Ahead of the game’s launch tomorrow, review aggregator Metacritic has published the Metascore for Donkey Kong Bananza.

With 86 critic reviews at the time of this writing, Donkey Kong Bananza has been given a Metascore of 91. Metacritic classifies this score as “Universal Acclaim”, with no mixed or negative reviews so far. In comparison, the game’s predecessor Super Mario Odyssey is currently sitting at a score of 97.

Check out what some of the reviews had to say below:

IGN ~ 100

The leader of the bunch is finally back to kick some tail in Donkey Kong Bananza, a brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey and a smashing return for a classic Nintendo character. It was a bold choice to build the Switch 2’s first 3D platformer around Donkey Kong instead of Mario, but it’s proven to be the best decision Nintendo could’ve made. DK’s satisfying, expressive movement and powerful, dynamic abilities create a truly groundbreaking adventure. The ambitious, destructible layers of this underground world are densely packed with satisfying collectibles, abundant charm, and clever challenges that never seem to run out of smart ideas, even long after the credits have rolled. Bananza is a constant crescendo across its 20-hour campaign and beyond, with puzzle-platforming concepts that only grow richer as DK and Pauline dive deeper toward the Planet Core. Every element comes together in complete harmony to create Nintendo’s first Switch 2 masterpiece.

Siliconera ~ 100
Donkey Kong Bananza is a constant series of pleasant surprises and shows exactly what the Switch 2 can handle.

Nintendo Life ~ 90

Donkey Kong Bananza is an almighty re-introduction to the world of 3D platforming for DK, and arguably the Switch 2’s first absolute must-play. The punching and crashing is a passing novelty that, once you get your fill, quickly becomes just another way of exploring the wonderfully varied and beautifully presented layers. Whether it’s smashing through the scenery with a Bananza Transformation or carefully planning a route to a hidden Banandium Gem, you’ll have trouble finding more originality and, crucially, more enjoyment from a platformer in recent years. As the DK Rap so wisely said, “Donkey Kong is here.” Now let’s just hope he stays.

Destructoid ~ 90

Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo at its best, offering tons of exploration, hours of gameplay, and a touching story that will pull at your heartstrings. While some aspects of the game can be tedious, they are quickly overshadowed by an amazing visual game that is as fun to play as it looks.

VGC ~ 80

Falling slightly short of Odyssey’s genius, Donkey Kong Bananza is still a thoroughly entertaining Switch 2 platformer, with a heartfelt story, and DK’s most memorable adventure in years.

Eurogamer ~ 80

A brilliant core mechanic and clever design twists make Bananza a delightfully sticky 3D platform adventure topped off with a sweet central character relationship.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.