Why Super Mario Odyssey’s Collect-a-thon Still Outshines Donkey Kong Bananza After All These Years
Super Mario Odyssey vs Donkey Kong Bananza: A Collect-a-thon Showdown
If you’ve played both Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Bananza, you might notice they share a lot in common, but there’s one thing Odyssey nails better: keeping the collect-a-thon fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure.
- How Donkey Kong Bananza’s chaotic smashing compares to Odyssey’s refined gameplay
- The role of Cappy in adding variety and surprise to Super Mario Odyssey
- Why Bananza’s approach can feel repetitive despite its unique elements
- How player agency differs between the two games
Familiar DNA, Different Execution
Donkey Kong Bananza, developed by the same studio behind Super Mario Odyssey, is a wild ride of smashing through environments and collecting shiny Banandium Gems across many colorful biomes. It’s a classic collect-a-thon, but with a much more chaotic twist. The immediate thrill of breaking everything in sight is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why it hooked players for hours.
However, as you push deeper into Bananza’s layers—especially the stormy Tempest Layer—the gameplay starts to feel a bit repetitive. Tasks like tracking down Cranky Kong, battling in arenas, or simply smashing walls become predictable, despite some fresh Bananza Powers and unique materials. This repetition can dull the shine of the gem hunt over time.
Why Super Mario Odyssey Still Shines Brighter
Odyssey shares a similar structure, with plenty of Power Moons to collect and some repeated challenges. But what sets it apart is Cappy, Mario’s magical hat that lets him possess objects and enemies. This mechanic adds constant surprises and variety, breaking up the run-and-jump routine with new abilities and puzzles.
Whether you’re tossing Cappy to take control of a T. rex or piloting an RC car, each possession changes the rules and gameplay style. This means every level isn’t just a fresh coat of paint but offers unique puzzle designs and minigames, keeping the experience lively and far from monotonous.
Bananza’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Donkey Kong Bananza’s gameplay leans heavily on smashing and exploration, which gives players freedom in how they approach challenges. You can either carefully platform your way to gems or simply punch through walls to get what you need. This flexibility is a strength, catering both to seasoned platformers and those who prefer a more action-oriented style.
Still, as you progress, the lack of varied puzzle mechanics and fresh challenges becomes more noticeable. Many gem puzzles boil down to “just punch the wall,” which can wear thin after dozens of hours. This makes Bananza’s gameplay feel flatter compared to Odyssey’s constant injection of creativity.
Final Thoughts
While I’m still enjoying Donkey Kong Bananza and appreciate what it brings to the table, Super Mario Odyssey’s clever use of Cappy and its varied gameplay keep it feeling special even after years. Odyssey turns collecting into an adventure filled with surprises, while Bananza’s approach can sometimes feel like a grind. If you love collect-a-thons, both are worth your time, but Odyssey’s creativity makes it stand out in the genre.
