Donkey Kong: Bananza has officially hit the shelves, and while most players are racing through Ingot Isle and enjoying the classic platforming action, others are diving into the game’s Artist Mode, creating some truly wild and unexpected pieces of art. For those unfamiliar, the Artist Mode is a feature that lets players use sculpting tools to shape 3D models, color them, and share their creations online.
It’s like a virtual art studio, and surprisingly, even non-artists find themselves getting lost in it.
The real magic of the mode is in how the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse controls make it much easier to carve fine details. Rather than just flailing around with the joysticks, players can now sculpt with precision, resulting in some incredible creations that range from intricate replicas of iconic Nintendo characters to downright bizarre mashups.
It’s no surprise that many players are crafting familiar faces from the Donkey Kong universe. But surprisingly, we’ve also seen characters from outside Nintendo’s roster, like Samus and Banjo, make an appearance in some truly impressive designs. Others are having a blast with unconventional choices, like turning Donkey Kong into Homer Simpson or even recreating random objects like a tabby cat.
Some players are pushing the boundaries even further, diving into more adult themes with their sculptures. While the freedom to create is great, it’s important to remember that sharing inappropriate content could lead to consequences, as Nintendo has made it clear that inappropriate creations could result in account restrictions or even bans.
Donkey Kong: Bananza has already won rave reviews for its gameplay, with some calling it a ‘masterpiece’ of 3D platforming. But with the addition of the Artist Mode, it’s clear that the game is offering even more to players than initially meets the eye. Whether you’re smashing through levels or flexing your creative muscles, there’s something for everyone in this wild and wacky game.