Kinda Funny Gamescast: In-Depth Review of Donkey Kong Bonanza

In the July 16, 2025 episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast, hosts Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye Jr., Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, and Andy Cortez provide a comprehensive review of the highly anticipated Donkey Kong Bonanza. The episode features special guest Logan Plant from IGN, who brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the discussion. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and insightful analysis for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.

Introduction and Guest Appearance

The episode opens with Blessing Adeoye Jr. welcoming listeners and introducing the guest, Logan Plant from IGN. Blessing emphasizes Logan’s extensive review history within the Nintendo ecosystem:

Blessing Adeoye Jr. [02:17]: "What are some of your highest profile reviews that you've done for the website?"

Logan responds by listing his notable reviews, showcasing his deep engagement with Nintendo titles:

Logan Plant [02:42]: "I've been doing a lot of the Nintendo reviews over the last year. I reviewed Super Mario Party Jamboree, which I think is the best Mario party there's ever been. I love that game. I gave it a 9."

First Impressions and Initial Reservations

Tim Gettys shares his initial impressions after playing Donkey Kong Bonanza during a Nintendo Switch reveal event. Initially hesitant, Tim’s perspective shifts positively as he immerses himself in the game:

Tim Gettys [08:22]: "If I could only recommend one game out of Mario Galaxy 1 to Odyssey or Donkey Kong Bonanza, it would be the 10 out of 10 Donkey Kong Bonanza."

Blessing commends Logan for his enthusiasm and sets the stage for a deep dive into the game's features.

Gameplay Mechanics and Structure

The hosts delve into the core mechanics of Donkey Kong Bonanza, highlighting its innovative approach to 3D platforming. Tim explains the game's layered planetary structure, where players guide Donkey Kong (DK) towards the planet's core:

Tim Gettys [12:52]: "You are starting essentially at... a sub layer that's pretty close to the surface, and you're making your way down to the planet's core."

Logan echoes Tim's excitement, particularly praising the destructible environments and their integration into the gameplay loop:

Logan Plant [16:39]: "Bonanza has those [challenge rooms] too. And it's one of the highlights of the game because there's two bananas on the main path usually. So just get through the challenge room. But then there's always a third banandium gem tucked away somewhere that's harder to find."

Collectibles and Economy

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the game's collectibles system. The hosts compare it to classics like Donkey Kong 64 and Super Mario Odyssey, noting the satisfying progression and reward mechanisms:

Tim Gettys [14:30]: "You get that feeling constantly because everything you're breaking, you're getting something."

Logan elaborates on the various types of collectibles, appreciating the balance and purpose they serve within the game’s economy:

Logan Plant [22:00]: "The fossils and the gems matter the most, and those are handled really, really well."

Story and Character Development

The relationship between DK and Pauline receives particular attention, marking a significant evolution in the Donkey Kong narrative. Tim emphasizes how the game redefines DK’s character for modern audiences:

Tim Gettys [26:30]: "This is a brand new Donkey Kong. This is very much a redefinition of who this character is going to be going forward."

Logan adds his perspective on the dynamic between DK and Pauline, drawing parallels to beloved character relationships in contemporary media:

Logan Plant [35:22]: "It's super cute that she's always on his shoulder."

Music and Soundtrack

Music is a pivotal aspect of the Donkey Kong Bonanza experience. While both hosts praise the soundtrack, they also express a desire for it to reach the iconic heights of previous iterations:

Logan Plant [42:44]: "Overall, the music is really, really good. I think maybe even the Odyssey soundtrack is a little stronger."

Tim Gettys [43:11]: "I would have liked more David Wise created the original songs for this soundtrack. I think that it would have really, really been more what I'd be looking for from Donkey Kong."

Performance and Technical Aspects

Addressing the game's performance on the Switch 2, Logan provides an honest critique, noting minor frame drops and resolution limitations:

Logan Plant [50:12]: "It performs pretty well. Mostly it does not run at a locked 60. It has frame drops."

Tim concurs, acknowledging the technical shortcomings but emphasizing that they do not detract from the overall enjoyment:

Tim Gettys [51:13]: "But I will say honestly, it not a single time got in the way of my enjoyment of the game."

Overall Impressions and Conclusions

The culmination of the discussion sees both hosts and Logan wholeheartedly praising Donkey Kong Bonanza. Logan rates it a perfect 10 out of 10, positioning it as his game of the year:

Logan Plant [38:36]: "It's my Game of the year. It's not even close. Like, this is the first 10 I've given in my career."

Tim echoes this sentiment, lauding the game as a masterpiece that stands toe-to-toe with the best Nintendo has ever produced:

Tim Gettys [39:11]: "This is a 10 out of 10."

Audience Engagement and Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with audience super chats, addressing questions about co-op modes, game collectibles, and the game's potential for Game of the Year honors. One listener asks about the game's ranking among Nintendo's 3D platformers, to which Tim humbly defers yet confidently asserts the game's exceptional quality:

Tim Gettys [41:07]: "Time will have to tell. It's too early, I can't answer that."

Logan reinforces the game's monumental impact, declaring it the definitive Switch 2 title:

Logan Plant [53:31]: "This is the Switch to game you've been waiting for. This is the game I think we'll remember as the true launch game."

Conclusion

Donkey Kong Bonanza emerges from the Kinda Funny Gamescast review as a standout title that successfully reinvigorates the Donkey Kong franchise. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, rich storytelling, and a harmonious blend of nostalgia and modern design, the game is poised to become a beloved entry in Nintendo’s illustrious catalog. Both hosts and their guest Logan Plant agree that Donkey Kong Bonanza not only meets but exceeds the high standards set by its predecessors, earning its place as a potential Game of the Year contender.

For more insights and updates, listeners are encouraged to check out Logan Plant’s reviews on IGN, as well as subscribe to the Kinda Funny Gamescast for ongoing discussions, reviews, and gaming analysis.