2025 Just Got Another Game Of The Year Contender

By Brandon Key

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Donkey Kong Bananza

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2025 has been one of the strongest years for games in recent memory, and with the release ofDonkey Kong Bananza tomorrow and reviews pouring in today, yet another game of the year contender is about to open the conversation wide open.Bananzais the first 3D Donkey Kong platformersinceDonkey Kong 64 back in 1999, and, based onBananza's review scores, it seems Donkey Kong is back and better than ever.

According to review scores onMetacritic,Donkey Kong Bananza is sitting at a score of 90 with "universal acclaim" after 78 reviews, at this time of writing. Its high praise makes it the sixth-highest-scored game of the year, behindSplit Fiction,Blue Prince, andClair Oscur: Expedition 33, but ahead ofDeath Stranding 2 andMonster Hunter Wilds.

What Critics Are Saying About Donkey Kong Bananza

A Gorgeous, Fun Game Full Of Heart

Critics are praisingDonkey Kong Bananza's varied and colorful gameplay, with most noting how well the game'sterrain destruction mechanicscomplement the sense of discovery and wonder in the game's world. Critics are also noting the game's similarities and inspirations toSuper Mario Odyssey, which isn't too surprising since the game has been confirmed by Nintendo to have been developed by the same team.

Donkey Kong standing on the hand of a giant ape in Donkey Kong Bananza.

Donkey Kong Bananza Reportedly Hits Some Performances Hitches In Gameplay

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a big upgrade from its predecessor, but Donkey Kong Bananza seems to be technically demanding, causing performance issues.

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However, some critics are noting performance issues, mostly frame drops, which were noticed by fans during earlier gameplay previews. InScreenRant's review ofDK Bananza, our writer praised the game's freedom of exploration and summed up the experience by saying:"The developers did a fantastic job of providing a familiar 3D platforming experience while turning many classic Nintendo elements on their head."

2025 Is Proving To Be A Great Year For GOTYs

Great Games Keep Coming

Clair ObscurExpedition 33 cast Official image

There have beena lot of great games so far this year, and many more to come in the second half of 2025.Expedition 33 took the gaming world by storm in April for its engaging narrative, unique turn-based combat, and stellar soundtrack.Blue Prince was a sleeper hit that might be one of the most unique rougelikes ever made.Death Stranding 2 took the delivery foundations of the first game and expanded the game further and refined the clever concept.

Still to come this year are highly anticipated titles likeGhost of Yotei, whichreleases on October 2, andMetroid Prime 4, which still doesn't have a release date, but is probably the game most Nintendo fans are going to be looking forward to whenever they finish Donkey Kong Bananza. With so many great games out and more to come, 2025 might be a year that offers something for everyone.

Source:Metacritic