environments keeps each moment exciting.

Uncovering hidden paths and bonus rooms with DK's fists is more than just flashy; a lot of the game’s best moments are hidden beneath the surface.

Bananza shines by staying true to Nintendo’s best design philosophies:

Each Layer introduces and ramps up new mechanics in a way that feels natural and rewarding.
Secrets, collectibles, and bonus content are tucked away everywhere, making thorough exploration deeply rewarding.
DK unlocks new abilities that transform how you navigate the world. These add variety, clever level design moments, and loads of fun.

Some world-specific quirks and gimmicks are so imaginative I only wish they’d lasted longer, but they leave a memorable mark while they’re around.

As a huge series fan, I got a kick out of all the cameos. All the classic Kongs like Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong pop up in delightful ways. There’s even a whole racing Layer, which feels especially timely and fitting with Mario Kart World also lighting up the Switch 2’s early lineup.

List of Layers

Ingot Isle: Sublayer 1-10
Lagoon Layer: Sublayer 100-102
Hilltop Layer: Sublayer 200
Canyon Layer: Sublayer 300-302
The Divide: Sublayer 400
Freezer Layer: Sublayer 500-503
Forest Layer: Sublayer 600-602
The Junction: Sublayer 700
Restore Layer: Sublayer 800
Tempest Layer: Sublayer 900-902
Landfill Layer: Sublayer 1000-1001
Racing Layer: Sublayer 1100
Radiance Layer: Sublayer 1200-1204 *my favourite layer esthetically*
Groove Layer: Sublayer 1300
Feast Layer: Sublayer 1400-1401
Forbidden Layer: Sublayer 1500
Planet Core: Sublayer 1600-1609

It's impressive just how deeply Bananza honours Donkey Kong’s history without simply retreading old ground. A side stage called "Nostalgia Country" reimagines a classic SNES Donkey Kong Country level with a modern makeover—complete with remixed music and familiar layouts, but upgraded in every way. It's an affectionate nod for longtime fans, and those subtle callbacks and references keep popping up throughout the adventure.

Music plays a key role in Donkey Kong Bananza by bringing its world and story to life. Each Layer has a unique soundtrack, from vibrant jungle drums to haunting volcanic tunes, that shifts with the action, making discoveries and boss fights more exciting. The story relies on music too. The finale’s score adds extra emotion and leaves a lasting impression, guiding the adventure and highlighting every important moment. The credit scene is a lovely OST called “Breaking Through (Heart of Gold)”, and I’ve been listening to it on REPEAT since finishing the game. For those who, like me, deeply wanted the DK rap to come back, that can ALSO be found in the game if you look hard enough.

Here’s what to expect from Bananza:

17 distinct Layers with multiple levels, puzzles, and secrets
20–25 hours for the main story
35+ hours for 100% completion
Loads of optional content: secret challenges, bonus puzzle stages, and combat arenas

This is a meaty platformer with real replay value… Great for both casual completionists and obsessive banana hoarders.

Now, no platformer is perfect, and Bananza has a few missteps:

Some late-game boss fights are visually impressive but lack challenge until the VERY LAST FIGHT sequence.
A few Layer-specific mechanics are introduced, enjoyed, then vanish too soon.
Smashing everything is a thrill, but after hours of it, a little more gameplay variety would have helped.
I was initially worried (after playing the preview) about how the camera would behave during all the underground punching and digging, but was pleasantly surprised. The camera can occasionally get awkward in tight spaces, but it was an improvement, and it never became a deal-breaker for me.

Just when you think Donkey Kong Bananza is winding down, it throws ALL THE ACTION it can at you at once—bringing surprise Layers and an epic grand finale that took me completely and delightfully off guard. The final sequence is unforgettable; it’s the kind of climax that’s going to stick with me for a long time. Whether we get DLC or a brand new chapter in the Donkey Kong franchise, I’m more excited than ever to see what’s coming.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a joyful, expertly crafted love letter to the series, blending fresh ideas with retro spirit. Whether you’re a veteran from the Donkey Kong Country days or just looking for excellent platforming, Bananza delivers. My advice to those playing… Be sure to stick around after BOTH credit sequences. There is always just a little more than you think there will be….

If this is the new standard for DK, the franchise is in excellent hands. DK is SO back.