Platformer · 2025 · Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 8 · local · online
Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong digs his way through a world of destructible rock, with Pauline sitting on his shoulder, singing.
What it is about
Donkey Kong falls into a hole and lands in a world made of layers. Every one of them can be dug away: floors, walls, ceilings, almost everything gives if he hits it long enough. Instead of jumping across platforms he digs downwards, and the game keeps track of the cave that results.
On the way he finds Pauline, who has been left behind as a voice and comes along for the ride. She sits on his shoulder, and when a second player joins, they take over exactly her: aim, sing, blast enemies and rock out of the way. Donkey Kong keeps digging, Pauline clears up from a distance.
Each layer has its own theme and its own goal, with short tasks in enclosed rooms in between. Losing in the real sense barely exists: run out of hearts and a few seconds later you are standing where it went wrong.
Our verdict for couples
The second role in this game is the friendliest invitation a console currently has to offer. Pauline sits on Donkey Kong's shoulder, aims with a cursor and fires using her voice; she cannot die and cannot get in the way. Someone who has never held a controller is useful after two minutes, and someone who has played for thirty years still notices they are being helped. On top of that comes a small thing that counts for more in practice than it sounds: one shared Joy-Con 2 is enough, no second controller required. The rest is a game in which almost every wall gives way if you hit it long enough, and that is even sillier with two of you than alone.
Pros
- The second role can do nothing wrong and still helps
- One shared Joy-Con 2 is enough, no second controller needed
- With GameShare the guest plays without owning a copy, even at a distance
Cons
- Pauline has noticeably less to do than Donkey Kong
- The camera reaches its limits in narrow tunnels you dug yourself
- Progress belongs to the host; the guest takes nothing home
Suitable from
Casual
- Conflict potential
- Harmonious
- Cosiness
- Mixed
- When you can stop
- After 15 minutes
- How long it lasts
- 15–40 hours
If you like this one
Runs on the same devices as this game.
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