Since its reveal,Donkey Kong Bananzahas been constantly compared toSuper Mario Odyssey, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether it’s the inclusion of an anthropomorphic companion during your adventure or the multiple break-out rooms involving tight platforming challenges,Odyssey’s DNA can be seen throughoutseveral parts ofBananza. The similarities are extensive enough to invitespeculation that theOdysseydevelopment team could be behind Donkey Kong’s latest adventure.
For the most part, I’m ecstatic to seeBananzatake so much inspiration fromOdyssey.Mario’s last major 3D game went above and beyond what previous series entries had accomplished, creating a huge sandbox adventure capable of amplifying the sense of freedom and discovery that made titles such asSuper Mario 64so beloved. I’m glad to see this being replicated inBananza, butthere’s one aspect toOdysseythat I hope doesn’t get carried over to Donkey Kong’s latest title, as it could prevent the game from creating a truly rewarding experience.
Super Mario Odyssey Has An Abundance Of Power Moons
The Game Is Structured To Allow For Versatile Play
One of the biggest inclusions toSuper Mario Odysseyisthe game’s sheer abundance of Power Moons to collect. Unlike previousMariocollect-a-thons, which usually stuck to a certain number of collectibles for each level, the Power Moon count for each level inOdysseywas more arbitrary,with some kingdoms exceeding 100 Moons in total. In doing so, the game lent itself to a much faster pace than previous entries, as it never took much exploring or platforming before you stumbled upon a Power Moon.
Donkey Kong Bananza Might Be A Super Mario Odyssey Prequel, & That Could Change Everything
While Donkey Kond Bananza already looks like a spiritual successor to Mario Odyssey, a recent reveal could hint that it might be a prequel instead.
This change inOdysseycame about because of how the game was made with the Switch in mind. During an interview withThe Vergein 2017,Odyssey’s producer, Yoshiaki Koizumi, explained his desire to “…make a home console 3D Mario that could also be taken and played on the go.“Odysseytook full advantage of the Switch’s hybrid nature,implementing a structure where you would feel a constant sense of progression, whether you chose to play in short bursts or for long periods of time.
Super Mario Odysseyalso takes advantage of the Switch’s Joy-Cons that can be passed to another player to join in, with the game also including a co-op mode where one player controls Mario and the other controls Cappy.
This method is a smart way to makeOdysseyadaptable to all kinds of players, and it was a benefit I certainly took advantage of at the time. Whether I was cooped up in my room for hours at a time, or I was taking short car rides with family,I was able to boot up the game and seamlessly make my way through every one ofOdyssey’s unique and vibrant kingdoms. That instant gratification I felt playingOdysseyfor the first time was unparalleled, making for one of the most addictive games in theSuper Mariofranchise.
Odyssey’s Moons Don’t Feel Special To Collect
Multiple Moon Missions Are Too Simplistic
Unfortunately, as adaptable asOdysseymay be, its abundance of Power Moons on offer causes the game’s main collectible to quickly lose its value. Since you’re consistently rewarded with Power Moon upon Power Moon throughout the entirety of your playthrough, with few moments of respite,that accomplishment you feel quickly fades as the task of collecting becomes more monotonous. As a result, the Power Moons inOdysseyquickly lose their value, removing that gratification that makes collect-a-thons so enjoyable to play.
This is only compounded by the simplistic and underwhelming ways in whichOdysseyhas you obtain certain Power Moons. The large number of Power Moons in each kingdom means that some will be hiding in plain sight, andI’ve frequently stumbled upon the collectible while focusing on an entirely different objective. As addictive as the game can be to play, I’m often left feeling disappointed by how littleOdysseytries to challenge me, making the moment I obtained a Power Moon far less exciting than it should have been.
Super Mario Odysseyalso includes Multi Moons, which often require more for the player to do in order to receive the collectible and adds 3 moons to the overall count. However, these are only reserved for more substantial story missions.
It’s that lack of a rewarding experience that has me nervous aboutDonkey Kong Bananzafollowing inOdyssey’s footsteps. The game is taking clear inspiration fromOdyssey’s structure with its own Banandium Gems, andBananzaruns the risk of devaluing its main collectible in the same wayOdysseydid with its Power Moons. An oversaturation of collectibles is something that theDonkey Kongfranchisesuffered previously withDonkey Kong 64, and I fear that it could happen again withBananza, ruining the ape’s first 3D outing in over 25 years.
How Donkey Kong Bananza Can Improve With Its Main Collectible
The Game Should Prioritize Larger Missions Over An Abundance Of Gems
Of course, there are many ways in whichDonkey Kong Bananzacould improve overOdysseywith its main collectible. Making the tasks required to collect Banandium Gems inBananzafar more challenging and complex would be the most obvious solution.You’d be forced to think more carefully about your approach and the obstacles that block your path, making the moment you reach a Gem far more exhilarating.
The placement of Banandium Gems forces you to become far more attentive to the surrounding environment.
In fact,Bananzamay already be achieving this with its unique gameplay mechanics. While little of the game has been shown so far,Bananzaplaces clear emphasis onits fully destructible environment, with many Banandium Gems being cleverly hidden within walls or underground. The placement of Banandium Gems forces you to become far more attentive to the surrounding environment while asking you to experiment with Donkey Kong’s destructive capabilities,resulting in a potentially more engaging and consistently rewarding experience thanOdysseycould offer.
Donkey Kong Bananza – Release Date, Price, & Gameplay Details
We just got a ton of new information about the Nintendo Switch 2, but one announcement that I was not expecting was a new 3D Donkey Kong game.
While I will always adoreSuper Mario Odysseyfor what it achieved,I can’t help but feel disappointed by how the game handled its main collectible. The lack of accomplishment and satisfaction I felt collectingOdyssey’s Power Moons is why I’m hopingBananzaavoids the same mistakes with its own Banandium Gems. IfDonkey Kong Bananzacan create a more exciting and rewarding experience with its own main collectible, the game has the potential to exceed whatOdysseywas able to accomplish while giving Donkey Kong the stellar 3D game he deserves.
