Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania repackages three classic video games with some new guest characters along for the roll. Here’s our guide to every character announced so far.
Despite a host of sequels and spin-offs, the first two Super Monkey Ball games – released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2001 and 2002 – are still the best in the series.
In 2005, both titles were repackaged with new content as Super Monkey Ball Deluxe for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Since then, games ranging from the reasonably fun Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll on Nintendo DS to the horrendous Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll on Wii have mostly disappointed fans.
So, rather than attempting to beat the originals, Sega is releasing a brand new compilation called Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania on PC and console. Banana Mania features all 300 single-player stages from the Deluxe compilation, the story mode from Super Monkey Ball 2, and a selection of 12 multiplayer party games.
In addition to updated visuals, the game will also include new Golden Banana, Reverse, and Dark Banana modes. Some accessibility features, such slow-motion and jump mechanics, are also welcome.
Finally, Sega is also transforming the series into its own version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by adding a range of free and paid DLC characters.
Here’s the roster of characters confirmed so far. We’ll update this list as soon as any further announcements are made.
List of playable characters in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Base Game
- AiAi
- MeeMee
- Baby
- GonGon
- YanYan
- Doctor
AiAi, MeeMee, Baby and GonGon, from the original games, all return. As do YanYan and Doctor, who debuted in the Wii’s Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz. Each character can be customised with accessories, and alternate costume variants can be unlocked.
Jam and Jet
Jam from Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll and Jet from Super Monkey Ball 3D are available as unlockable characters.
Golden AiAi
Golden AiAi can be obtained by completing the game’s tricky Golden Banana mode.
Sonic and Tails (Sonic series)
Gotta roll fast! Classic versions of Sonic and Tails from the Sonic the Hedgehog series are included as free unlockable characters.
Beat (Jet Set Radio)
Beat from Jet Set Radio/Jet Grind Radio is also available as a free unlockable character.
Kazuma Kiryu (Yakuza)
Kazuma Kiryu, the legendary Dragon of Dojima from Sega’s hit Yakuza series, is another free unlockable character.
Sega Consoles
Three classic Sega consoles – the Dreamcast, Saturn, and Game Gear – will also be transformed into playable characters as launch day DLC. They’re yours for $4.99.
Hello Kitty
Proving that “You can never have too many friends!” Sanrio’s Hello Kitty will be available as paid DLC at launch on October 5.
Morgana (Persona 5)
Persona 5‘s Morgana will be available as a post-launch DLC character. Morgana will be available on November 2, priced at $4.99.
Suezo (Monster Rancher)
Suezo from Koei Tecmo’s monster training simulation series will be available as paid DLC on October 19, again priced at $4.99.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania will be released on October 5 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
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