Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz

After watching numerous videos for this game, I finally have faith in its potential. I'm a huge fan of the SMB series, and I was hoping that the Wii version would be just as fantastic as the previous titles. At first, I thought this game was nothing more than a mess of cheap mini-games, but this is not case. I mean, don't get me wrong, there are a ton of mini-games this time around; more than 50 as a matter of fact. Thankfully though, there still exists the incredible single-player adventure mode that I've adored for all these years. And wow, judging by the impressions thus far, this is looking to be the most best SMB game yet!

First we have the single-player adventure. There are approximately 99 levels this time around, which will undoubtedly keep us all busy for hours on end. I loved the difficulty factor in Super Monkey Ball 2 even though I became infuriated with the game from time to time. But hey, that’s what the series is all about: taking a simple, fun-loving concept and molding it into a taunting challenge. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is looking to be just as, if not more difficult than its predecessors.

There are a total of 8 worlds, and two more which need to be earned. Apparently the two hidden worlds take the skills of a master to unlock. As quoted from IGN:

Only those who make it through all eight worlds without continuing can unlock the ninth area, which is practically impossible. And the insanely dedicated can attempt to make it through the ninth world without continuing to unlock the tenth and final area, which will prove nearly insurmountable even for those with cybernetically enhanced reflexes. In short, don't let those cute little monkeys fool you: Banana Blitz is poised to be every bit as challenging and controller-throwing-inducing as its predecessors.

Sounds like quite a challenge. I can’t wait.

Also, this time around, each monkey has there own special attributes. Before this game, whichever monkey you chose had no effect on whatever level/mini-game you were playing. Aiai is the most well-balanced of the bunch, while Baby is all about the speed. Naturally, Gongon is the slowest, but also has the most power. There’s also a couple newcomers; Doctor who possesses superb acceleration and Yanyan who can jump high. This should lead to vast possibilities as well quirky mechanics that we’ve yet see in the series. Sounds good to me.

Beyond all this lies the game’s amazing selection of mini-games. With over 50 to choose from and unlock, SMB: Blitz yields a gargantuan amount of replay value. Go here and scroll down to features. There you’ll see only a few samples of SMB’s insane mini-game collection. Also, the first link at the beginning the thread showcases many of these mini-games in video form.

The Wii remote is perfect for this game, there’s no doubt about it. I’m so glad they decided against using the classic controller (which Sega was actually considering a while back). Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is going to be great; I’m calling it right now. If I have the money to do so; I’ll be picking this game up on day one. With nearly 100 levels, over 50 mini-games, amazing new play mechanics, redesigned graphics (which I think are perfect for the game), and more replay value than any other Wii launch title, how can you possibly say no? I must own this game.

Your thoughts?

My friends had SMB for the Cube, and I have to say, I really disliked it. The whole getting a control your monkey so it can get to the finish line thing didn't appeal to me. On the other hand, Banana Blitz is a title I'll definitely consider about picking up. Watching the videos of how it's being played looked so much fun, it made me want it! It's going to be one of the best "Pick-up and Play" games!

I'll definately look out for that game, since Super Monkey Ball was one of my first games for the Gamecube. I never did manage to beat it, but the multiplayer was great.

Using the Wii-mote to roll around does sound interesting, especially for the multiplayer parts, in which you can play golf and all sorts of sports (I'm assuming they included the old mini-games).

Although, on second thought, the multiplayer would require four Wii-motes, which would be quite troublesome. None of my friends that I know around here are getting the Wii, and I'm not going to buy several Wii-motes to play with them. One is bad enough.

I think this game looks great. Which is weird, because I've heard very little buzz about it. I thought Super Monkey Ball 2 was excellent, between its minigames and its difficultly level. It was really one of two Gamecube games made where the game designers assumed that the player could overcome difficult obstacles (the other game is F-ZERO GX). In SMB2, they give you a seemingly-impossible level and expect you to solve it. Oh my goodness. Thinking. I've never had to do that for a Gamecube game.

That being said, I'm really looking forward to this game.

Originally Posted by qu1ck

My friends had SMB for the Cube, and I have to say, I really disliked it. The whole getting a control your monkey so it can get to the finish line thing didn't appeal to me. On the other hand, Banana Blitz is a title I'll definitely consider about picking up. Watching the videos of how it's being played looked so much fun, it made me want it! It's going to be one of the best "Pick-up and Play" games!

Definitely. I can see this being a game I'd play many years down the road, just as I do with SMB2. I'm surprised you disliked the first game but are intrigued by this title. I’m assuming it’s the Wii-mote, no?

Originally Posted by William Zelda4ever

I'll definately look out for that game, since Super Monkey Ball was one of my first games for the Gamecube. I never did manage to beat it, but the multiplayer was great.

Using the Wii-mote to roll around does sound interesting, especially for the multiplayer parts, in which you can play golf and all sorts of sports (I'm assuming they included the old mini-games).

Although, on second thought, the multiplayer would require four Wii-motes, which would be quite troublesome. None of my friends that I know around here are getting the Wii, and I'm not going to buy several Wii-motes to play with them. One is bad enough.

Hopefully, after playing the Wii for themselves; some of your friends will be won over by its ingenuity. Playing is believing.

Originally Posted by Jims

I think this game looks great. Which is weird, because I've heard very little buzz about it. I thought Super Monkey Ball 2 was excellent, between its minigames and its difficultly level. It was really one of two Gamecube games made where the game designers assumed that the player could overcome difficult obstacles (the other game is F-ZERO GX). In SMB2, they give you a seemingly-impossible level and expect you to solve it. Oh my goodness. Thinking. I've never had to do that for a Gamecube game.

That being said, I'm really looking forward to this game.

Super Monkey Ball 2 was quite possibly the most difficult game for the Gamecube aside from F-Zero. If anyone has played the last couple worlds, they understand my pain. Though I eventually beat every level, it took hours and hours of frustration and agony, all from a couple of monkeys. One of these days, AiAi, one of these days.

Yeah, their on there way to the Wii as one of the launch titles no less!

I've played the Monkey Ball series from the second one for the GameCube,
and yes the levels are quite difficult. I haven't completed it yet. Though,
I haven't tried in awhile. Although I've completed the Super Monkey Ball Jr.
game for the Gameboy Advance. That's quite fun for sure, especially using
a GameBoy Advance Micro.

From the descriptions from the link(s) provided on the first post,
the worlds will be more varied and colourful. And all the new mini-games
seem really awesome. And it's definately not just monkeys going to a finish line. Come on, it's a lot more than that, just like Mario going through his own levels or some such. Another great game for the Wii.