Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble: Rolling and Laughing

Who would have thought that putting a monkey in a transparent sphere to run through a crazy maze would be so cool? That's the sum of the Super Monkey Ball series. I remember when I played it for the first time on the beloved PlayStation 2. Good times!

Imagine that same little monkey in this wonderful era of 4K OLED TVs, inside a ball rolling through levels full of obstacles and bananas.

Now add colorful graphics, smooth gameplay and a bunch of hilarious multiplayer modes. This is the Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumblethe latest game in the Super Monkey Ball series, developed by SEGA. Sounds simple, right?

But get ready to challenge your dexterity and patience, because this game is anything but easy!

Get Ready for the Adventure of Monkey and the Legendary Banana

Whether you’re playing solo or with up to four friends, you’ll follow AiAi and the gang as they search for the Legendary Banana. Of course, because everyone knows that regular bananas aren’t enough! The story is a fun bonus, but let’s be honest, no one’s playing Super Monkey Ball for the deep narrative. It’s like SEGA said, “Let’s give these monkeys an excuse to roll around.” And it worked!

Beware the Camera: It Has a Mind of Its Own

If you’ve ever tried to control a camera that looks like it was programmed by a chimpanzee, you’ll feel right at home with Banana Rumble. The camera can be slow and frustrating, especially when you need to see where you’re going. After all, this mess is part of the game, too. But hey, nothing a little tweaking of the settings can’t fix. And if you suffer from motion sickness, get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions – literally. Play around with the motion sickness options, there are several available in the settings for you to try, so you don’t turn your living room into a sea of ​​motion sickness.

Multiplayer Mode: Laughter and Chaos Guaranteed

The real charm of Banana Rumble is in the multiplayer modes. Play locally with up to 4 friends or online with up to 16 players. It’s got it all: racing to collect bananas, passing bombs (because nothing says fun like blowing up your friends), and destroying giant robots. Each mode is a new way to sabotage your friends and laugh out loud at the consequences. And there are no microtransactions! It’s a miracle in this day and age, but all customization items can be purchased with points earned in-game.

Psychedelic and Retro Look

Banana Rumble’s graphics are a visual treat, with colorful worlds ranging from deserts to neon-lit concerts. Each level looks like it’s straight out of an 80s arcade game, with vibrant colors and imaginative design. If you like a retro look that feels like it’s straight out of the 80s, you’ll love what this game has to offer.

Running on Nintendo Switch

For Nintendo Switch fans, Banana Rumble is a fantastic experience. The gameplay is smooth, the graphics are stunning, and the game runs perfectly on the platform. It’s a joy to play in both handheld and TV mode, ensuring you can take the monkey-rolling fun with you wherever you go.

SEGA Pass: Adding Stars to the Monkey Adventure

And as if rolling around in a giant ball wasn’t crazy enough, SEGA decided to up the ante with SEGA Pass! With this DLC, you can play as some of SEGA’s most iconic characters, including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. Yes, the world’s fastest blue hedgehog can now roll around in a ball, collecting rings instead of bananas. Plus, Axel from Crazy Taxi makes a big appearance, bringing all his street-level madness to the rolling sphere.

SEGA Pass adds a total of six new playable characters and 15 SEGA-themed style items, completely transforming the gameplay experience. Each character comes with unique attributes that can be quite useful in Adventure and Battle modes. So if you’re a long-time SEGA fan, this DLC is a true love letter to the company’s classics.

Pros:

• Colorful and fun graphics
• Smooth and precise gameplay
• Hilarious multiplayer modes
• Customization without microtransactions
• Retro and psychedelic visuals

Cons:

• Camera controls are sometimes frustrating
• Steep difficulty curve

Final Grade: 8/10

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a refreshing and fun addition to the series, combining new elements with the classic gameplay that fans love. Even with some camera issues and a difficulty curve, the game offers hours of fun, laughter, and challenge. With a multiplayer mode that’s pure chaos and stunning visuals, Banana Rumble is a game worth checking out. Just don’t expect an Oscar-worthy story. And who cares? It’s the best game in the franchise so far, hands down.