Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz (AKA Super Monkey Ball 3) introduces a new pirate-like villain. He has stolen the Golden Banana and it’s up to AiAi and his friends to recover the scattered pieces of it. The game introduces brand new boss battles and eight slippery sloping worlds filled with 100 crazy courses.
Let the multiplayer party begin, as the monkeys have hit the Wii with 50 new interactive party games. Time to grab the Wii Remote and go bananas! *zing!* Sorry, I just HAD to put that in there. Let’s move on to the review.
System: Wii
Genre: Puzzle, Party, Action
Release dates: November 19th 2006 (USA), December 7th 2006 (AUS), December 8th 2006 (EURO)
Players: 1-4
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Origin: Japan
AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon, and Baby will be joined by new characters YanYan; a young, vivacious female monkey and Doctor; an older monkey with a past steeped in mystery due to his acute case of amnesia. The addition of YanYan and Doctor also marks another first for the Super Monkey Ball franchise, differing skill-set levels for each character. Each character will have strengths and weaknesses in categories such as acceleration, speed, and jumping ability. Even the size of the monkey ball and its weight will play a role in a character’s performance in the game.
Here are the different stats and abilities for each character:
* Aiai is an average character. He has average stats for each category.
* Meemee has less speed and weight, but she has good jump ability to make up for it.
* Gongon may have the biggest ball, resulting in the worst jump ability, like Doctor, and bad acceleration, but, to make up for it, he is the fastest character in the game and he has the heaviest weight. His size also allows him to destroy the exploding stumps. Because he has the biggest ball, he may hit the boundaries of a goal where other monkeys would fit snugly.
* Baby has the smallest ball, giving him good jump ability and acceleration, but he is quite slow and has the lightest weight. He fits safer into goals than the other monkeys, because of his small size. In this game, he gets a new costume and matching sunglasses, specifically designed for the game.
* YanYan may have the best jump ability and second smallest ball in the game, but all of the rest of her stats are somewhat below average.
* Doctor has the best acceleration in the game, and all of his remaining stats are average, but he ties Gongon for the worst jump ability.
The main features in Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz are:
* Puzzle Levels: A huge number of 100 puzzle levels have been designed for players of all standards. Easy to learn but difficult to master, these puzzle levels bring the classic Super Monkey Ball gameplay to the Nintendo Wii for the first time.
* Boss Levels: Unlike previous games in the Super Monkey Ball series, after completing puzzle levels the game heats up with some serious boss battles. Each of the bosses will challenge you to find their weakness to defeat them.
* Monkey Jump: For the first time in the Super Monkey Ball universe AiAi and his friends will be able to jump using an upward flick motion with the Wii Controller, or alternatively by pressing the A button. The game also features character-specific abilities and stats for the puzzle stages, previously unseen in any game before it.
* The Wii controller is held parallel to the ground. The monkey character rolls based on the slope of the game world, directly corresponding with the relative tilt of the Wii controller. The analog stick on the Nunchuk attachment can control the camera but does not have to be connected to the Wii remote to play the game.
* Party Games: Scores of party games have been designed to take advantage of the Nintendo Wii controller. Included in the 50 are games like Wack-a-Mole and Ring Toss promises to keep the party rolling for hours.
Watch the Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz launch trailer.
The main game spans a total of 100 single player levels. You’ll perfect your wobble in the zany beginner courses of World 1 and then roll on through seven more Worlds loaded with increasing challenges. Each World contains eight colorful stages and for the first time in the Super Monkey Ball series, a boss battle stage. Additionally, for every four stages completed in any order, you’ll have an opportunity to try the bonus stage for the World.
Here are all the Worlds in the puzzle game:
* Monkey Island: The first world in the game, very reminiscent of the traditional, tropical/jungle setting from Super Monkey Ball and Super Monkey Ball 2.
* Jumble Jungle: A jungle world, featuring brush and waterfall backdrops.
* Smooth Sherbet: An ice world, surrounded by falling snow particles and slippery, icy pathways.
* Detritus Desert: An Egyptian-style desert world, complete with pyramids, sand dunes, and bridges.
* Pirates Ocean: A pirate themed world filled with spooky ships and swaying waters.
* Cobalt Caverns: An underground world that unfolds in dark caves.
* Volcanic Pools: A lava world featuring mazes inside an erupting volcano.
* Space Case: A space world, boasting galactic, and surreal backgrounds.
* Sinking Swamp: A swamp world with rain and putrid green gasses. Unlocked by beating Worlds 1-8 without using a continue.
* Ultra Heaven: A world above the clouds with a sunset in one direction, and stars, planets and comets in the other. Unlocked by beating World 9 without using a continue.
There are 50 mini-games for 1-4 players that each use the controller in a different way (e.g. “Monkey Darts” has players simulate the action of throwing a dart using the Wii Remote) as well as the appearance of all major characters featured in past games. For multiplayer there’s also a party mode where you can choose tournament-type gameplay, selecting mini-games in an attempt to accumulate the most points. Recurring mini-games from previous titles include Monkey Target, Monkey Race, Monkey Bowling and Monkey Wars.
Let’s break down the game’s 50 mini-games:
1. Seesaw Ball (1-4) simultaneous: Starting at the top and using only gravity to get your monkey ball to the target at the bottom, you’ll need to tilt those seesaws just right to avoid a fall out. Too fast and you could go shooting past the next seesaw. How fast can you go while remaining on course?
2. Banana Catch (1-4) simultaneous: It’s raining bananas! Move around the court and try to catch as man yas you can while avoiding the bombs. Catch a bomb and you’ll drop all of the bananas you’ve collected so far. Nudge the bombs toward your opponents and then steal their bananas to make sure you win.
3. Jigsaw Puzzle (1-4) simultaneous: Pick up the pieces and assemble the picture. Choose the size of the jigsaw you want to assemble and the difficulty level and then start to put everything into place. Can you guess what the picture is yet?
4. Sling Shot (1-4) simultaneous: Load your catapult and attempt to knock off as many bananas and apples as you can. Watch out for the UFO’s and knock them out of the sky for bonus points!
5. Yacht Sailing (1-4) simultaneous: Navigate your monkey-sized yacht across the sea trying to avoid the jagged rocks. Beware of the open water as it’s not all smooth sailing – there are plenty of sharks who would be only too happy to turn a monkey into a lunch time snack!
6. Monkey Fencing (1-2) simultaneous: Touche! Thrust, slash and parry your way to victory in a duel with the noblest of weapons. Remember your opponent also has a sword, so keep an eye on him and you’ll avoid being beaten.
7. Frog Ball (1-4) simultaneous: Your monkey ball now has a pair of legs, which are made for jumping, so get some height and distance to ensure you stay ahead of the game. Across the pond, up the waterfall and on to your goal, there’s no stopping a monkey ball with frogs legs!
8. Trombone (1-4) simultaneous: Make beautiful music by playing along on the trombone. Who ever heard of a monkey being able to play a musical instrument? Prove them wrong, hit those high notes and play your heart out to get the glory you deserve!
9. Free Throw (1-4) simultaneous: Step onto the court and compete to score the most baskets. There’s no backboard so you’re going to have to be accurate with power and direction. Can you score in all the hoops and win the game?
10. Dangerous Route (1-4) simultaneous: Guide your monkey around a perilous path that has no barriers! Run around the course collecting bananas while keeping your eye on the edge. It’s against the clock but one step wrong and you’ll have to start from the beginning!
11. Space Monkey Attack (1-2) simultaneous: Battle stations! Jump into your spacecraft and defeat waves of invaders by shooting them. Evade their attacks by shooting their missiles and be sure to target the special UFO’s to gain bonus points.
12. Scoop The Goldfish (1-4) simultaneous: Even monkeys want to keep fish as pets and to get yours you’ll need to get down to the pond with your net and fish yourself one out. Be gentle though or else your bucket will remain empty and you’ll never catch that goldfish!
13. Rock-Paper-Scissors Attack [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Play this classic game by choosing your weapon for each round. Win and you get to try to bash your opponent on the head with a mallet, but lose the round and you’re going to have to be quick to grab the helmet to defend your own head!
14. Red Light, Green Light [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Can you creep up on the wolf without him spotting you moving? Race your opponents to cross the goal, but remember if he turns around and sees you moving, you’ll have to go back to the start!
15. Monkey Bowling (1-4) alternating: The pins are all lined up and ready for battering. Cast yourself down the alley with a little spin and aim for that strike! Any left and you’ll have to bowl again looking for that all important spare.
16. Racing Birds [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Can you fly? You can in this game! Soar up to the sky and dive at the ground in an attempt to pass through as many rings as you can. It’s not that simple though as the canyon is narrow and if you hit the cliff walls you’ll lose valuable time.
17. Spaceship Landing (1-4) simultaneous: Houston? Monkeys? We have a problem! Try to pilot the spaceship down to the landing pad using the retro boosters! Increase your score by using less energy. Damage the ship too much and it will explode, so bring that ship in carefully!
18. Monkey Darts (1-4) alternating: Step up to the throwing line and try to hit that treble twenty! Score the most points or compete in the classic games of 301 and 501. earn respect from your friends for hitting that Bull’s Eye to finish!
19. Monkey Target (1-4) simultaneous: Can you pilot your ball to the center of the target? Collect those bananas while gliding to score. Time the release of the Option Ball right and you could get even more points In the multiplayer game, knock your opponent’s ball off course to ensure you’re the winner!
20. Number Ball (1-4) simultaneous: The pool table is in a mess and you’re needed to collect the balls. Make sure you pay attention as you’re supposed to collect them according to the number of the ball that is called.
21. Whack-A-Mole (1-2) simultaneous: Moles have invaded and are doing some suspicious construction underground. When they pop their head up above ground to look around, that’s when you strike. Hit as many moles on the head as you can with the hammer.
22. Monkey Smith (1-4) simultaneous: Learn the art of metal working – monkey-style. Swing your hammer along with the master to create works of art. If you fail to swing too many times you’ll be thrown out of the forget!
23. Shepherd (1-2) simultaneous: One monkey and his dog are in the pen and you have to get the sheep out through the gate. You’re up against the clock in this battle with the sheep, so control that sheepdog for the best results!
24. Monkey Race (1-4) simultaneous: Roll your ball around the track as fast as you can against up to seven other monkeys. Pick up items and use them to increase your chances of beating your opponents. Play a single event or compete in a Grand Prix over six races.
25. UFO Capture (1-4) simultaneous: Aliens have escaped and are running around Earth! Jump in your spaceship, hover over the aliens and activate the tractor beam to pick them up. The bigger the alien the longer you’ll need to hover over them and time is running out!
26. Monkey Snowboard (1-4) simultaneous: You’re at the top of the mountain and there’s only one way off of it – down! Jump on the board and speed your way down the run competing against the clock and your opponents.
27. Paraglider [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Take to the skies and try to land on target. Control your parachute to glide gracefully through the air and landin the center for maximum points. If the wind changes you’ll have to work harder to make a perfect landing!
28. Disk Golf (1-4) alternating: Fling that ring and grab the bananas to win! Four players can take turns throwing the disk around the course to beat par. Watch out for the wind though, you don’t want to throw it off the island!
29. Treasure Submarine (1-4) simultaneous: Navigate the deep blue in search of buried treasure. Listen to your sonar as it will tell you when you’re near to the loot. Extend the arm into the sea wall and extract the treasure to score big points.
30. Simon Says [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Semaphore can be tricky, but with a teacher like this you’ll pick it up in no time. Raise and lower the corresponding flags according to the master’s insturctions but remember to hold them in that position until he tells you to move them again.
31. Hovercraft Race [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Jump in your hovercraft and play dodgem’s while collecting the flags. Control your craft as it slides around on the ice and try to avoid the obstacles. Collect all the flags but watch the clock – the longer you take the less you score!
32. Hovercraft Battle [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Try to keep the ice battle going while piloting your hovercraft into the back of your opponent’s craft! Pick up items to stop everyone cold or boost your speed. Take the crown from the leader and you’ll be victorious!
33. Alien Attack [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Take command of your own fighter spaceship to jump, sidestep and swoop your way across the alien landscape. Aliens and UFO’s must all be destroyed without getting your ship blown up. Get firing those missiles and pick up those booster items to rid the world of aliens.
34. Monkey Squash [Nunchuk] (1-2) simultaneous: Take to the court in this fast-paced ball game. Take your chances hitting the bal into those hard-to-reach areas of the court to make sure you beat your opponent. First to five wins the game, so make sure every shot counts!
35. Monkey Golf (1-4) alternating: Fore! Choose your club, take aim, swing and try to beat that par. Careful you don’t hit it out of bounds or you’ll have to re-take your shot. Play the first nine or go the full distance of 18 holes. Can you hit a hole-in-one?
36. Asteroid Crash (1-2) simultaneous: Red Alert! Asteroids are hurtling towards the monkey spaceship and you’ve got to man the guns to defend it. Shoot the incoming targets to score but shoot the bananas and you’ll lose some valuable points. If the asteroids hit the ship you’ll lose energy – too many hits and it’s game over.
37. Banana Thief (1-4) simultaneous: Thieves are trying to steal the bananas right off the trees! Protect them by knocking the thieves out of the way, but watch out for the rolling balls on the ground – get caught in one of these and the thieves will have a free run!
38. Monkey Wars [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Gladiators, are you ready? Pick up those weapons and wage war against your opponents. Boost your life with items and increase your chance of winning by hijacking the vehicles for extra power. Can you keep your crown to be the winner?
39. Monkey Boxer [Nunchuk] (1-2) simultaneous: There goes the bell – Round One! The first one to hit the canvas loses! Don’t be that monkey – knock your opponent out first.
40. Home Run Derby (1-4) alternating: Step up to the plate, swing the bat and try to smack that ball out of the park! Watch the curveball and the fastball and hit as many home runs as you can. Can you beat your friends and hit the ball the furthest?
41. Hammer Throw (1-4) alternating: Round and round and round you go, but then you’ve got to let it go! Make sure you throw the hammer at the right time, there is no safety net around the circle and each throw only counts if it goes ahead of the mark!
42. Fruit Basket (1-4) simultaneous: This fruit tree can’t make up its mind what fruit to drop! This is where you step in to catch the falling fruit in the right basket and save the day!
43. Ring Toss (1-4) alternating: Anyone for hoopla? Now you can compete against your friends in a classic game of skill and accuracy. Throw the hoops over the poles (especially the Bonus Poles) to increase your score using different combinations.
44. Paper Sumo Fighter (1-2) simultaneous: Take control of your own paper sumo wrestler and step into the ring. If you push your opponent out of the ring, you’re a winner. You can also knock him over, so start fighting!
45. Keepy Up (1-2) simultaneous: How long can you keep the ball up in the air? Beware, the bat is round just like the ball, so unless you get it just right, one crazy bounce and the ball is down. If you drop the ball, it’s game over and time to count your score!
46. Jump Rope (1-4) simultaneous: Sitting high above in a banana tree, how many monkeys can you see? One, two, three… how many jumps can you make? Watch the rope as it swings around and time the jump so you don’t get caught. Jumping high is good but not always best!
47. Hurdle Race [Nunchuk] (1-4) simultaneous: Take your marks. Get set. Go! Sprint to the finish line making sure you jump the hurdles on the way. Hit a hurdle and you’ll slow down, so time your jumps and beat your opponents to the finish line.
48. High Wire Act (1-4) simultaneous: Roll up! Roll up! Watch the death defying monkey walk from mast to mast across the wire! Can you keep your balance? The faster you go the harder it will be, so be careful and good luck!
49. Fish Catcher (1-4) simultaneous: Let’s go spear fishing! Diving under the waves, you’ve got to catch fish by thrusting your spear at them. You’ll have to be quick, otherwise the fish will be able to avoid you and you are up against the clock!
50. Bugs Balance (1-2) simultaneous: Pile up those ladybugs on the stick. Can you get them to reach the sky? Watch out for anything that’s not a bug though, it will remove all your bugs and you’ll have to start collecting them again.
Watch some Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz puzzle gameplay footage.
So how much fun is the game on a scale from 1 to 10?
FUN FACTOR – 8.0
The Super Monkey Ball series almost seems to have been waiting on the Wii motion controls, it’s very subtle through very challenging levels. With the Wii Remote you now directly impact the gameplay as you wield the controller like a bat, jump rope, steering wheel and much more in the mini-games mode. In puzzle mode you’ll have to find your way through eight main game worlds. As intuitive as the control scheme is (you move the maze world around your monkey ball) it’ll take a lot of skill to progress through all 100 levels. A great challenge.
The party games, for which the Super Monkey Ball series is famous, return with more variety in type (and varying quality) than ever with 50 mini-games total. As an added bonus, all of the party games are unlocked the first time you spin up the game in your Wii. They all use the Wii Remote (and some the Nunchuk) in one way or another and I’m sure everyone will have at least a few favorites. Especially if you can get some friendly competition going, with up to four players, it will make for a fun party game.
Graphics – 7.5
You’ll find yourself slipping and sliding through bright and colorful environments. The in-game graphics are cartoony cel-shaded, the simple and clean visuals fit the game well. The cute monkeys are vividly animated too. All in all, a very charming look.
Audio – 7.5
The sound effects are cheerful and happy, lots of monkeying around can be heard. The game features a wide variety of joyful music tracks for both the mini-games and the main game stages. Some tracks featured in the game are even remixes of tracks from previous Monkey Ball games.
Ingenuity – 7.5
Tilt, twist, roll, and jump all work great in the single player puzzle mode. Now that jumping is added to the game, it’s taken into account for level design. It definitely heightens your nervousness in the puzzle mode, like you needed more stress! Still, I applaud Sega for adding new features to the game, it really goes a long way to showing what’s possible with the Wii motion controls. However, the boss levels in single player kind of break up the action, and if you’ve played a Monkey Ball game before you know how extremely important it is to “stay in the zone” of concentration.
In the 1-4 player mini-games mode you can take on three friends in various match-based games of skill and familiar sports favorites. While the 50 mini-games are varied, most come across as shallow as you get thrown in there without much explanation of what to do, some make you feel like you’re told “figure it out” (which is why I typed out their descriptions above). I would’ve much preferred just six high-quality fun mini-games with polished controls like the original Monkey Ball had. I played that game for years with friends after the GameCube launch, but this one I couldn’t get anyone to play for more than one night, but that’s more of a personal opinion. What it comes down to is that sometimes the controls aren’t responsive enough, so that it ruins a lot of the mini-games, like jumping up a hill in Frog Ball becoming aggravating.
Replay Value – 7.5
You get almost 100 new puzzles to solve, they start out easy enough, but slowly build up to the point where they require lots of skill and time. That said, even if it were just a casual party game, Banana Blitz could definitely hold its own by providing days of fun. As long as you spread it out, you’ll want to get back to it whether you’re a puzzle or mini-game kind of person.