It looks like the new Super Monkey Ball game is ‘Banana Mania’
Sega has been hinting at a new instalment for more than a year
The Australian Classification board has rated a new Super Monkey Ball game.
As listed on the body’s website (via Gematsu), “Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania” was approved for release on April 15.
Sega has been tipped to release a new series entry for much of the past year. Matt Brian, who is the voice of the Monkey Ball series’ announcer, posted a number of hints towards an upcoming reveal on his Instagram page last summer.
In one post he wrote: “Playing a friend’s Switch. SuperMonkeyBall of course! I need to stop shouting out “Ready, Go!” You all understand. September will be amazing for what’s to come.”
In an earlier post covering the closure of Sega’s flagship Akihabara arcade, Brian wrote: “Akihabara arcade closing which means that the flow goes to Super Monkey Ball X. This month the ground will shake. Stay tuned!”
The voice actor has been actively teasing a new Monkey Ball game, including showing off a script that fans speculate could be related to something called ‘Monkey Ball Retro’.
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Last year Sega released a HD update of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz for consoles and PC, featuring updated graphics, optimised controls and online leaderboards.
According to comments made by the game’s director, positive sales could lead to further series remakes or even a new game.
“When considering how to bring Super Monkey Ball to modern platforms with the limited time and budget we had, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz was the most reasonable option,” he told Crunchy Roll.
“13 years ago was before I joined Sega; I’m really grateful for the fans who still support the Monkey Ball series after all these years, and who motivate me to create only the best for them.
“And of course, I am aware that the most favoured titles are the first two games. If there is enough support for Banana Blitz HD, this will open up doors for remaking the first two games or even a whole new title to the series. But for now, I’d be happy if everyone has fun playing Banana Blitz HD.”
