Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz

 Wii
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 14, 2006
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 53
  3. Negative: 0 out of 53
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  1. Games Master UK
    86
    Top single-player action, and multi-player that exploits the Wii controller brilliantly. [Christmas 2006, p.72]
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  2. PGNx Media
    86
    It’s a great showcase for the unique capabilities of the Wii and an undoubtedly fun game on its own.
  3. eToychest
    86
    Although not all aspects of the game are as well developed as others, Banana Blitz's lively atmosphere, combined with its tight controls, challenging gameplay, and tons of replay value make it an easily recommendable title for any Wii owner looking for an original experience on their new console.
  5. netjak
    86
    A number of excellent minigames keep the game enjoyable long after finishing the main game.
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  6. Nintendo Power
    85
    All in all, Banana Blitz is an amazingly robust package and a fantastic showcase for the hardware. [Jan. 2007, p.112]
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  7. IGN
    84
    If you've been on the fence about the Wii controls, put those fears to rest. True, there is a different technique involved, but once you get the hang of it you will be flying through levels with precision and speed. Now that I've played through Banana Blitz, I would not want to go back to the older control configurations.
  8. Nintendo Gamer
    84
    A party game that does a lot more than most to show off the possibilities of the controller, and a set of one-player levels that will enthrall, frustrate and capture your attention every bit as much as the previous Monkey Ball games did. [January 2007, p.47]
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  9. N-Insanity
    84
    A great launch title for the Wii. It demonstrates the Wii’s controls perfectly, even though it goes a bit over the top in the mini-games.
  10. GameSpot
    83
    Still about as good as Super Monkey Ball has ever been, and it serves as a great example of how the Wii's uniqueness can be put to good use.
  11. Game Over Online
    83
    Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is one of the most fun Wii titles out there, and makes the best use of the controls.
  12. AtomicGamer
    82
    If you found great fun and challenge in past Super Monkey Ball games, then Banana Blitz will certainly keep you going for a while with its new set of puzzles and tons of stuff to do on the side.
  13. Kombo
    81
    A truly fun, challenging and completely satisfying Wii title that demonstrates why the Wii controller rocks.
  14. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    81
    While the single-player experience can be shallow, this game really shines in multiplayer. [Christmas 2006, p.82]
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  15. Play Magazine
    80
    Moreover, Sega's done a fine job translating the control scheme for a game that demands precise movements to a controller that is, at best, imprecise. [Dec. 2006, p.58]
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  16. GameSpy
    80
    I can't help feeling that the Super Monkey Ball franchise was made for the Nintendo Wii. The tilt control feels far more intuitive than using analog sticks to direct the motion of your little encapsulated simians, and it works wonderfully.
  17. GamesRadar+
    80
    The visuals are clean and smooth, the music's right on target and the motion controls generally function well (we had a few hiccups with slowing and stopping the ball).
  18. Digital Entertainment News
    80
    Intuitive controls and a fun assortment of mini-games.
  19. GameZone
    80
    If you want a game to show off the number of different control options available with the Wiimote this is a good game for that chore. Play the single-player game up until the boss battles and then let out your frustrations in the mini game.
  20. DarkStation
    80
    No monkey business this time around, as Sega deliver a fun puzzler that taps perfectly into the unique Wii remote. One of the better launch titles for the Wii.
  21. DailyGame
    80
    The new boss battles, massive number of mini-games and intuitive controls make this one a winner -- in spite of its short single-player experience and half of the mini-games sucking in the first place.
  22. Cheat Code Central
    80
    You might not find yourself drawn to playing it for hours on end (ala Zelda) but it will be one of those you go back too often, just to try it again.
  23. 3DAvenue
    80
    Super Monkey Ball is one of, if not the best value for money games for the Wii launch.
  24. Nintendojo
    80
    It uses the system's capabilities, but doesn't stray too far from established norms.
  25. Console Gameworld
    80
    Fans of the series will no doubt find exactly what they are looking for, while some will struggle with the hard-to-master controls.
  26. Da Gameboyz
    80
    With easy to pick up and play controls, some pretty stylish graphics, good sound, challenging single player and an enjoyable multiplayer experience, you really can’t go wrong with it.
  27. AceGamez
    80
    With a control scheme that feels so perfectly right, beautiful visuals and a delightfully simple premise, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is certainly worth both your time and money.
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  28. GameBrink
    78
    I challenge you to keep a straight face while playing Monkey Boxing... Which is what SMB:BB is all about, delivering a load of insane fun to keep you and your friends happy for hours and hours.
  29. Game Chronicles
    78
    Banana Blitz is not only a great way to show off the funky new controls of the Nintendo Wii, it’s just a fun game for the entire family, and one you won’t be finishing anytime soon.
  30. Worth Playing
    75
    Those looking for a challenging adventure that involves rolling primates around themed stages should look no further – Banana Blitz can fulfill your needs. However, those who are intrigued by the prospect of a heap of party games should skip the title entirely.
  31. Armchair Empire
    75
    It’s interesting, as the main game is very well suited to the more traditional gaming crowd, while the mini-games are a great distraction for casual gamers.
  32. Game Almighty
    75
    This is a fairly decent example of some of the things that can be done with the Wii’s controls, but a more focused all-around title would be easier to recommend.
  33. Gaming Target
    75
    Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz was a solid launch title that would stand up to most third-party games released now, some two years after the title was launched.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Wii Game of 2006
5
#5 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2006
16
#16 Most Shared Wii Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 89
  3. Negative: 28 out of 89
  1. Ducky418
    Oct 20, 2010
    6
    Super Monkey Ball is actually worse with the Wii controls than with the regular controller. As always, you tilt the course around to try andSuper Monkey Ball is actually worse with the Wii controls than with the regular controller. As always, you tilt the course around to try and get your monkey to the goal. In this game, they incorporate boss battles and have fifty minigames to play. The main game itself is still a lot of fun and the tilting works okay, if a little tricky. What drags it down is the terrible boss battles that have no right to exist in this kind of game and by far are the most frustrating part of the game, except for the minigames. Out of the fifty minigames included, maybe five of them are fun to play due to absolutely terrible controls and lack of sophistication. The new Monkey Ball can be fun at times, but due to some major annoyances brings the series way downhill.… Full Review »
  2. AntonBalck
    Jun 9, 2008
    5
    It wasn't that bad the first few days, but its weaknessess soon showed up. The main game is too easy in the beginning, too unfair andIt wasn't that bad the first few days, but its weaknessess soon showed up. The main game is too easy in the beginning, too unfair and difficult in the end and overall too shallow and stale. Graphics and sound are hardly memorable and controls and physics just don't at all work how you'd wish them to.

    There's a giant pile of minigames, which can provide some multiplayer fun, but most of the games suffer from serious control problems or bad design.    … Full Review »
  3. NatalieS.
    Jan 27, 2008
    4
    Between the eye scorching colours, annoying sound fx, inadequate controls, strange games and unoriginal, sonic-like feel, the game proved to Between the eye scorching colours, annoying sound fx, inadequate controls, strange games and unoriginal, sonic-like feel, the game proved to be a big disappointment for me. Sega tried to make a sonic-like game and it feels just as such, except without the fun platform games, adventures and good controls. Its level-games strive to resemble Mario Galaxy but when the controls fail to respond to the user's attempts and the screen spins out at a nauseating speed, you can see just how, well, out of control it is.… Full Review »
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