Connect with us
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Review

Gaming

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Review

B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve gone several years without a new Super Monkey Ball game. As I would probably tell Sega, “You’re sitting on a gold mine, Trebek!” (I’m a fan of the Celebrity Jeopardy skits on Saturday Night Live, what can I say?) But it appears someone on the team finally “gets it,” and released Banana Blitz in HD format for consoles. I can’t say it’s the most ideal choice — Super Monkey Ball Deluxe would’ve been a better fit, methinks — but it’s something worth rolling with.

As you might guess, the game is all about rolling monkeys inside clear spheres from start to finish, across a myriad of mazes. You’ve got a time limit to deal with, and along the way, there are a number of bananas to collect. As you progress through the game, stages become tougher to navigate, with drop-offs, obstacles and much more to contend with.

There are also boss battles, which is a bit odd considering your character isn’t built for offense-based purposes. But they’re actually rather intuitive, and an interesting staple in an otherwise fast-moving experience.

The game does say HD, but I really didn’t see too much of a difference between the new version and the classic edition of the game. The graphics are still charming, mind you, and the level designs are as diabolical as ever later on. But this isn’t really a full-blown HD treatment as promised. More like a port with a few slight improvements. Still, it runs beautifully, and even features that quirky camera tilt whenever you turn. So it’s vintage Monkey Ball, through and through.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Review

Multiplayer can be fun…but it’s local only.

Still, I would’ve liked a more competitive front with Monkey Ball. Something like players competing against one another online to get to the goal quicker. I know some speed-runners that would’ve truly loved that.

There are some multiplayer with the ten mini-games included from the Wii version, but it’s local only. It does support four players, at the very least, and can be fun at parties. But it’s not quite the same. Still, beats nothing.

As for the gameplay, this sort of game begs for a trackball controller to get the complete utter movement out of your Monkey Ball. But Sega still suffices with the control scheme as it stands, with solid movement and just the right amount of speed to get you through a stage — or send you rolling off of it, if you’re not too careful.

So, to recap, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD is successful when it comes to revitalizing the series for a new generation of players to enjoy. It has the lovely, upbeat soundtrack; the fun visuals; and the entertaining gameplay to suffice. It also has a solid single player campaign, along with a few multiplayer games that are enjoyable for a little while. And yet, I can’t help but think more could’ve been included to really re-introduce the series in style. Again, perhaps a full-blown sequel can do that.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Review

Like Limp Bizkit, we keep on rollin’.

For now, if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll like what Banana Blitz has to offer. Just don’t expect a barrel full of monkeys when it comes to new stuff.

 

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Review
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Review
Is it good?
Worth rolling with.
Solid port of the classic Wii game, with familiar visuals and music.
The gameplay still works, and will challenge the best of the Monkey Ball rollers.
There's multiplayer mini-games, but they're not really that involving.
Gets insanely tough later on, but that’s the Monkey Ball way.
7.5
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1 Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Comic Books

Gail Simone photo by Gage Skidmore Gail Simone photo by Gage Skidmore

Writer Gail Simone joins X-Men CBR message boards

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke' X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke'

X-Men Monday #241 – Steve Foxe Talks ‘X-Men ’97,’ ‘Dead X-Men,’ and ‘X-Men: Blood Hunt – Psylocke’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup