Game of the Month (July 2025) - Donkey Kong Bananza
July is here, and the heat is on! (cue the saxophone solo) With the Switch 2 finally released, we have a hyped new system added to the list of new game releases. There are a few games this upcoming month that I’m excited for and in the running for possible July game of the month. Shadow Labyrinth is putting a new Metroidvania spin on Pac Man, based on the Prime Video episode of Secret Level. Side-scrolling nostalgia returns in a updated package with Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, and it looks like if you like the original NES games and the more recent release The Messenger, you might enjoy this too. I’ve been in to more relaxed farming sims with my kids lately, and I might get the chance to finally sneak in some Lord of the Rings knowledge with Tales of the Shire: a Lord of the Rings Game. However, even without owning a Switch 2 myself (yet), I would be remiss if I didn’t name Donkey Kong Bananza as ourJuly 2025 Game of the Month.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D open-world action-adventure platformer: think Super Mario Odyssey, but with more bananas and smashing. If you don’t know Donkey Kong, you’ve probably been protecting yourself with a tin foil hat from Nintendo for decades, or hiding under a rock with your Xbox. His games have taken many forms, and my favorites have always been the Donkey Kong Country games. Pauline returns, but this time she’s a kid with musical aspirations instead of the jazz singing mayer of New Donk City from Super Mario Odyssey.
Aside from being one of the initial Switch 2 releases, Donkey Kong Bananza looks like it’ll be a fun and solid game from the initial images and trailers. The game looks like it takes place both above and underground, and DK gets to smash his way through enemies and the landscape to get to his goals. I tend to compare it to Super Mario Odyssey because of both graphics quality, gameplay type and from the odd-looking big bads that have been released so far. DKB looks to be a definitely smash hit from Nintendo, and it’s on my list as another reason to get a Switch 2. If you enjoy Nintendo’s brand of 3D open world action-adventure, and feel giddy at the charmingly grumpy Donkey Kong returning for a new adventure, Donkey Kong Bananza seems like it’ll be for you too.
Donkey Kong Bananza releases exclusively for Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.
