Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania Reviews

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is ranked in the 67th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Sep 29, 2021

Overall, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a competent and well-done remaster of the first three Monkey Ball console games. There are issues with how engaging those games can be, mostly due to the nature of the franchise's arcade style, so there are caveats about replayability.

Read full review

Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a solid celebration for the 20th anniversary of the series' inception. It caters to fans who have stuck around to see the next big thing and does so in a complete package with new surprises and things to come.

Read full review

5 / 5
Sep 29, 2021

Yes, Banana Mania is essentially just the kind of Super Monkey Ball game that you’d expect. I just didn’t realize how much I’ve missed this series. The single player levels present a challenging and creative experience, while the minigame offerings make this collection essential to anyone who likes to play local multiplayer. This is the best Super Monkey Ball has ever been.

Read full review

Recommended
Sep 29, 2021

There are missteps and a new look that doesn't quite pop, but Banana Mania ends up an enjoyable celebration of the series in its prime.

Read full review

90 / 100
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania comes loaded with game modes that will keep us hooked for hours and hours, making it an incredible 20th anniversary tribute. The mini-games and multiplayer modes add even more replayability and fun. A game not to be missed.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Sep 29, 2021

Banana Blitz is a joyous celebration of what are still arguably the three best games in the series. There are a few slight performance issues and we have no doubt die-hards will argue about the overall feel, but there's a wealth of entertaining banana-hunting here regardless.

Read full review

Spaziogames
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Fun and unforgiving, Banana Mania is Super Monkey Ball at its finest.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

It’s a shame that the camera works against you at times, and pretty much all of the content here may be recycled from previous games, but that doesn’t stop Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania from being outrageously entertaining. Also, while the game’s premise is simple, there’s a great level of challenge here that will keep players returning time and time again to master all of the stages on offer. Throw in the party games that each offer their own unique take on Monkey Ball action, and you have a package that’s not to be missed by those who simply like to have fun.

Read full review

3.5 / 5.0
Sep 29, 2021

While not without its share of issues, you can’t say Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania doesn’t give you your money’s worth. With 300 stages to master and a wealth of modes and mini-games to enjoy, there’s more than enough monkey business on this disc to keep you rolling for weeks on end. However, if you never cared for the series before, then this collection probably isn’t going to win you over. Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a vibrant celebration of the series’ history that will test both your skills and your patience. But if you’re up for the challenge, don’t hesitate to add this to your PS5 library.

Read full review

IGN
Top Critic
6 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Without the nostalgia goggles, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania quickly rolls downhill.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is essentially a good-looking remake of Super Monkey Ball Deluxe with some nifty extras which is cool because that's an excellent game to bring back. So, if you're itching to master tricky levels then this package is sure to scratch.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a great remake of some of the best Super Monkey Ball games ever made. There is a ton of content here and plenty of reasons to replay it whether it be to unlock all the content in the shop, set new best personal online leaderboard times, or sitting down to play the mini-games with friends locally. The only things that could’ve made it better was more online functionality and maybe some slight changes to the physics. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a must for fans of the franchise and a great way to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Read full review

8 / 10 stars
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is the best of classic Monkey Ball with some fantastic new touches to keep things interesting, though accessibility takes a back seat in these remakes.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a major step up from Banana Blitz HD. Thanks to a better source material, both the single and multiplayer content is great. There are some changes with the physics that can lead to very frustrating moments, but as a whole, this is a return to form. Not every new idea lands, but the sheer amount of content for every kind of player will ensure there is something for everyone.

Read full review

Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania was a great dive into a franchise I haven’t touched since the GameCube. The gameplay felt tight, the challenges were challenging, and only a few times did the game ever give me controller smashing frustration. That said, there’s enough content here to keep a party of friends satiated, and a good onboarding system with the helper mode lets new players stick around for longer.

Read full review

GameXplain
GameXplain
Top Critic
Liked-a-lot
Sep 29, 2021
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania - REVIEW (Switch & PS5) video thumbnail
80 / 100
Sep 29, 2021

After many failed outings, the Super Monkey Ball franchise is back. Bubbling with content, there’s plenty to do whether you want to play solo or multiplayer. Whilst the nature of the game can cause frustration, the removal of the lives system has helped to improve the experience. The infectious presentation combined with the lovely gameplay makes this an absolute joy and an essential purchase for fans of the series.

Read full review

8.8 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

‎This compilation is the celebration of twenty years of a franchise that in addition to being excellent on its own is an od to the Sega that many of us knew how to enjoy too much in its best times. Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania can be the welcome of many to a franchise and a great ‎‎revival‎‎ for those who spent a lot of time at the controls of their favorite monkey. Of the world from which you come, do not stop giving this title a chance, it really has no waste.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

7 / 10
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania isn't going to win any game of the year awards, but it's undeniably fun. While it's perhaps not the entry that will put the series back into the mainstream, fans of the original will likely have a good time and newcomers will see what the fuss is all about. While there are some questionable design choices, such as a finicky camera and microtransactions that feel out of place, this is an enjoyable adventure with AiAi and his friends.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania delivers what fans of the series would expect and puts everything into one great package with well integrated new guest characters. With the release on the current gen it finally reaches its full multiplayer potential with lots of offline and new online modes. The reducing of the story cutscenes to the new comic styled sequences and the small soundtrack selection are the only things that players will have to get used to.

Review in German | Read full review