Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania Reviews
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is the kind of tragedy that Shakespeare himself would have written about. There is so much energy and passion that has gone into the game, and it is massive. We're talking dozens upon dozens of hours worth of raw content in there. The presentation is gorgeous too, and for the first hour or so I was hit by the most wonderful rush of nostalgia, reliving levels that had been etched into muscle memory from so many hours of play, back on the Gamecube. But then the more difficult levels hit and the controller hardware just wasn't up to the task like the Gamecube controller was. That was one thing. Worse, though, was that SEGA took these wonderful arcade experiences and made them... not arcade games anymore.
Another sub-par remaster of Super Monkey Ball that ruins the precision and elegance of the originals and replaces it with janky, unpredictable controls and shoddy presentation.
"Only solo players may enjoy these bananas."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Although competitive party games are getting better and more successful, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania can win the hearts of many players. Therefore, we can highly recommend the game if you are looking for a match for long evenings or livening up a home party.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Nostalgia might have some fans of Super Monkey Ball trapped in the little ball with them, running their little feet, futile against the inevitability of gravity. But for those not already on the inside, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is skippable.
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.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a welcome, but imprecise remake that's lacking detail.
Still, it all looks gorgeous, moves smoothly, and sounds exuberant as ever. We'd say that for Monkey Ball fanatics this is a bit of a must, but then said fanatics are the ones who will notice the cracks more than anyone else. So we're not sure, ultimately, who this is for. Newcomers may find themselves wondering what all the fuss is about.
Without the nostalgia goggles, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania quickly rolls downhill.
Those who are proud of their strong nerves have nothing to fear.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Overall, the game is good though it has minor problems that needs fixing. Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is truly a throwback of older titles, and is a treat to loyal fans of SEGA, especially those who played its predecessors during the GameCube and PS2 era. It is highly recommended that players should watch the gameplay trailers of Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania and see if it piques their interest.
Nevertheless, we can’t help but be heartened by the progress. The Super Monkey Ball franchise has been rolling down a slope for a while now, so even a step or two back in the right direction is nice to see.
Ultimately I think Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a worthwhile play for those who don’t mind a stiff challenge, people who have kids that don’t mind a stiff challenge, or anyone nostalgic for the franchise’s early days. The graphical updates are solid and the game is appealing to look at. The music is as bumpy and of-the-era as it always has been. But I wouldn’t say that this is a game that will appeal to everyone so keep that in mind if you’re on the fence. Considering all this I’d say the game is a solid 7. But I’m giving all the preceding Banana jokes a lowly 4. They’re passable but I swear I’ll do better next time.
Celebrating the series 20th anniversary, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a hugely challenging trip through the greatest hits of the series, showing off classic courses rendered beautifully for the new systems. The Party Games remains the jewel in the Monkey Ball crown, but there’s more than enough to get your brain working whilst you’re balancing out a monkey in a ball on perilously thin ledges. It’s good to have Monkey Ball back.
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.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania offers a very entertaining experience for fans of team play with a variety of options and a return that is best for this title after years of frustrating experiences.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Two decades later and this is still a unique and fun experience, especially when played with others, but as a single player experience it might not measure up to our fonder memories
Review in Arabic | Read full review
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.
It definitely eases you in, especially if you're a newcomer, but it's also surprisingly quick to lean into the stuff found in the compendium of stages from the first two GameCube outings.
For fans, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a no-brainer, and even newcomers will find tons of fun here. Some slightly annoying gameplay can't hinder the mountain of content and extras tied into this package.