I have had Donkey Kong Bonanza for a month now. The 2nd game I now have for my Switch 2. Voted Best Family Game at last year’s VGA awards, it was time to experience a Nintendo franchise that has been around nearly as long as Mario.
Just like Mario, Donkey Kong is known for side scrolling adventures as you jump on and over enemies while collecting bananas. Despite the trailers I had seen, I was figuring still the same kind of gameplay. That was not the case. Donkey Kong has gone a whole new direction.
Donkey Kong has gone free roam. If you have played Mario 64, it is just that but it is Donkey Kong. It was a big surprise to me. It wasn’t until I morphed into the 2nd world when I was convinced that Kong’s adventure this time around would not be a side scroller.
I don’t know if I prefer playing DK this way, but it’s fun. It sure has earned Best Family game. This open world format has given DK abilities never been done before:
Ground Pounding
When a big ape like creature such as Donkey Kong punches the ground, you would expect a big earthquake right? Well Bonanza could be arguably the most interactive DK game yet. Not only does the ground around you shake, but you start to create a sinkhole. You can work your way down a little ways as you make tunnels that either lead to a dead end or hidden areas only approachable this way. Almost any kind of wall you see on the stages can be punched into as you make your own tunnels. You can find golden gems that help add to your life as well as hidden artifacts if you are wanting to beat the game 100 percent. I was amazed at how much you can dig your way around. Just be aware when doing this, you’ll have to back track if where you are going doesn’t start to open up around you.
Power Up Abilities
DK now has unlockable abilities that you can upgrade which affect his movement and power. His punches can be power boosted, armor can be upgraded, as well as slowing down the time it takes to morph DK into a mega DK. When his meter is filled up, DK can turn into a bigger, more powerful DK to take on bosses and break anything that takes a lot of punches. You’ll definitely need mega DK for the bosses. As with many games including upgrades, you earn credits as you go through the game that you can spend.
Picking Up Objects
This has been my favorite feature in Bonanza. DK can now pick up chunks of the ground and concrete structures. They can be thrown at enemies and breakable walls. There is even an aim feature. I hardly use it though as I find it more useful to just have DK face whatever I’m aiming at. DK can do something else with what he picks up, he can now surf. The ground or concrete piece can be placed underneath DK and can surf on it around the map. Useful when trying to hurry.
Climbing
If there’s anything that makes me feel like an ape, it’s climbing. With an open world format, climbing is a must. Just walk up to anything hilly or wall structure, and climb away. There are a few structures that are not climbable as you’ll slide down it. It’s nice to be able to climb right up and not have to jump and grab on to everything.
So there you go. It has been a whole new take on Donkey Kong. If you get lost, DK can now whistle, creating a path made out of whistle notes that lead the way. Objectives are casual with many puzzles to solve. There is a 2-player mode where one player can play as Rosalina that helps aid DK. I’ve heard it’s not that good so I don’t know if I’ll try it. Let me know in the comments if you would like me to. If you have played it, what do you think? I’ll have final complete thoughts later on.
In the next article, I finally got around to getting started on Indian Jones and the Great Circle. It has been just as good as advertised. Also, in honor of 25 years of Halo, Halo Fest will be taking place in Seattle from Dec. 11th – 13th. I cannot wait! It will be a whole expo in the Summit building with games and all. You can get your tickets on the Halo Waypoint website.
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