The last mainlineSuper Monkey Ballgame wasSuper Monkey Ball: Banana Splitzon the PlayStation Vita, released in 2012. Since then, the series has only seen a couple of remasters, compilations, and aPeggle-inspired mobile game. As a result, fans hoping for a proper modern entry were understandably excited when SEGA announcedSuper Monkey Ball Banana Rumbleas a Switch exclusive earlier this year, and they had good reason to be.
At its heart,Super Monkey Ballis an arcade and party series, not known for mechanical overhauls between games or an overarching story to evaluate and dissect. When someone is coming to a newSuper Monkey Ballgame, they may not necessarily be looking for something that is going to challenge their perception of the franchise; rather, they are likely seeking some old-fashioned, chaotic fun, with maybe a few minor twists and turns. This type of player is in luck becauseSuper Monkey Ball Banana Rumblesticks the landing when it comes to the chaotic fun the series is known for.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Is a Fantastic Return to Form
2021’sSuper Monkey Ball Banana Maniawas a fairly successfulremastered bundle of the first threeSuper Monkey Ballgames, though it didn’t enjoy a universally positive reception. Some of the most common criticisms of the game revolved around its physics engine, with detractors arguing that the titular monkeys felt unnatural to control compared to the franchise’s original releases.
This same criticism cannot be leveled againstSuper Monkey Ball Banana Rumble. Every monkey moves exactly how players would expect them to, in accordance with their respective speed, brake, weight, and spin stats, which can dramatically alter gameplay. For instance, a heavyweight monkey like GonGon will be slower but easier to turn and control compared to a light monkey like Baby, who is faster but harder to maneuver. These stat distinctions make for solid variety while allowing players to modulate the difficulty level and tailor their approach to different levels.
With each character controlling so differently, aSuper Monkey Ballnewcomer may have an easier time with a slower, heavier character than a lightweight, speedy one.
Regardless of which monkey someone is playing,Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumblecan get very tough, very fast. Whether playing solo or in one ofBanana Rumble’s massive multiplayer matches, players will quickly learn that the game isn’t shy about testing their skills. Balancing on guardless platforms, landing with pinpoint precision, and hitting big jumps at high speed can all take a bit of getting used to, but after getting familiar with how the game’s controls and physics work, it feels natural and satisfying.
Anyone familiar withSuper Monkey Ballknows that the series isn’t about just getting from point A to point B in the safest or most logical way possible.Super Monkey Ballis about exploiting each level, figuring out novel shortcuts, wondering “Can I make that jump?” and often realizing yes, you can.Super Monkey Ballis about outsmarting the game, using powers of observation and spatial reasoning as much as accuracy and reaction speed.
One of the most remarkable aspects ofBanana Rumbleis how natural this process of exploitation feels. During Adventure Mode, it feels completely natural to ignore the most obvious path to the finish line, instead choosing to bump, balance, and fly through improbable trajectory after improbable trajectory, no matter how much more difficult this was than the normal route. Taking these risks can be immensely rewarding, even when it results in reducing a level clear time by just a few seconds, because it makes players feel like they did something they weren’t supposed to do. It’s this degree of freedom that makesSuper Monkey Ballamong the best of its genre, andBanana Rumblehas a firm understanding of this.
What Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Brings to the Table
At its core,Banana Rumbleisn’t a major departure fromSuper Monkey Balltradition—it’s more of a refinement of what has always worked for the franchise, honing in on important aspects like predictable physics and fun party gameplay. That said,Banana Rumbleis an evolution ofSuper MonkeyBallin a few key ways.
Mechanically, the most obvious change from olderSuper Monkey Ballgames is the addition of the Spin Dash, a charge-up move on a short cooldown that allows players to boost themselves in a chosen direction. Spin Dash is helpful and sometimes essential for making certain jumps and getting ahead during races, but it also plays a key role in the aforementioned process of exploiting levels and optimizing clear times: Spin Dash can be used to gain airtime by slamming into short guard rails or minor irregularities in level geography, making it a key tool for those looking to create shortcuts on the fly.
Content is whereBanana Rumblebecomes a bit of a mixed bag. The return of local multiplayer on regular Adventure Mode courses is more than welcome, allowing players to get more mileage out of these levels. Beyond that,Banana Rumblealso includes fully animated cutscenes that tell the story of Adventure Mode. While most players won’t be coming toBanana Rumblefor a gripping narrative, the story is worth pointing out as a missed opportunity. The story and presentation of the game are somewhat bland and uninspired, standing in stark contrast to the unapologetic, glittery absurdity of something likeSuper Monkey Ball 2’s campaign. With such a silly premise and the studio’s penchant for over-the-top storytelling, it would have been nice to see a bit more personality and flair in Adventure Mode.
Local and online multiplayer with up to 15 other players is also a great deal of fun and appropriately chaotic, with every game mode offering something unique. The multiplayer game modes include plenty of variety as well:
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect ofBanana Rumbleis the complete absence ofmini-games from olderSuper Monkey Ballentries. Party games like Monkey Bowling and Monkey Target, which are so central to the series' identity, are nowhere to be found inBanana Rumble. The new multiplayer modes are all enjoyable in their own right, but long-time fans may feel justifiably let down by the removal of these legacy activities.
Aside from the removal of classic mini-games and a milquetoast story mode, the only real demerit that can be leveled againstSuper Monkey Ball Banana Rumbleis performance. The game’s framerate can stutter quite a bit on some levels, making for some nauseating visuals that are exacerbated by the high-speed gameplay and camera movement. This could very well be fixed in an upcoming patch, but it is worth noting, particularly for players who suffer from motion sickness.
None of these issues should be deal-breakers, especially for thosewho are alreadySuper Monkey Ballfans.Banana Rumbletruly understands what makes theSuper Monkey Ballseries tick, giving players the same sense of intense, exhilarating thrill and wholesome fun thanks to its no-frills chaos. With polished fundamentals, Spin Dash, and online multiplayer, it’s easy to seeSuper Monkey Ball Banana Rumblefostering a strong community of players for years to come.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble
WHERE TO PLAY
Let the Rumble Begin! Join AiAi and friends in Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble, where you and up to 16 players can compete online across multiple game modes as you aim to become Top Banana! You can also work together with your favorite bunch in 4 player cooperative mode, or slip into a wonderfully crafted story in the all-new Adventure Mode experience!Drop into online multiplayer for up to 16 players or local multiplayer for up to 4 players.Rally up to 3 of your friends and slip into a wonderfully crafted story in Adventure mode as AiAi and the gang journey to seek out 7 mysterious artifacts that are said to be the key to locating The Legendary Banana in 200 all-new stages!Show off your style! Customize your character and monkey ball with over 300 stylish items to choose from.Experience thrilling gameplay that is easy to pick up and play, yet challenging and fulfilling to masterUse the new Spin Dash that allows players to sprint past rivals or create new shortcuts to victory!
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumblewill be available on Nintendo Switch on May 24, 2025. Game Rant was provided a Switch code for this review.
