Donkey Kong Bananza: Is It the Next Super Mario Odyssey?

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The latest unveiling of “Donkey Kong Bananza” has shown that the game isn’t only sporting a new design for its main character, but also seems to be heavily influenced by “Super Mario Odyssey”. Apart from remakes, collaborations, and appearances in different Nintendo games, “Donkey Kong Bananza” represents the first fresh game since 2014’s “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” and a long-awaited revisit to 3D platform gaming, following “Donkey Kong 64” from 1999. Given this background, it’s safe to say that anticipation for “DK Bananza” will run high, especially considering its planned launch date is not long after the Switch 2 hits the market.

Although there was initial debate about Donkey Kong’s redesign, it seems that the high level of excitement surrounding the new game might be part of Nintendo’s plan to leverage the comeback of their flagship franchise. This could suggest why DK Bananza appears to have elements similar to Super Mario Odyssey, such as its visual style, open-world gameplay, and possible connection to a future Nintendo console. In essence, Donkey Kong’s updated design with Super Mario Odyssey-like features could indicate Nintendo’s long-term objectives for both the series and the Switch 2.

Donkey Kong Bananza Has No Shortage of Super Mario Odyssey Parallels

Despite the distinct elements that set apart the upcoming game from Super Mario Odyssey, a comparison between DK Bananza’s trailer and gameplay reveals an equal number of aspects mirroring the two games. For example, beyond the superficial similarities in art style, DK Bananza seems to adopt several novel features reminiscent of Cappy, such as Odd Rock, an accompanying character. Additionally, in-game collectibles that can be exchanged for costumes and Golden Bananas resembling Power Moons from Super Mario Odyssey are also noticeable. Furthermore, the portrayal and function of DK Bananza’s VoidCo. villains appear strikingly similar to the Broodals in Super Mario Odyssey.

Essentially, it appears that the main distinction between these two games lies in their unique features: Super Mario Odyssey fully utilizes its capture mechanic, while Donkey Kong Bananza emphasizes destructible environments, a feature integrated into its movement, battles, and puzzle-solving. However, despite these distinct elements, Donkey Kong Bananza mirrors the various open-world Kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey through Sublayers and similar player-driven exploration, discovery, and progression. Consequently, while Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t a carbon copy of Super Mario Odyssey, the extent of their similarities might be challenging to overlook when gamers get their hands on the Switch 2.

Donkey Kong Bananza Might Aim To Recapture Super Mario Odyssey’s Magic

Although the games from the Donkey Kong and Super Mario series have historically shared a close bond, the similarities between DK Bananza and SM Odyssey appear to be more extensive than in past titles. It’s even plausible that Nintendo deliberately patterned DK Bananza after SM Odyssey, using it as a foundation for the development of Donkey Kong’s first major 3D platformer in years. However, beyond potentially helping DK Bananza get off the ground, Nintendo might have had broader objectives in mind when making this choice.

Although Super Mario Odyssey didn’t debut on the original Switch, its holiday release and enduring popularity as one of the console’s most celebrated and top-selling games might have significantly contributed to the Switch’s lasting impact. With the Switch 2 being its direct successor, Nintendo could be aiming to rekindle the magic of Super Mario Odyssey by developing a game with similar characteristics, such as Donkey Kong Bananza. Since popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda and their existing Switch games, along with Mario Kart World already confirmed as a launch title, Donkey Kong Bananza might have been Nintendo’s optimal choice to ensure the Switch 2’s long-term success.

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2025-04-07 21:34