Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble: A Triumphant Return to Form for the Classic Franchise

Japan
New 'Spin Dash' mechanic adds strategy and excitement to gameplay.
Six iconic characters from Sega are playable: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Axel and Beat.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a new installment in the classic franchise.
Ten unique worlds with fifty stages and bonus levels for extra challenges.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble: A Triumphant Return to Form for the Classic Franchise

In the world of video games, few franchises have captured the hearts and minds of players quite like Super Monkey Ball. With its unique blend of puzzle-platforming action and charming characters, the series has been a mainstay of Sega's stable for decades. Now, after a long wait since the last mainline entry in 2012's Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz on the PlayStation Vita, fans are finally getting a new installment with Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble on Nintendo Switch. But does this latest entry manage to live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Let's take a closer look.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble features six iconic characters from Sega's stable - Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Axel and Beat - each with their own unique stats. All six characters are fully playable in all game modes, providing a level of variety and replayability that is sure to keep players engaged for hours on end. In addition to the main campaign mode, there are also five costumes consisting of 15 individual customization items available for monkey customization, allowing players to deck out their monkey companions in styles ranging from Shadow to NiGHTS, Gilius, Majima and Akira.

The gameplay in Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is classic Super Monkey Ball action with a twist. The new 'Spin Dash' mechanic allows players to gain momentum quickly, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement to the already-engaging gameplay. This mechanic also adds an interesting wrinkle to the game's exploration and optimization aspects, as players must carefully manage their use of the Spin Dash in order to navigate each level as efficiently as possible.

The levels themselves are split across ten unique worlds, with a total of fifty stages for players to tackle. In addition to these main stages, there are also bonus levels of immense complexity that will challenge even the most seasoned Super Monkey Ball veterans. These bonus levels offer up additional points and rewards for those brave enough to tackle them, adding an extra layer of incentive for players looking to maximize their scores.

In addition to the single-player campaign, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble also features a variety of multiplayer modes that are sure to provide hours of entertainment for players. However, it must be noted that these multiplayer modes can be a bit hit or miss, with some players reporting issues with connectivity and matchmaking. Despite these minor hiccups, the overall experience is one that is sure to delight fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Overall, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a triumphant return to form for the franchise. The gameplay feels great, the levels are well-designed and challenging without being unfair, and there's more than enough content here to keep players engaged for quite some time. If you're a fan of puzzle-platformers or just looking for a fun and engaging gaming experience, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is available on the Nintendo Switch as of June 25, 2024. With its engaging gameplay, well-designed levels, and variety of characters and modes to choose from, it's a must-play for fans of the series and a great introduction for newcomers. Don't miss out on this exciting new entry in the Super Monkey Ball franchise.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

85%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Review: Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble (Switch) - Super Single-Player, But Multiplayer's A Mess

Nintendo Life Nintendo Life Monday, 24 June 2024 14:00
  • Unique Points
    • Seven playable characters available, with more unlockable via shop
    • Memories section includes movies, music tracks, and saved replays
    • Missions include unique achievements and bonus points
    • Global leaderboard function requires accumulated points to grow palm tree
  • Accuracy
    • Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a new entry in the Super Monkey Ball franchise.
    • The game includes a solid single-player campaign with 100 levels and bonus levels.
    • Multiplayer modes include Race, Banana Hunt, Ba-BOOM, Goal Rush, and Robot Smash.
  • Deception (70%)
    The article contains editorializing and selective reporting. The author expresses their personal opinions about the game's single-player experience being 'great fun from start to finish' and the multiplayer modes being 'naff.' They also state that they would have preferred minigames like Monkey Target and Monkey Bowling over the current multiplayer modes, implying that these are better. This is selective reporting as they are only mentioning the aspects of the game that support their negative view of the multiplayer modes.
    • The single-player campaign is great fun from start to finish.
    • Honestly, we'd rather have minigames like Monkey Target and Monkey Bowling.
    • The five modes included are Race, Banana Hunt, Ba-BOOM, Goal Rush, and Robot Smash.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author uses several informal fallacies throughout the article. They make comparisons between the new game and past games in the series, implying that those past games were better ('the first two GameCube titles knocked it out of the park'). They also express frustration with certain aspects of the game, which can be seen as an appeal to emotion ('it's so frustrating'). Additionally, they make a dichotomous depiction by stating that the multiplayer modes are either too chaotic or too boring. Lastly, they use inflammatory rhetoric when describing some of the multiplayer modes as 'naff' and 'pants'.
    • The first two GameCube titles knocked it out of the park, providing a plethora of content from the addictive maze-like main stages to the incredible minigames.
    • It's clear Sega was striving for a Fall Guys vibe with this, but it just doesn’t work.
    • The five modes included are Race, Banana Hunt, Ba-BOOM, Goal Rush, and Robot Smash... The problem with all of them is that they’re either too chaotic with the maximum number of players (16), or too boring when there are only a handful of you.
    • Banana Rumble is a mixed bag, but one worth delving into if you’re itching for more single-player shenanigans.
  • Bias (90%)
    The author expresses a negative opinion towards the multiplayer modes in the game, stating that they are chaotic and not enjoyable. They compare them unfavorably to minigames from previous Super Monkey Ball titles. The author also mentions that the frame rate drops significantly during multiplayer, which detracts from the experience.
    • Head into the multiplayer modes, or add an additional player to the campaign, and you the frame rate is halved to 30. It's a jarring change that, while certainly not unplayable, is a tough pill to swallow after you've spent so much time working your way through the single-player stages.
      • The courses here include a mix of long straights in which to build up some nice momentum and intricate puzzle areas that require more precise movement. When you reach the latter segments, don't be surprised when a bunch of other players come careening into you as they too make it to the same area. It results in a visual mess in which you'll struggle to make out your own character amongst a sea of monkeys, and it just isn't particularly fun.
        • The five modes included are Race, Banana Hunt, Ba-BOOM, Goal Rush, and Robot Smash, and the problem with all of them is that they're either too chaotic with the maximum number of players (16), or too boring when there are only a handful of you.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        96%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble: The Kotaku Review

        Kotaku Cole Kronman Monday, 24 June 2024 14:00
        • Unique Points
          • The article author plays Super Monkey Ball almost every day and considers himself good at it.
          • Super Monkey Ball was released in 2001 and has a perfect design.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (95%)
          The author makes several assertions about the game Super Monkey Ball and his experience with it. He states that he plays the game every day, is good at it, and enjoys its design. These statements are not fallacious on their own as they are simply expressing opinions. However, there is an instance of an appeal to authority when the author refers to Super Monkey Ball as 'one of the best games ever made'. This statement does not provide any evidence or reasoning for why it is considered one of the best games, making it a weak argument.
          • Super Monkey Ball is one of the best games ever made.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        97%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review - Review

        Nintendo World Report Monday, 24 June 2024 17:04
        • Unique Points
          • Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a new game in the Super Monkey Ball series.
          • The game features a 'spin dash' mechanic that allows players to gain momentum quickly.
        • Accuracy
          • Players must navigate through bite-sized platforming levels, collecting bananas and reaching goals while managing their monkey’s momentum.
          • Multiplayer battle mode includes various game modes but lacks the variety of mini-games found in past Super Monkey Ball games.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        98%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble - Official Sega Pass Trailer

        IGN (Imagine Games Network) Friday, 21 June 2024 15:57
        • Unique Points
          • Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble will be available on Nintendo Switch on June 25, 2024.
          • Six iconic characters - Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Axel and Beat - are included in the game with their own unique stats.
          • All six characters are fully playable in all game modes.
          • Five costumes consisting of 15 individual customization items are included for monkey customization. Costumes include Shadow, NiGHTS, Gilius, Majima and Akira.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        91%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Review

        Game Rant Nick Rodriguez Monday, 24 June 2024 14:00
        • Unique Points
          • Players can choose from different monkeys with varying stats for unique gameplay experiences.
          • The Spin Dash move is a new mechanic that adds to the game’s exploration and optimization aspects.
        • Accuracy
          • The game sticks to the franchise’s arcade and party roots.
          • Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble features predictable physics and challenging levels that require exploitation and observation skills.
          • Local and online multiplayer modes offer various gameplay options for up to 16 players. Monkey Race, Banana Hunt, Ba-BOOM!, Goal Rush, and Robot Smash are some of the multiplayer modes available in Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble.
        • Deception (80%)
          The article contains editorializing and selective reporting. The author expresses their personal opinion that Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a 'fantastic return to form' and 'understandably exciting' for fans of the series. They also focus on the positive aspects of the game, such as predictable physics and fun party gameplay, while downplaying or ignoring negative aspects like the absence of classic mini-games and milquetoast story mode. The author also uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'anyone familiar with Super Monkey Ball knows that the series isn’t about just getting from point A to point B in the safest or most logical way possible.' This statement is not factual and is intended to elicit an emotional response from readers.
          • Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble sticks the landing when it comes to the chaotic fun the series is known for.
          • This type of player is in luck because Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble can get very tough, very fast. Whether playing solo or in one of Banana Rumble’s massive multiplayer matches, players will quickly learn that the game isn’t shy about testing their skills.
          • At its heart, Super Monkey Ball is an arcade and party series, not known for mechanical overhauls between games or an overarching story to evaluate and dissect.
          • Banana Rumble truly understands what makes the Super Monkey Ball series tick, giving players the same sense of intense, exhilarating thrill and wholesome fun thanks to its no-frills chaos.
          • One of the most remarkable aspects of Banana Rumble is how natural this process of exploitation feels.
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication