The recent unveiling of Donkey Kong Bananza has stirred a wave of comparisons to the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey. This is largely due to the game’s design, which features an anthropomorphic sidekick and numerous intricate platforming challenges akin to those found in Odyssey. The resemblance is pronounced enough to spark speculations suggesting that the talented Odyssey development team might be behind the creation of this latest Donkey Kong adventure.
While I wholeheartedly embrace the homage Bananza pays to Odyssey, I do harbor concerns regarding one aspect of the latter that I hope will not be replicated in Kong’s upcoming escapade. Failure to address this could limit the overall enjoyment and rewarding nature of the game.
The Plethora of Power Moons in Odyssey
Designed for Versatile Play
One of the standout features of Super Mario Odyssey is the impressive array of Power Moons available for collection. Unlike earlier Mario titles, which often had a fixed number of collectibles per level, Odyssey introduced a more flexible counting system, with some kingdoms boasting over 100 Power Moons. This design encouraged a fast-paced exploration experience, allowing players to discover a Power Moon within moments of engaging with the game’s vibrant landscapes.
This innovative structure arose from the intention to maximize the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch. During a 2017 interview with The Verge, producer Yoshiaki Koizumi articulated his vision for developing “a home console 3D Mario that could be played on the go.” Odyssey effectively reincorporated this vision by fostering a continual sense of progression—ideal for both short bursts of gameplay and extended sessions.
Moreover, the game harnesses the unique features of the Switch Joy-Con controllers, enabling cooperative play where one player controls Mario and the other controls Cappy, enhancing the gaming experience for families or friends.
This adaptability turned Odyssey into a title I could enjoy whether I had hours to spare in my room or just a few moments during a car ride with family. The instant gratification I experienced while traversing the colorful kingdoms made the game extraordinarily addictive, solidifying its status as a cherished entry in the Mario franchise.
The Pitfalls of Collecting Moons in Odyssey
Simplistic Moon Collection Missions
Despite its innovations, the overwhelming abundance of Power Moons in Odyssey undermines their perceived value. The constant influx of rewards can desensitize players, leading to a feeling of diminished accomplishment. As a result, the satisfaction typically associated with collectible games loses its luster, transforming the act of collecting into a monotonous grind.
This issue is exacerbated by the often simplistic methods of obtaining these Power Moons. Given the high number of Moons in each kingdom, many can be found in plain sight, making it too easy to stumble upon them while pursuing other objectives. Although the game’s addictive nature keeps players engaged, I’m frequently left desiring deeper challenges, which should accompany a more exhilarating discovery process.
Odyssey also features Multi Moons, which require players to complete more substantial tasks for a reward, but these are generally limited to crucial story missions, thereby reducing opportunities for a satisfying challenge throughout the gameplay experience.
I express these reservations regarding Donkey Kong Bananza because it mirrors Odyssey’s approach with its own collectible system centered around Banandium Gems. There’s a legitimate concern that an oversaturation of these gems could mirror the pitfalls experienced in Odyssey, detracting from Donkey Kong’s much-anticipated return to the 3D platforming genre after more than 25 years.
Strategies for Enhancing Donkey Kong Bananza’s Collectible Experience
Focus on Complex Mission Design Over Gem Quantity
However, Donkey Kong Bananza has the opportunity to learn from Odyssey’s missteps by enhancing its approach to collectibles. One significant improvement would involve designing more complex and challenging missions to acquire Banandium Gems. This design choice would encourage players to think critically about their strategies while navigating obstacles, making the eventual success of gem collection a far more thrilling experience.
The thoughtful arrangement of Banandium Gems encourages players to be more observant and engaged with their surroundings. Notably, from what has been revealed about Bananza, it appears to leverage fully destructible environments—many gems seem ingeniously hidden within destructible walls or underground areas. This element of gameplay encourages experimentation with Donkey Kong’s abilities, ultimately fostering a more engaging and rewarding experience than what Odyssey offered.
My affection for Super Mario Odyssey exists alongside my disappointment regarding its collectible mechanics. The repetitive nature of collecting Power Moons detracted from my overall sense of achievement, making it imperative for Bananza to avoid similar pitfalls. If the developers can cultivate a more thrilling and fulfilling collectible experience around the Banandium Gems, Donkey Kong Bananza has the potential not only to surpass Odyssey but also to deliver the exceptional 3D adventure that fans have been waiting for.
Source: The Verge