Absolutely loving the game so far. I'm at layer 103 right now (I think) and got my first Bananza power. The movement and just in general the second-to-second gameplay is a lot more fun and dynamic than in Mario Odyssey. DK is so fun and expressive, I've had to laugh out loud multiple times already. I very much enjoy atmospheric games and DK Bananza has a very dense atmosphere.

Also, the graphics are great. There are virtually no frame-drops during gameplay. The only time the frame rate drops is during in-game cutscenes because these can technically show the whole map, so the frame rate drops to 30fps during these. But it does so for a reason: It enables the devs to zoom far in and out of the map so they can show you hidden bananas and other objectives without loading screens. 

The music has been an absolute highlight so far, DK whistling and Pauline singing is also really cool.

Overall, the game is very addictive and the interactivity with the ground and walls is top-notch. I hope the game can keep up the quality for all the other worlds, because so far it's definitely one of Nintendo's finest.

Picking up my copy today! ^^

Fantastic game so far!

It really shows how Nintendo views games similar to toys. Just have fun with it. So many secrets all over the place. The worlds (at least in the early stages) are far bigger then I thought. Exploration is great, controls super smooth and fun. Easy to recommend.

*sees Pauline doing a gorilla chest pound with DK* AWW!! ^^

Really reminds me of BOTW in that I cant go 10 feet without seeing something that I need to check out.

Yeah it's really good at using level design to guide you so that you stumble across secrets and get that buzz of discovery.

It also reminded me of BOTW in how tactile it feels, with the extensive interactivity and animation making everything feel weighty, solid and "real" for lack of a better term. Not in terms of replicating reality, but it terms of the game's stylized world responding to you believably, from the satisfying feedback of smashing through rock to the way DK moves.

Loving it so far!

Someone above mentioned they'll wait for a sale. This issue that Nintendo First Party games basically never go on sale. When they do, it's miniscule. 

I couldn't help but smash through things to find gold and Bananiam Chips in the opening area, so I may have taken longer than others to get to the Lagoon Layer.

I was that "someone". I'm well Nintendo games don't usually go on sale, and when they do the discount (on the eShop) is mostly 30%.

Sure, I probably won't be able to get it dirt cheap, but I would bet I'll eventually manage to find it at 40 or even 30 euros at some random retailer sale or in Aliexpress (asian version). It's just a matter of patience. Worst case scenario, I'll buy it second hand from and individual seller for around that price.

What I sure know is that I'm not paying 70 euros (let alone 80) for a video game. Never. No matter how much I want it. They can fucking shadow drop Golden Sun Remake tomorrow for that price, I'm not touching it. 60 was already too much for me (always got my Switch 1 games for 40-45 from different retailers), so this situation is a no go.

Are you able to go back to the opening area at any point?