The Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, recently announced, is not just a game for Sega. It marks a significant milestone for the former rival of Nintendo and Sony, propelling it to new heights. The release date is set for October 5, 2021, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the original Super Monkey Ball game.
While it pays homage to its origins, the game aims to serve as a hub to unite various characters and locations. The foundational narrative of monkeys combating Dr. Bad-Boon's dangerous experiments on a tropical island serves as a backdrop for numerous lighthearted escapades. The blend of a straightforward plot, multiplayer functionality, and vibrant visuals draws parallels to Fortnite (despite its gameplay being more akin to Fall Guys).
Why did Fortnite transcend being a mere game while PUBG and Apex Legends remain just that? The answer likely lies beyond the gameplay itself. Fortnite positioned itself from the start as open to incorporating characters and storylines from other franchises – resulting in its status as an IP powerhouse, collaborating with renowned entities. It can showcase Marvel and DC characters together in its realm.
The gameplay of Super Monkey Ball lends itself well to this strategy. The characters may not offer distinct gameplay mechanics, but their diverse appearances add depth to a collection of nearly identical monkeys enclosed in transparent spheres. The levels exude spectacle, animated in a whimsical, cartoonish style, devoid of any aspirations for photorealism. Nonetheless, the aesthetics clearly cater to next-gen consoles.
One piece of advice for Sega – as a seasoned game developer, it should have known better than to provide a five-word title for a game aiming for such heights. Two words would have sufficed. Perhaps, if the game gains popularity, it may eventually be dubbed colloquially as Banana Mania.
