Summary of "I REGRET buying Donkey Kong Bananza.... - REVIEW (Nintendo Switch 2)"

Donkey Kong Bonanza (Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive)

Main Features

Developed by the Mario Odyssey team, this is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive platformer.
The gameplay follows Donkey Kong and Pauline on a journey to the center of the Earth to make wishes.
Environments are highly destructible, with 99% of objects able to be smashed or dug through.
Exploration-focused with open-ended movement reminiscent of Mario Odyssey.
Players unlock transformations by finding elders every few layers, allowing Donkey Kong to temporarily become different animals (gorilla, zebra, ostrich, elephant) to solve puzzles.
Features a talent tree system powered by collecting bananas, offering upgrades for Donkey Kong and each transformation form.
Side content includes optional dungeons, treasure chests, and banana hunting.

Pros

Fun and engaging core gameplay with a strong sense of exploration.
Destructible environments add a unique element to platforming.
Transformations introduce puzzle-solving variety.
Side content encourages exploration and collecting.
Captures some of the exploratory spirit of Mario Odyssey.

Cons

Lacks the “wow” factor or sense of awe found in previous Mario or Donkey Kong games.
Worlds and gameplay feel bland and forgettable; described as “rinse and repeat.”
Boss fights are extremely easy and short, lacking challenge or excitement.
Upgrades in the talent tree feel largely irrelevant due to the game’s low difficulty.
Puzzle solutions tend to be one-dimensional and repetitive.
Story and character motivations feel weak and underdeveloped.
Does not live up to the hype or high Metacritic scores.
Price ($70) feels steep given the game’s quality and content.
Feels like a missed opportunity compared to expectations from the Mario Odyssey team.
Overall experience described as lazy and uninspired.

User Experience

The reviewer played through bosses, side content, and collected many bananas.
Enjoyed moments of fun but overall found the game forgettable and lacking depth.
Compared unfavorably to Mario Odyssey, Mario Galaxy, and Astrobot (which had better difficulty balance and challenge).
Felt the game was too easy from start to finish, diminishing engagement.
Upgrades and talent points became pointless as damage taken was minimal.
The reviewer regrets buying the game and expected more from Nintendo’s flagship Switch 2 launch.

Comparisons

Mario Odyssey and Mario Galaxy praised as 10/10 platformers with exploration and challenge.
Astrobot highlighted as a better platformer with both easy and hard missions.
Donkey Kong Bonanza seen as a lesser, more forgettable experience in comparison.
The reviewer wished for a Mario Odyssey sequel or a Metroid Prime game instead.

Ratings

Estimated rating: 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on a good day.
Considered “not a bad game” but disappointing given the hype and price.

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

Donkey Kong Bonanza is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive platformer with fun exploration and destructible environments but ultimately falls short due to its bland worlds, overly easy gameplay, forgettable story, and uninspired design. While it captures some of the spirit of Mario Odyssey, it lacks challenge, depth, and excitement, making it a disappointing launch title for the Switch 2. At $70, it feels overpriced for what it offers.

Fans of platformers may find moments of enjoyment, but those expecting a standout Nintendo experience will likely be let down. The reviewer recommends caution and suggests waiting for stronger titles like a potential Metroid Prime or Mario sequel.

Additional Notes from Reviewer

The reviewer encourages viewers to share their own opinions, acknowledging that enjoyment is subjective. They express hope for better Nintendo games in the future and emphasize that personal disappointment does not diminish others’ potential enjoyment.