Donkey Kong Bonanza reinvents the 3D platformer with its chaotic and addictive environmental destruction. While frame rate and camera issues are present, its non-stop creativity and unique mechanics make for a wildly ambitious and fun experience.
Donkey Kong Bonanza arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2 as a bold and inventive reimagining of the 3D platformer genre. From the acclaimed studio behind Super Mario Odyssey, this title trades precision for pandemonium, creating an experience that is bursting with kinetic energy. The core gameplay loop is built around a simple yet intoxicating premise: nearly everything is destructible. This revolutionary smashing mechanic fundamentally alters level design, encouraging players to carve their own paths, uncover deeply buried secrets, and approach platforming challenges with unbridled creativity.
The game’s structure follows a classic 3D platformer formula, with themed maps full of collectibles, but its execution is anything but conventional. Progress is tied to completing specific objectives rather than simply gathering items, though exploration is heavily rewarded. The freedom to terraform the environment at will makes searching for secrets a delightful exercise in curiosity-driven destruction. Players can smash through rock faces to discover hidden caverns or create new routes, making each level a dynamic and unpredictable sandbox.
Adding another layer to the gameplay is the inclusion of Pauline as a companion character. In co-op mode, a second player controls Pauline, who can sing to manipulate the world and launch projectiles made of copied materials, either creating or destroying parts of the level. This feature makes the game more accessible, though it may simplify the challenge for seasoned players. Despite some technical shortcomings, including noticeable frame rate drops and a frantic camera, the sheer ambition and non-stop creative madness on display from Nintendo make for a uniquely thrilling adventure. It is messy, loud, and unlike any platformer before it.
