Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP Free Download Romslab

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP Free Download Looking back on the Gamecube, it’s kind of mind-boggling to think about how strong of a launch library it had. On the day that the Cube was released (November 18th 2001), players were treated to Luigi’s Mansion, Batman Vengeance, Crazy Taxi, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II; and, less than a month later, would see the likes of Super Smash Bros: Melee, and Pikmin.ROMSLAB.COM BEST SWITCH GAMES

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP Free Download Romslab

Among that list of strong launch titles was Super Monkey Ball, which has a special place in my heart, because it was actually one of the first games I played on the Gamecube. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since I first experienced the joys of monkeys rolling around in little pachinko balls, but Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is still just as good as I remember!

GOING BANANAS

Banana Mania contains over 300 stages from the first three console games in the franchise. For the stage-titling gameplay the series is known for, head right to “Main Game” on the main menu. From there, try the Story Mode that bundles together dozens of stages from the series’ history while retelling the story of Super Monkey Ball 2. Story Mode features a gradual difficulty curve, slowly getting the player used to the physics and controls before throwing some truly wild stage gimmicks (like platforms that fold and unfold like inchworms) at them.Horizon Chase Turbo Switch NSP

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP Free Download Romslab

To win, you simply tilt the level so the player character rolls into a goal and not off the stage within a time limit. Think of it like a wooden tilt board game come to life.The early stages of Story Mode ease the player into this concept, and the addictive gameplay loop will grip players within the first world. Banana Mania also includes some of the series’ most frustrating stages, which can border on unfairness. Thankfully, the game does feature an assist mode that gives novice players the option to slow the game down.

PERFECTLY RIPE

Banana Mania feels totally familiar, but visual upgrades modernize it enough for the present day. The Main Game stages got the most attention, but the textures in the Party Game levels didn’t get as much love. Menus are sleek and modes are plentiful, though an option to play through Super Monkey Ball 1 and 2’s original campaigns as they were would’ve been a welcome addition. The physics of this remake feel good, though the camera can be restrictive at times.HORROR TALES: The Wine Switch NSP

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP Free Download Romslab

This sometimes makes it hard to see some stages. This shouldn’t be much of a problem for familiar with the games, but it could be disorienting to newer players. Banana Mania adds new unlockables like the aforementioned Special Modes, photo mode filters, and costumes. While the classic Monkey Ball cast is all present and accounted for, Banana Mania also features many guest characters. Players can purchase costumes based on other video game characters like Sonic and Tails, Kazuma Kiryu from Yakuza (which is made by the same developer), Morgana from Persona 5, and more.

HD REMASTER

This is an HD remaster compilation of the first three major console titles of the Super Monkey Ball series, so there is an abundance of content to play through. Banana Mania boasts over 300 levels from all of its games. Since the game has gotten modern treatment, chances are all the levels won’t be 1:1 recreations of how you remembered them to be 20 years ago.Horse Club Adventures Switch NSP

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP Free Download Romslab

The game also doesn’t utilize actual cutscenes anymore like the originals. Instead, the developers went with a comic-style approach. AiAi and his pals all gather around a TV and watch the original cutscenes taking place on a television. What would have normally happened is now happening through a show in that said comic style. It’s almost as if they’re watching reruns of themselves in that time. It can be argued that it’s a tad bit lazy, but it’s a welcomed change overall.

Add-ons (DLC): Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Switch NSP