3D platformers have formed the heart of Nintendo’s first party output for a long time, and althoughMariowill be present at the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch withMario Kart World, the system’s first big platformer is coming a month later asDonkey Kong Bananza. This is a big surprise for Nintendo fans, even with the gorilla’s return having been choreographed by a spree of remasters and Nintendo Switch Online releases.Donkey Kong Bonanzawill be the first truly 3DDonkey Kongplatformer in the franchise sinceDonkey Kong 64, so something like this has been a long time coming.
Early footage and previews suggest thatDonkey Kong Bananzais more than capable of reaching the high expectations it’s already amassed, with its literally groundbreaking omnidirectional destruction gimmick being its greatest strength. Depending on the face button pressed, Donkey Kong can punch forward, up, and down, which combines with aZelda-like climbing system to grant the great ape unparalleled freedom. It’s a potentially revolutionary take on a well-established formula, not dissimilar tothe Switch 1’sSuper Mario Odyssey, and good enough for a competitor to take notice.
Astro Bot Is Primed For More Experimental Platforming Mechanics
The Next Astro Bot Game Could Easily Take Inspiration From Donkey Kong
PlayStation’sAstro Botfranchise has been around sinceThe Playroomdebuted alongside the PlayStation Camera in 2013, but it truly came into its own on the PlayStation 5.Astro’s Playroomwas a pack-in gamefor the 2020 console, and stood proud as one of the more notable titles available at the system’s launch, being praised for its simple yet charming visuals and masterful use of both classic 3D platforming staples and its hardware capabilities. Developer Team Asobi would repeat this feat in 2024 with the considerably-expandedAstro Bot, and managed to solidify both a Game of the Year award winner and a new PlayStation household name in the process.
While some fans would like to see Team Asobi branch out more with its next project,Astro Bot’s success has guaranteed a sequel at some point, and it’s got a high bar to reach. All theAstro Botplatformers do a surprising amount with what initially seems like simple 3D platforming mechanics, exploring a wide variety of locales and adding on to basic gameplay with various vehicles, transformations, and temporary tools. It’s difficult to imaginenew mechanics on par with whatAstro Bot,Astro’s Playroom, and evenAstro Bot Rescue Missionhave already included, butDonkey Kong Bananzacould have exactly what the nextAstrogame needs.
How Donkey Kong Bananza’s Tunneling Fits In Astro Bot
In the name of showing off the latest PlayStation’s capabilities while also showing players a good time, the nextAstroinstallment can copy thetunneling mechanic whichDonkey Kong Bananzais based around. This wouldn’t be the exact same thing, especially since making it a core mechanic inAstro Botwould quickly give away its inspiration, but it would still embody the core valuesAstrois looking for when it’s in play. Namely, the amount of free-form environmental destruction and reshaping in play could really show off the PlayStation’s particles and swift asset loading while also giving players unparalleled freedom.
What Astro Bot Can Do To Make Bananza’s Rock-Crushing Its Own
Several avenues for how a newAstrogame could include this mechanic already present themselves.Handy-D fromAstro Botand the Monkey Suit fromAstro’s Playroomalready possess some of the strength and climbing abilities associated with Donkey Kong, so a new power themed around drills or moles would add some freshness to the idea. It also wouldn’t need to stay around for very long, as the level-based structure thatAstrogames use will keep this ability from upsetting the design in the rest of the game. IfAstro Botcan take onDonkey Kong Bananza’s greatest strength, it will already be well on its way to producing a worthy sequel.
