Every Future 3D Platformer Should Have This Donkey Kong Bananza Mechanic

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The interest in 3D platform games has gone up and down quite a bit during the past few decades. In the 1990s, these games were extremely popular, with hits like Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Crash Bandicoot, and Spyro the Dragon paving new paths for the genre. However, as open-world adventures and third-person shooters became more popular, platform games took a back seat. But in recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in platform games, with titles such as Super Mario Odyssey, It Takes Two, Astro Bot, and now Donkey Kong Bananza showing that these games are still full of energy and vitality.

In a significant leap since the debated 1999 game “Donkey Kong 64”, “Donkey Kong Bananza” signifies a groundbreaking advancement for the almost 40-year-old Nintendo series. Similar to “Mario Odyssey” that preceded it, “Donkey Kong Bananza” offers a rich array of intelligent and inventive gameplay mechanics, one of which could potentially establish itself as a standard feature in the 3D platformer genre.

Donkey Kong Bananza’s Sonar Mechanic Should Become a New 3D Platformer Staple

Donkey Kong Bananza’s Sonar Mechanic Explained

From the get-go, “Donkey Kong Bananza” offers players a special “Sonar” skill that allows them to spot hidden treasures scattered across different types of terrain within the game. By pressing the ‘R’ button on the Joy-Con, players can make Donkey Kong give a quick hand-slap, causing a shockwave that momentarily reveals any Banandium Gems, fossils, treasure chests, or secret stage entrances in the vicinity.

In the game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” the Sonar skill can be enhanced multiple times, and each level-up extends the reach of the shockwave.

Why Donkey Kong Bananza’s Sonar Mechanic Is So Helpful

In many contemporary 3D games, you’ll frequently find yourself in expansive, open environments where you can roam freely. Although there’s typically a primary goal guiding your progress, these games often invite you to seek out concealed treasures or undiscovered spots that lie off the typical route.

For novice players, encountering numerous hidden collectibles in an open-ended 3D game might initially feel overwhelming. While the thrill of discovery can be satisfying, the initial stages of each level may unnerve some players who are uncertain about the optimal way to navigate and explore the game.

In a game like Donkey Kong Bananza, it’s particularly relevant because players explore a sprawling environment with multiple levels and hidden underground passages. These secret areas can only be discovered by destroying parts of the game environment. Luckily, Donkey Kong Bananza comes equipped with a Sonar ability to help navigate its complex level design without becoming too confusing.

The sonar feature in Donkey Kong Bananza, which allows players to see collectibles beyond immediate surroundings, keeps them concentrated on nearby areas and encourages careful exploration. This smooth gameplay mechanism makes the game feel like a thrilling, ongoing quest that consistently rewards players for their invested time.

Donkey Kong Bananza Should Be Just The Beginning of This Sonar Mechanic

3D platformer games haven’t utilized wall-seeing abilities much, with ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ (2009) being a notable exception in modern times. However, this mechanic is seldom found in 3D platformers. After ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’, it’s evident that this should be reconsidered. In the future, 3D platformers should incorporate a feature like ‘DK Bananza’s Sonar’, enabling players to control their exploration and prevent the adventure from feeling overwhelming.

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2025-07-24 16:34