Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania Reviews

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is ranked in the 67th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
7 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is weird, expansive and tricky. I just know die-hard fans are going to love that combination, but I’m not sure about anyone else.

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7 / 10
Sep 29, 2021

It may not be saying much but Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is the best the series has been in almost two decades and newcomers are bound to find a lot to love. It wears its heart on its sleeve and clearly the team has true passion for the franchise. It's packed full of content, new ways to play and there are so many extras and improvements that never existed in the original. Unfortunately, the engine beneath it all isn't quite up to the job. What they've achieved with Unity simply isn't on par with the originals and while the main game is still enjoyable, many of the party games are severely hindered. Until Monkey Target returns to its former glory, we cannot truly say Super Monkey Ball is back.

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Ken McKown
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Oct 7, 2021

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a solid collection that is worth dipping into for new and old fans alike. There is simple a staggering amount of content to be found and the nuanced new physics will only apply to hardcore fans of the original. While the interesting content might be locked behind a paywall there is still more than plenty in the vanilla version to keep players happy. Now let’s not go another 20 years without constant Monkey Ball. The gaming world is always better when AiAi and his crew are present.

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Oct 5, 2021

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a roll down retro memory lane with its charming classic arcade format. However, the game soon loses its shine with the sudden difficulty spike that makes it incredibly hard to enjoy in the later levels, despite the inclusion of accessibility options. This is a great choice for a party game when you want a local co-op title, but the lack of online multiplayer means the game begins to feel a little stale when playing alone, despite the wealth of levels, modes, and unlockables.

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7 / 10
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a solid, unglamorous return to the series greatest moments. We’ve been steering monkeys in balls across increasingly difficult landscapes for 20 years now, and while Banana Mania doesn’t return the series to its hallowed position of old, I don’t want it to stop quite yet.

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7.5 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Whether you’re a die-hard veteran or someone looking to give the series a shot for the first time, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania serves its purpose as a content-rich, if familiar, package filled with its share of high points. There are some diminishing returns as some levels have been recycled for 20 years and the lack of online multiplayer limits the appeal of the great selection of party games, but the core formula of rolling around and collecting trinkets still serves this updated compilation of a compilation quite well.

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XGN.nl
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2021

‎Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a pretty comprehensive game that is bursting with content. Some of this (the minigames) is also really fun for kids, but the vast majority definitely isn't. The game's adorable little smock hides a nightmare, even for seasoned gamers. This game is only for people who are up for a challenge and don't give up after dying ten times.‎

Review in Dutch | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Oct 4, 2021

The quality and enjoyment level of Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania are decided by how much you enjoy the series, but one thing is certain: there will be no shortage of content.

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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.

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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.

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7.5 / 10.0
Oct 8, 2021

After bringing back Sakura Wars, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania gives me hope that more classic titles are due for a revival from Sega. With more than 300 courses from three classic Super Monkey Ball games, Banana Mania is just as crazy and challenging as I remember. The feel isn’t quite as snappy as the classic games. But it’s still Monkey Ball and I’m glad to see the franchise swing back into action, not just for old fans but a new generation as well.

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7.5 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Even with its issues, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a delight to play. It fills you with nostalgia whilst also showing the strengths of the series. It will be interesting to see where the franchise goes next.

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75 / 100
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is just as fun and infuriating as I remember. It's a content-complete package that celebrates the series. It can feel a bit too limited, with no online play or unlockable characters in minigames, but it's still a unique experience you can't get anywhere else.

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7.9 / 10.0
Dec 13, 2018

For Super Monkey Ball fans out there, this game is going to be fun because of the variety of creative mazes SEGA has in store for you. The modes beyond the main will be hit or miss depending on expectations. Nonetheless, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is mostly entertaining.

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Jan 15, 2022

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a compilation of hundreds of platforming levels featured in Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe. It was released to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the series. Does Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania pay homage to what makes the series fun? Find out in this Rapid Review.

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8 / 10.0
Sep 29, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania celebrates the franchise and Sega as a whole in a solid collection of variety, challenge, and goofy fun.

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8 / 10.0
Oct 21, 2021

An absolute compilation release. Infinite playable possibilities and an overwhelming number of unlockable options so you won't get bored.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

4 / 5.0
Oct 13, 2021

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is an entertaining game for both newcomers and veterans. It is loaded with content, fun courses and enjoyable party games but lacks online multiplayer. If you’re new to the series, this is the perfect place to start. So jump into your plastic ball and start rolling.

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Oct 6, 2021

n the end Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a great update to the classic series and offers fans a fun and fresh take that has never looked nor played better.

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4 / 5.0
Oct 4, 2021

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a grand collection of the best that Super Monkey Ball has offered over the last 20 years. Though some stages are less enjoyable than others, most of the stages will have you itching to play more. The amount of content seals the deal, making Banana Mania the definitive Super Monkey Ball experience.

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