The Game: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz

Published by: SEGA
Developed by: SEGA
Genre: Action
Number of Players: 1-4
Release Date:
US: November 19, 2006
Japan: December 2, 2006
Europe: December 8, 2006
Australia: November 19, 2006
ESRB Content Descriptors: Cartoon Violence

The Premise from Sega:

AiAi and friends come to the Wii! An action-packed extravaganza of unique new puzzles and madcap multiplayer gameplay, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz takes the ground-breaking Wii controller and shows the world exactly what it can do. Players will be able to make their characters jump for the first time in the Super Monkey Ball universe with a simple upward flick motion using the Wii controller. A barrel-load of thrilling new party games, including Whack-a-Mole and Ring Toss, will keep the party rolling for hours.

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The Game:

Like other Super Monkey Ball games, this installment let’s you control a monkey trapped in a ball thru various courses, picking up bananas on your way to the finish line. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz also features over 50 unique single-player and multi-player mini-games.

Gameplay:

The single-player mode consists of over 100 new puzzle boards. Unlike previous Super Monkey Ball games, Banana Blitz allows you do jump in your ball. Each board is fresh and unique, and there is never a feeling of repetitiveness. Boss fights have also been added to this rendition of the game. While the single-player mode of the game is very fun and will keep you busy for weeks, the game also features over 50 multi-player mini-games. Some of these mini-games are Super Monkey Ball classics, while others are brand new. The mini-games add an entire new dimension to the game. This allows for a near infinite replay value. One of this game’s only flaws is the lack of camera control. This can get quite frustrating at times, especially during boss battles.

The Controls:

The basic control scheme for Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is very intuitive. You simply move the Wii remote around where you wish to move your ball. Although the basic control scheme is easy to get used to, it can be quite difficult to master. Some of the puzzle boards are incredibly complex. However there is a nice balance between difficulty levels. The control schemes for the mini-games are also well done. Some of the mini-games will require you to use the nun-chuk attachment. Multiple remotes are required for the majority of these mini-games. The ability to jump, using the A button, is also a new edition for this series.

Graphics:

It is quite hard to judge graphics on a new console, as we don’t know what the console is capable of. Having said that, the graphics look much better than the games’ previous installments on the GameCube. The cartoon graphics are well done and give the series a much needed graphical boost.

Audio:

Some of the monkey sound effects get repetitive and annoying after a while, but the game’s soundtrack is very upbeat and improves upon older games in the franchise.

Pros and Cons:

+ Great use of the Wii remote
+ Fantastic for multi-player
+ Great variety of mini-games
+ Infinite replay value
+ Addition of the jump feature is very nice
- Lack of camera controls can be frustrating
- Although fun, the mini-games can get repetitive

Overall:

8.2 / 10