SEGA have created some stunning games in the past, such as Super Monkey Ball from 2001. Now, on the company’s 20th anniversary, they are set to release Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania; let the nostalgia commence...
Tails / Picture Credit: SEGA
The synopsis
Get ready to stop Dr. Bad-Boon, an evil monkey who is adamant in keeping the world’s supply of bananas to himself, as you play as AiAi and his iconic gang of monkeys – and some new allies.
Roll, tilt and bounce your way through 10 bright and lush worlds, which many long-time fans will recognise from the previous games in the Super Monkey Ball series.
You can either rush your way through the various levels, or take your time and slowly roll your way to the goal; better hurry though, most of the levels give you one minute to reach the end!
So, what did I think?
Upon hearing that one of my favourite childhood games was being remastered, I was beyond thrilled to receive early access; I was even more excited to see that the game I adored as child has remained one of the best gaming experiences, and then some.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is an intensely fun game that has only added to what was already amazing to begin with. The remastered, HD quality is absolutely perfect, and it was very, very difficult to find any flaws with this game.
The main game, consisting of levels within worlds that increase with difficulty the more you progress, was excellent. There is a vast array of challenging levels, ranging from thin platforms to balance yourself on, to huge, sweeping hills which you must navigate in order to make it to the goal without flying off the edge.
That is one of the best things about this game; there are easy stages that let you feel your way, which then progress into harder levels that genuinely challenge you and make you think about how to proceed.
One moment I was balancing on a beam trying not to fall off the edge into the abyss, the next I was flying down a hill and aiming my character into the goal from above; there is no shortness of fun to be had with Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania.
As well as the main levels, there were also challenge modes from Super Monkey Ball 1, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, which really kicked it up a notch.
The party games were also an excellent addition, even though sometimes it wasn’t totally clear on what to do once the controls were shown to me before each mini game.
The party games included Golf, Boating, Dogfighting, Racing, Tennis and more, with a total of 12 games to play on your own (with AI), or with up to three other players. These party games provided a break from rolling on platforms, and showcased a totally different side to this game.
Within the game, whether it be from the main game or challenge modes, you can (rather easily) earn coins to use in-game to purchase new characters, which include both Sonic the Hedgehog and Tails, outfits including hats, shirts, shoes and ball customisation, as well as new modes such as Dark Banana Mode and Reverse Mode.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania really pushed the boat out when it came to the coin store. I was amazed by how many characters I could purchase (there are 20 free and unlockable character within the game), along with new levels and a great deal of customisable options – as well as the bounce ability to use in the main game.
The music was also interesting; the fast-paced, electric score set the mood I sped down ramps or rolled through gaps, and it matched very well with the equally bright and exciting aesthetic.
The game really showcased creativity, as the first and second worlds were vastly different, proving that the game can only get better, which it did. I was excited to see just how challenging the game became the more I played; this kept things fun and has almost no potential to become boring.
In this sense, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is definitely worth its price (£34.99 on console, £24.99 on Steam), as with the hundreds of levels, almost infinite combinations of characters and customisable options, new game modes to work for and unlock, as well as 12 party games and the option to test your speed against other players around the world, this game has a lot to offer.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a genuinely fun, challenging and exciting remaster that keeps the game’s original thrills, and only adds to the fun. It keeps you on your toes, allows you to unlock so much content with in-game currency, and has enough to keep you busy for the foreseeable future; this bright, fun and thrilling remaster of an old childhood favourite more than met my expectations.
You can pick the game up on Tuesday, October 5th, 2021!
Writtne by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
RELATED: REVIEW: Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Tagged in Sega