Donkey Kong Bananza: A Prime Contender for Game of the Year

Nintendo's latest triumph, Donkey Kong Bananza, exclusively launched on the new Switch 2 console, is generating considerable buzz across the gaming world. This 3D platforming sensation has received overwhelmingly positive critiques, immediately positioning it as a formidable contender for various prestigious Game of the Year accolades. Its strong performance in early reviews reflects a strategic shift by Nintendo, which opted for an in-house development approach for this iconic franchise, marking the first such instance in two decades. This decision appears to have paid off handsomely, breathing new life into one of gaming's most enduring characters and delivering a standout title for the next-generation console.

As soon as the review embargo was lifted, Donkey Kong Bananza surged to critical acclaim, boasting an impressive rating of 91 on OpenCritic and 90 on Metacritic. These high scores underscore the game's exceptional quality and widespread appeal among critics. While Polygon's own review is pending due to Nintendo's policy of not providing pre-release copies, the initial reception from other major outlets is clear. IGN, for instance, bestowed a perfect 10/10 "Masterpiece" rating upon the game, praising it as a "truly groundbreaking 3D platformer." Conversely, Eurogamer's four-star review offered a slightly more nuanced perspective, acknowledging the game's brilliance at its peaks while suggesting it doesn't quite reach the consistent heights of titles like Super Mario Odyssey. This comparison is particularly relevant, as the same Nintendo team behind Super Mario Odyssey was responsible for Bananza.

The return of Donkey Kong to Nintendo's in-house development, following a two-decade hiatus from being solely crafted by the Japanese studio, signifies a renewed emphasis on the character within Nintendo's intellectual property portfolio. This renewed focus extends beyond gaming, with a Donkey Kong film reportedly in the works. The success of Bananza, as evidenced by its critical reception, validates Nintendo's strategy of reinvesting in the beloved ape. This title now stands among the top-reviewed games of 2025, rubbing shoulders with other highly anticipated releases such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Split Fiction, Blue Prince, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Consequently, Bananza is undeniably a strong contender for the ultimate prize at The Game Awards in December.

The Game Awards' jury, composed of a diverse international panel of media professionals, often considers review aggregation scores as a key indicator of a game's merit. Historically, platformers, especially family-friendly ones, have faced a genre bias in these awards, often overshadowed by cinematic, narrative-driven action-adventure or role-playing games. However, the recent Game of the Year victory of Astro Bot, a platformer stylistically similar to Nintendo's own acclaimed titles, demonstrates a shifting landscape. This precedent bodes well for Donkey Kong Bananza's chances, potentially paving the way for it to break through traditional genre limitations and secure a top spot. While a compelling behind-the-scenes narrative can also sway the jury, and Nintendo's well-established excellence in platforming might not seem like a fresh story, the resurgence of Donkey Kong, an original gaming icon, on the Switch 2 after a prolonged absence presents its own captivating tale.

Regardless of whether Donkey Kong Bananza ultimately clinches a Game of the Year nomination, Nintendo has undoubtedly achieved its primary objective. This latest installment has successfully delivered a critically acclaimed, must-play title for the Switch 2, something even Mario Kart World, another eagerly awaited release, couldn't quite achieve. The impressive performance of Donkey Kong Bananza firmly establishes the Switch 2's potential and reinforces Donkey Kong's enduring relevance in the modern gaming era.