‘Super Monkey Ball’ Rolls Into A New Game

Super Monkey Ball returns triumphantly with the first new entry in the series in 12 years. Banana Rumble is the first new Super Monkey Ball game since 2012’s Banana Splitz on the PlayStation Vita.

Super Monkey Ball is a classic Sega franchise dating back to 2001. The series’s first entry, Monkey Ball, was an arcade exclusive. The first console entry in the series is an enhanced version of the arcade game for the GameCube called Super Monkey Ball. The game’s task is to challenge players to navigate a monkey in a ball through an obstacle course to reach the goal at the end of each level. The franchise became famous thanks to its replayability, quickly challenging players to complete levels. Levels contain different paths and shortcuts players can take thanks to the games’ momentum-based controls.

For the first time since 2012, Super Monkey Ball returns in Banana Rumble. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, this new entry brings in 200 levels for players to roll their way through and a slew of other side modes. Fan favorite characters return, such as AiAi, Meemee, GonGon, YanYan, Baby and Doctor, while introducing a new character: Palette. Banana Rumble even introduces a new gameplay mechanic called the Spin Dash. Using this, players can gain a short burst of speed to either help finish the level faster or save themselves from falling.

The Return of Super Monkey Ball

Although Banana Rumble is the first new Super Monkey Ball game since Banana Splitz, Sega released remade versions of the first three games and a remastered version of Banana Blitz. Banana Blitz HD received mixed reception, with fans of the series questioning why Sega chose to remaster a less popular entry. Thankfully, Banana Mania, the remade collection of the first three games, saw much more favorable reviews.

Banana Rumble is now seeing similarly positive reception, although some reviewers note the multiplayer modes are lackluster compared to the main game. However, the 200 levels in Banana Rumble are on par with the best Super Monkey Ball offers. Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is available now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.