Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble — Everything We Know

A welcome surprise for sure. A new Super Monkey Ball game was hardly on most gamer’s minds. But here we are, and we are certainly not complaining. You probably have many questions. Is physics better? Do we get new designs? Some crossovers, maybe? We already have quite a tidy amount of information to share with you, so shall we? Here’s everything we know about the upcoming Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble.

What is Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble?

Naming conventions aside, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is an upcoming platform game. It’s a part of the Super Monkey Ball series that debuted back in 2001 as an arcade game. Since then, we’ve had sequels, ports, and remakes through to the latest Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania (2021). Surprisingly, Banana Rumble will be the first brand-new Super Monkey Ball game in over ten years. No one saw it coming, yet we’re definitely hyped to see all the new changes Sega has in store for us. 

Story

AiAi and the gang return. A new character, Palette, also joins the crew. This time, you’ll venture into the Adventure story mode to hunt for seven mysterious artifacts. Collect all of them, and you’ll have the key to finding The Legendary Banana. Banana Rumble story spans across 200 all-new stages. You can play solo or rally up to three friends, either locally using one Nintendo Switch console or online. 

As far as we can tell, the game will follow a format similar to previous games. You’ll essentially control one of the playable monkeys across a stage filled with gimmicks designed to trip you up. Your goal is to be the first to cross the finish line under a set time limit. As the monkeys are miniature models inside a ball, you’ll roll your way to the goal at high speeds. You can also leap onto platforms, bounce, tilt, roll, and now dash past the competition for the Top Banana spot.

Gameplay

Among all Super Monkey Ball games, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble will have the highest multiplayer count. The servers will host up to 16 players in online multiplayer. It looks like Sega listened to gamers’ complaints about the missing multiplayer mode in Banana Mania. Keep in mind that online multiplayer will also feature various game modes to choose from. These include regular competitive racing to the finish line and more party game-style modes like smashing robots into smithereens in Robot Smash, collecting the most bananas in Banana Hunt, and more, often under a time limit.

In addition, you can access the adventure's wonderfully crafted story mode, which can host up to four players either locally or online. With 200 all-new stages to complete, you’ll be kept busy navigating all the game has to offer. Furthermore, you can customize your monkey with costumes and special effects. With over 300 costume items available, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Additionally, you’ll access the new Spin Dash move, compete with friends in races, banana hunts, robot smashing, and more. Apparently, the spin dash move will come in handy for creating shortcuts and clearing jumps. We’ll also have optional motion controls.

Check out the official overview of the features to expect in the final game.

Features:

• Drop into online multiplayer for up to 16 players or local multiplayer for up to 4 players.
• Rally up to 3 of your friends and slip into a wonderfully crafted story in Adventure mode as AiAi and the gang journey to seek out 7 mysterious artifacts that are said to be the key to locating The Legendary Banana in 200 all-new stages!
• Show off your style. Customize your character and monkey ball with over 300 stylish items to choose from.
• Experience thrilling gameplay that is easy to pick up and play yet challenging and fulfilling to master.
• Use the new Spin Dash that allows players to sprint past rivals or create new shortcuts to victory!
• The SEGA Character Pass includes 6 SEGA all-stars to play, each with their own unique stats! This pack also includes 15 customization items to deck your monkey out in the freshest SEGA-themed fashion trends.

Development

Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio and publisher Sega are currently working on Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble. They first announced the game at the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase event. With complaints about Banana Mania missing multiplayer, it seems Banana Rumble’s prime focus is now on frantic multiplayer fun. It’s also a brand-new game, unlike the recent releases that have primarily been ports and remakes.

Trailer

Feel free to check out the riveting announcement trailer for Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble. It looks stunning straight off the bat, with the most compelling sneak peek for days. Unfortunately, we can’t quite tell if the physics are better or how the game plays. Here’s to hoping the final game exceeds expectations upon release.

Release Date, Platforms, & Editions

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is launching on June 25, 2024. It’ll be a Nintendo Switch exclusive, with no confirmation of other platforms for now. It’s a pity that the game will solely be a Switch exclusive. What’s more? You’ll need a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play the game online. Hopefully, ports to other consoles and PCs will arrive later to open up the game to a broader audience. We currently have three editions available for pre-order. Check out the full details for each one below.

Digital Standard Edition

• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble base game

Digital Deluxe Edition

• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble base game
• SEGA Pass DLC Pack

Legendary Banana Edition

• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble base game
• Slipcase
• Reversible Cover
• Exclusive Banana Suit
• 40-Page Adventure Book

For more information, you can always follow the official social handle here. Alternatively, stay tuned right here on gaming.net, where we post updates as soon as they come up.

So, what’s your take? Will you be grabbing a copy of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble when it drops? Let us know over on our socials here.