The recent announcement and trailer forDonkey Kong Bananzahave revealed that the titular gorilla’s new look wasn’t the only change for the series, with the upcoming game appearing to wear itsSuper Mario Odysseyinfluences on its sleeve. Beyond several remakes, crossovers, and cameos in various Nintendo games,Donkey Kong Bananzamarks the first new game since 2014’sDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeand an overdue return to 3D platforming afterDonkey Kong 64in 1999. With this in mind, expectations will likely be high forDK Bananza, especially with a planned release date just a few weeks after the Switch 2’s launch.
However, despiteearly controversy over Donkey Kong’s redesign, the level of anticipation for the upcoming game could be part of Nintendo’s strategy to capitalize on a flagship franchise’s return to form to ensure the Switch 2’s success. This could explain whyDK Bananzaseems to share various similarities withSuper Mario Odyssey, such as its visual style, free-roaming open-world gameplay, and even its potential role in the early life of a new Nintendo console. As a result,Donkey Kong’s revamp with itsSMOdysseyinfluences could point to Nintendo’s long-term goals for both the series and the Switch 2.
Donkey Kong Bananza Has No Shortage of Super Mario Odyssey Parallels
Though the upcoming game has multiple features that set it apart fromSM Odyssey, betweenDK Bananza’s trailer and gameplay showcasethere are just as many other details that only emphasize the parallels between the two games. For instance, beyond the shared surface-level art style,DK Bananzaappears to borrow several new features, including a Cappy-like companion called Odd Rock, in-game collectibles that can be traded for outfits, and Golden Bananas that seem uncannily similar toSM Odyssey’s Power Moons. Even the characterization and role ofDK Bananza’s VoidCo. villains seem virtually indistinguishable fromSM Odyssey’s Broodals.
Ultimately, it seems like the only key difference that sets these two games apart is that whileSM Odysseymade full use of its capture ability,DK Bananzaseems focused on its destructible environments, a mechanic that ties into its traversal, combat, and puzzle-solving gameplay. However, despite these different gimmicks,DK Bananzastill parallels the various open-world Kingdoms fromSM Odysseythrough Sublayers and the same player-led exploration, discovery, and progression. So whileDK Bananzaisn’t an outright copy ofSM Odyssey, the scale of these similarities could be hard to ignore whenplayers get their hands on the Switch 2.
Donkey Kong Bananza Might Aim To Recapture Super Mario Odyssey’s Magic
Even though theDonkey KongandSuper Marioseries have always enjoyed a collaborative, almost symbiotic relationship,DK Bananza’s numerous parallels toSM Odysseyseem to go much further than previous games. In fact, a case could potentially be made that this was an intentional decision by Nintendo, withSM Odysseyserving as a template and springboard forDonkey Kong’s first major game and 3D platformerafter so many years. But besides the possible need forSM Odysseyto giveDK Bananzaa helping hand, Nintendo might have made this decision with a bigger picture in mind.
WhileSM Odysseywas not a launch title for the original Switch, its holiday release and subsequent success as one of the Switch’s most acclaimed and best-selling games likely played an integral role in the console’s legacy. With the Switch 2 as its direct successor, Nintendo could be trying to recapture the magic ofSM Odysseyagain with a significantly similar game likeDK Bananza. Since its other flagship franchises were unavailable, such asThe Legend of Zelda’s existing Switch games andMario Kart Worldalready confirmed as an upcoming launch title,DK Bananzamay have been Nintendo’s best choicefor the Switch 2’s long-term success.
