Donkey Kong Bananza is a blast, even at its weakest points. It seems like a bit of a mess initially, though, like a mismatched set of ideas stitched together and set loose, but the fantastical settings and occasionally odd story end up being its most coherent parts.

Expedition 33" to big console exclusives like "Donkey Kong Bananza" and "Death Stranding 2," NPR staff and contributors round up their favorite games of the year so far.