The Best Video Games of 2025 (So Far)
Top pick
Donkey Kong Bananza takes Nintendo’s favorite gorilla and dumps him into a subterranean world of magical creatures, gem-like bananas, and a teenage sidekick, Pauline. But instead of being limited to the side-scrolling platforming he’s done for 30 years, stuck in a world made to be destroyed, Donkey Kong (or DK to Pauline) can now smash in any direction, digging his own caves, leveling mountains, and generally creating chaos out of thin air.
The scope of the mess you can make in Donkey Kong Bananza is staggering, but it’s not just for show, and there’s a real, proper Nintendo game here. Plus, the optional multiplayer mode allows a second player to control Pauline and her powerful voice, which makes this game perfect for people of varying skill levels to enjoy together. Donkey Kong Bananza is an easy contender for game of the year. It’s full of singing, slapstick humor, and secrets, and it’s available on the Nintendo Switch 2.
— Arthur Gies
