Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania cover image

Links

Amazon

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania
Item: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Party, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 2, 2021

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSega

Overview

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a "modern HD remaster" of Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe. This bundle was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania’s story is a charming, nostalgic throwback with a TV show format and comic book flair, praised for its simplicity and whimsy—but criticized as underdeveloped, shallow, and prioritizing gameplay over substance, leaving it as a lightweight framework rather than a memorable narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is generally praised for its simplicity, charm, and nostalgic appeal, with several critics highlighting its role as a lightweight, character-driven backdrop to the game’s core gameplay. Hardcore Gamer and Nintendo Insider both commend the game’s adorable setup, emphasizing its focus on rescuing bananas from Dr. Bad-Boon’s antics, while Player 2 notes the linear progression of a basic narrative involving classic characters. Press Start Australia appreciates the TV show format that adds charm to the franchise’s celebration, and TouchArcade stands out by praising the story as well-written, with a mystery set in an Ancient Rome-inspired city that introduces moral dilemmas. Additionally, Everyeye.it’s mention of a comic book-style presentation suggests an effort to modernize the franchise’s storytelling while retaining its whimsical essence. However, several critics criticize the story for being underdeveloped or overly minimal, often prioritizing gameplay over narrative depth. GameSpot and Siliconera both point out that the story mode suffers from cheap-looking animations and a lack of the original games’ silly charm, with Siliconera describing it as “basic” and “not particularly noteworthy.” Gfinity acknowledges that the plot—centered on saving Monkey Island’s bananas—has no real impact on gameplay, while Pure Xbox and ZTGD dismiss it as “flimsy” and lacking narrative weight. These critiques highlight a recurring theme: the story is seen as a functional framework rather than a compelling element, with some reviewers feeling it fails to engage beyond its surface-level premise. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania’s story serves more as a nostalgic nod to the franchise’s roots than a central pillar of the experience. While some praise its charm and simplicity—particularly the TV show format and comic book-style presentation—the majority agree it lacks depth and innovation. The mixed reception reflects the game’s focus on accessibility and gameplay, with critics like TouchArcade offering rare positive notes about narrative complexity, while others, such as GameSpot and Siliconera, emphasize its shortcomings. Ultimately, the story is viewed as a minor but serviceable component that complements the game’s core mechanics rather than defining them.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics praise Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for its addictive, nostalgia-driven gameplay, creative level design, and accessible yet challenging mechanics, though physics, controls, and frustrating difficulty spikes draw criticism—ultimately calling it a rewarding evolution of the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of reviewers praised Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for its engaging and challenging gameplay, highlighting its faithful recreation of the series’ core mechanics while expanding on them with new features. Critics like Cubed3 noted that the physics feel “slightly different but appreciated,” while Digital Chumps celebrated the creative maze design and variety of levels, emphasizing the game’s ability to keep players entertained through its 10 levels with 10 mazes each. The accessibility options, such as helper modes and adjustable difficulty, were frequently lauded for making the game approachable for newcomers without diluting its challenge. SomosXbox and Pure Xbox highlighted the over 300 stages and mini-games, calling the gameplay “simple yet fun” and “easy to grasp but challenging to master.” The inclusion of diverse modes—ranging from story campaigns to party games—was seen as a strength, with Nintenderos noting the game’s “wide range of mini-games for local multiplayer” and GamingBolt praising its “variety of level types and challenges.” Overall, the consensus was that the gameplay balances nostalgia with innovation, offering something for both longtime fans and new players. However, several critics pointed out specific flaws that detracted from the experience. But Why Tho? criticized the “non-intuitive and outdated” physics and camera tracking, while Stevivor found certain levels “frustrating and unforgiving,” particularly when helper features invalidated scores or times. PlayStation Country described the game as “addictively frustrating” due to its increasing difficulty and luck-based elements, and Switch Player noted that the controls were “extremely sensitive,” with some levels feeling “jarring” in their difficulty spikes. Additionally, PC Games and Gamezebo mentioned that the controls lacked the tightness of the original, though they acknowledged the enjoyable level design. While these issues were not universal, they reflected a shared concern about the game’s accessibility for players who struggled with its precision demands or technical quirks. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania succeeds as a challenging and entertaining experience. VGC called it “simple yet compelling,” while Shacknews praised its “accessible and challenging gameplay” and variety of features for all skill levels. Even reviewers who pointed out flaws, like The Mako Reactor, acknowledged the game’s “amazing” core mechanics and “rebalanced difficult levels.” The combination of tight controls, creative level design, and robust accessibility options—such as the ability to skip stages or adjust difficulty—was seen as a major strength. While some critics, like But Why Tho? and PlayStation Country, expressed reservations about specific aspects, the majority viewed the game as a successful evolution of the series, balancing nostalgia with modern enhancements to deliver a rewarding experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Praise for vibrant, nostalgic visuals and whimsical charm clashes with critiques of dated aesthetics, repetitive levels, and technical hiccups, as Banana Mania balances retro appeal with modernization shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of reviewers praised Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for its vibrant, colorful visuals and nostalgic charm, emphasizing how the game’s art style effectively captures the essence of the original titles while modernizing them. Critics like CGMagazine highlighted the “bright and colorful visuals” that bring stages to life, while Push Square described the game as “gorgeous,” noting its sharp presentation on the PS5. Press Start Australia commended the improved textures and production values, calling the experience “fresh and new,” and The Mako Reactor praised the “gorgeous” levels and well-drawn character models. Many also appreciated the game’s commitment to its signature whimsical aesthetic, with Digital Chumps noting that the cartoony visuals “suit the game’s tone” and don’t require overcomplication. The remastered stages, such as those in the deluxe edition, were frequently lauded for their lively designs and nostalgic appeal, with Vooks acknowledging that while the graphics are straightforward, they serve the gameplay well. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the game’s visual design, particularly its dated aesthetics and repetitive elements. Metro GameCentral criticized the “cheaper looking comic book cutscenes” and “janky facsimile of the original presentation,” while AusGamers noted that the graphics felt “somewhat dated” with camera issues and a lack of modern touches. Screen Rant and PC Games both mentioned visual repetition, with levels often feeling structurally similar despite thematic reskins. The Mako Reactor also highlighted technical flaws, such as blurry 2D assets in menus and minor performance hiccups, while TheSixthAxis noted that the visuals “look nice but are not likely to wow players.” Additionally, some critics, like Inverse, pointed out inconsistencies, such as upgraded main game stages versus underdeveloped party game textures, and GameByte observed that certain elements, like water effects, felt flat compared to the originals. These critiques suggest that while the game’s visuals are charming, they struggle to fully modernize or innovate. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a balanced consensus: Banana Mania succeeds in preserving the series’ nostalgic appeal and energetic art style, which many find endearing and functional for its gameplay-focused design. While some reviewers, like GamingBolt and VGC, acknowledged that the visuals are “not groundbreaking” but still complement the wacky, arcade-style mechanics, others, such as Nintenderos and ComicBook, praised the refined HD presentation and updated animations. However, the game’s reliance on its classic formula occasionally leads to visual stagnation or technical compromises, as noted by Metro GameCentral and AusGamers. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics agree that Banana Mania’s visuals are a fitting evolution of the series, offering a colorful, accessible experience that prioritizes fun over cutting-edge graphics. The game’s charm and accessibility seem to outweigh its technical limitations for most reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Praise for vibrant, nostalgic soundtrack but criticized for DLC gatekeeping and lackluster new tracks; "Hello Banana!!" shines, yet repetitive announcer lines and divisive sound effects temper its charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania are largely praised for their energetic, nostalgic, and immersive qualities. Reviewers like CGMagazine highlight the "phenomenal soundtrack" with "catchy tunes" that evoke classic SEGA vibes, while Checkpoint Gaming and Nintenderos commend the colorful, friendly, and lively music that complements the game’s playful atmosphere. The main theme, “Hello Banana!!”, is frequently singled out as memorable and infectious, with Nintenderos noting its “catchy” nature and Vooks praising the high-energy tracks that enhance gameplay. Additionally, Shacknews and The Mako Reactor laud the remixes of bouncy techno, electronica, and ska themes, which align perfectly with the game’s chaotic yet charming mechanics. Many critics, including NME and Player 2, emphasize how the soundtrack adds to the fun and energetic vibe, making it a standout feature for fans of the series. However, several critiques focus on the accessibility and quality of the music. Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral express frustration that original soundtracks from previous games are locked behind paid DLC, which detracts from the overall experience. Nintendo Insider and TrueAchievements note that the new soundtrack feels "forgetful" compared to the originals, with some tracks lacking the same nostalgic punch. Additionally, PC Games criticizes the announcer’s repetitive phrases as annoying during long sessions, while Vooks points out that certain sound effects, like the monkeys’ noises, might polarize players. These issues highlight a tension between the game’s vibrant audio design and its reliance on microtransactions for full musical satisfaction. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania delivers a strong, enjoyable audio experience that enhances its core gameplay. While CGMagazine, Nintenderos, and Shacknews celebrate the soundtrack’s energy and variety, others like Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral acknowledge the trade-offs between new content and DLC restrictions. The game’s audiovisual presentation is generally seen as a highlight, with COGconnected and The Mako Reactor praising its exuberance and nostalgic appeal. Ultimately, while some listeners may find certain elements lacking or overly commercialized, the majority agree that the music and sound design contribute significantly to the game’s charm and replayability.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Banana Mania shines with smooth, stable performance across platforms, but quirks persist: Switch struggles with stiff controls and frame pacing, PS5 lacks haptic depth despite 60fps polish, and Xbox faces camera glitches and sluggish load times—yet all versions deliver enjoyable, refined gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania receives largely positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in stability and optimization. On the Nintendo Switch, reviewers like Nintenderos and Comicbook.com highlight smooth gameplay without performance issues, while Press Start Australia praises sharp load times and a refined UI. The PS5 version earns praise for its consistent 60fps frame rates (Everyeye.it, GameByte) and efficient loading (Digital Chumps), with GamingBolt noting "semi-realistic physics" and minimal hitches. For the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and GAMINGbible commend its smooth performance, though Pure Xbox mentions camera issues as a minor flaw. The Switch’s HD Rumble implementation (The Mako Reactor) and PS5’s 4K visuals (TheSixthAxis) further underscore platform-specific technical highlights. However, some platforms face criticism for specific technical shortcomings. On the Switch, Metro GameCentral criticizes stiff controls and inconsistent physics compared to original games, while The Mako Reactor notes frame pacing issues in certain levels and slower load times than the PS5 version. The PS5 version, though stable, has minor polish problems: Siliconera points to "cheap menus" and low-resolution textures, while The Mako Reactor highlights a lack of proper haptic feedback. On the Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox criticizes long loading screens and camera issues, and ZTGD mentions occasional performance hiccups on the older Xbox One. Additionally, TouchArcade raises concerns about the Switch’s reliance on streaming, which could deter players without stable internet. Overall, critics agree that Banana Mania delivers a technically solid experience across platforms, with minor issues overshadowed by its core gameplay and polish. The Switch version is praised for accessibility and smoothness (ComicBook, Nintenderos), though control quirks persist. The PS5 excels in performance consistency (Everyeye.it, GamingBolt) but faces criticism for texture quality and haptic feedback (Siliconera, The Mako Reactor). The Xbox Series X benefits from next-gen optimization (Generación Xbox), though camera and load time issues remain. While platform-specific flaws exist, the game’s technical foundation is robust, with most reviewers acknowledging its stability and enjoyment despite minor imperfections.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics praise Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania’s 300+ stages, competitive leaderboards, and endless unlockables for unmatched replay value—though unpolished mini-games and no online multiplayer temper its appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praise Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for its robust replay value, highlighting its extensive content and variety of modes. Multiple reviewers emphasize the game’s sheer volume of stages, mini-games, unlockables, and challenges. For instance, Shacknews notes the game offers “300 main levels, challenge modes, party games, and unlockable features,” while GameSpot and VGC commend its “hundreds of stages” and “Ranking Challenge mode with online leaderboards.” PlaySense and TheSixthAxis highlight the competitive appeal through leaderboards and the ability to master levels, with PlaySense noting players can “spend hours completing the story mode” and improving times. Additionally, Nintendo Enthusiast and Nintenderos praise the game’s “extensive content,” “numerous unlockables,” and “online leaderboards” as key drivers of longevity. The inclusion of party games, character customization, and special modes like the Points Shop (mentioned by PlayStation Country and Gfinity) further enriches the experience, ensuring players have ample reasons to return. However, several critics point out limitations that could dampen replay value for some. Push Square criticizes the “unpolished” mini-games, while Stevivor notes that other compilations offer better assortments of party games. Metro GameCentral mentions physics issues in sports games, and Switch Player warns that repeating the same levels might become “stale.” TheGamer and Xbox Tavern highlight the lack of online multiplayer as a drawback, with TheGamer stating it may “limit long-term replay value for some.” Additionally, Pure Xbox and ZTGD point to weaker content in certain areas, such as limited unlockable modes or repetitive challenge structures. While these issues don’t overshadow the game’s overall appeal, they suggest that the experience may feel uneven or incomplete to players seeking deeper innovation. Despite these critiques, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Banana Mania’s replay value. Most agree that its combination of challenge modes, mini-games, unlockables, and competitive elements provides “plenty of content to engage with” (GameSpot) and “hours of fun and entertainment” (GameOver.gr). Even critics like But Why Tho? and TheGamer, who note frustrations with gameplay or online features, acknowledge the game’s addictive nature and variety. The sheer scale of content—such as the 300+ stages (Shacknews, Everyeye.it) and 12 multiplayer mini-games (Gfinity, GameCritics)—ensures there is “something for everyone,” as NintendoWorldReport observes. While minor flaws exist, the game’s accessibility, customization options, and focus on competition make it a standout title for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for its nostalgic appeal, expansive content, and modernized presentation. Many highlighted its success as a remaster, combining stages from multiple classic titles into a cohesive package. PCMag celebrated it as a “compelling package” with “entertaining and occasionally challenging gameplay,” while Gfinity called it a “wonderful experience that improves upon its predecessor’s flaws,” awarding it a 4/5. Critics like Switch Player and NintendoWorldReport emphasized its value for both newcomers and fans, noting the inclusion of updated visuals, new characters, and a wealth of content. The game’s accessibility options, vibrant charm, and variety of modes—ranging from arcade-style challenges to multiplayer minigames—were frequently lauded. For instance, GameSpot and GamingBolt both noted its appeal to “longtime fans and newcomers,” while Press Start Australia called it one of the “best Monkey Ball offerings in recent times.” The consensus was that Banana Mania successfully revives the series’ core fun while adding modern touches. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws, particularly around controls, presentation, and repetition. Metro GameCentral criticized the game as a “sub-par remaster” with “janky controls and shoddy presentation,” while But Why Tho? deemed it “skippable for those who are not already fans.” Push Square questioned its target audience, noting that newcomers might struggle to see its appeal, and The Mako Reactor (PS5) mentioned visual issues requiring patches. Others, like Switch Player and GamingTrend, pointed to limitations such as the lack of online play and restricted character usage. Additionally, some reviews, including Video Chums and Siliconera, noted that while the game is enjoyable, it occasionally feels repetitive or lacks substantial new content. Despite these critiques, many acknowledged that the flaws were minor compared to the game’s overall strengths, with Hey Poor Player calling it a “worthwhile experience for fans” despite control and physics issues. The overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a strong entry in the series. While a few reviewers, like Metro GameCentral and But Why Tho?, expressed disappointment, the majority viewed it as a worthwhile purchase for fans and newcomers alike. Critics such as Gfinity, GameCritics, and GamesBeat highlighted its blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements, calling it “the best the series has ever been” and a “must-play” for enthusiasts. Even those who noted flaws, like The Mako Reactor (Switch) and Cubed3, acknowledged the game’s charm and replayability. The general sentiment was that Banana Mania successfully balances its retro roots with updated mechanics, making it a recommended title despite minor shortcomings. As Nintendo Enthusiast put it, the game represents a “return to form” for the franchise, solidifying its place as a standout entry in the series’ 20-year history.

TL;DR

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania blends nostalgic charm with modern polish, offering expansive content and refined gameplay that critics call a standout remaster. While controls, repetition, and missing features like online play raise eyebrows, its vibrant variety, accessibility, and appeal to fans and newcomers alike make it a worthwhile, if imperfect, must-play.

MONSTER

Reviews

131 reviews found

100

GamesBeat

Nintendo Switch

Sep 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is praised as the best the series has ever been, offering a great single player experience and essential multiplayer minigames, making it a highly recommended title for fans of the franchise.

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Oct 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a fantastic collection that brings back the classic games with updated visuals and additional content. The gameplay is challenging and fun, and the game offers a lot of replay value.

Read full review

Comicbook.com

Nintendo Switch

Sep 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania captures the fun and challenge of the original games while adding new content to keep it fresh. Despite some frustrations with difficulty levels and lack of new options in Party Games, the game offers a lot of good content and is highly recommended for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Read full review

ComicBook

Nintendo Switch

Sep 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania for both newcomers and long-time fans, praising its fun, challenge, and value despite some minor frustrations.

Read full review

Press Start Australia

Nintendo Switch

Sep 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a remastered collection that provides access to the original games with improvements and additions. It is one of the best Monkey Ball offerings in recent times, with addictive gameplay, great visuals, and a wealth of content.

Read full review

CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Sep 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a fantastic game that offers simple, arcade fun suitable for all players. It's a classic and enjoyable experience, especially on the Switch platform for quick gaming sessions.

GameCritics

Xbox Series X

Nov 12, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania delivers an amazing experience with a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements, making it a must-play for both fans of the original series and newcomers.

Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 5, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A must-play title that celebrates a franchise's legacy, offering extensive content, engaging gameplay, and a nostalgic experience for players.

Read full review

Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Nov 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania and praises its return to form for the series.

The Mako Reactor