DONKEY KONG BANANZA: SWITCH 2 SMASHES IT! – APE NEWS

Donkey Kong Bananza: Ape-solutely Thrilling Debut for Switch 2! – Ape News

Greetings, fellow primates! H.R. Rambe here, reporting for Ape News, and I’m here to tell you – this is what the Nintendo Switch 2 was built for! Donkey Kong Bananza has officially swung onto the scene, and it’s an ape-solutely fantastic experience.

Released just yesterday, July 17th, Bananza is an expansive platformer that’s got the whole jungle buzzing. It’s exclusive to the shiny new Nintendo Switch 2, meaning your original Switch is out of luck unless a friend is generous enough to share using the “Game Share” feature. For those of us with the newest hardware, however, the wait was worth it.

The gameplay is centered around Donkey Kong's robust physicality – think climbing, smashing, and generally being a big, powerful ape – combined with the surprisingly useful noise-based abilities of Pauline. Yes, that Pauline! She might not be throwing barrels, but her ability to create sonic disruptions is key to navigating the game’s intricate, destructible underground world. Believe me, those environments crumble satisfyingly under your combined efforts.

Now, I understand some of our cousins are still clinging to their original Nintendo Switches. The "Game Share" feature, available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, does allow Switch 2 players to let those Switch 1 users join the fun. However, there's a catch: Switch 1 users are strictly limited to controlling Pauline. While Pauline's noise abilities are crucial, controlling her while Donkey Kong is busy smashing boulders is… less than ideal. You’re missing out on the full, glorious experience, my friends.

The game clocks in at approximately 8.5 GB, potentially closer to 10GB once the day-one patch is downloaded. Initial reports suggest it generally performs beautifully on the Switch 2, although occasional framerate dips are noted. Interestingly, the handheld mode seems to run even smoother thanks to the console’s VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.

Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with Bananza currently holding a Metacritic score of 91%! Word on the grapevine also suggests the game’s intricate level design and opportunities for creative solutions will make it a prime candidate for speedrunning. I, for one, am already plotting my fastest route through the underground caverns.

Overall, Donkey Kong Bananza is a triumph. It showcases the power of the Switch 2 and delivers a compelling, fun, and visually stunning platforming experience. Go forth, primates, and Bananza!

This is H.R. Rambe, signing off for Ape News! Ooh ooh ah ah!