Get ready to swing into action with the adorable, mischievous monkeys of the Super Monkey Ball franchise! This popular series of games has been entertaining gamers for over a decade with its unique blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and fast-paced action. But just how many Super Monkey Ball games are there? Join us as we take a comprehensive look at this beloved franchise and count down all the games that have been released so far. Get ready to discover which titles are must-plays and which ones are best left as collector’s items. It’s time to go ape for Super Monkey Ball!

Super Monkey Ball: The Beginning

The Creation of the Franchise

The Birth of a Classic

The Making of Super Monkey Ball

The creation of Super Monkey Ball was a collaborative effort between Am7 and Sega. The game’s concept was developed by Am7, while Sega was responsible for its publishing and distribution. The development process took approximately two years, during which the game underwent several changes and improvements.

# Concept and Inspiration

The idea for Super Monkey Ball was inspired by the classic arcade game Marble Madness. The developers wanted to create a game that would combine the thrill of rolling a ball through a maze with the challenge of avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups. They also drew inspiration from other popular franchises, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario, to create a unique and engaging gaming experience.

# Gameplay and Features

Super Monkey Ball featured a unique gameplay mechanic where the player controlled a monkey in a ball, navigating through various mazes and obstacles. The game featured a total of 100 levels, each with its own set of challenges and obstacles. The game also featured power-ups and bonuses that could be collected to enhance the player’s abilities and speed.

# Release and Reception

Super Monkey Ball was released in 2001 for the GameCube console. The game received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and colorful graphics. It also became a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Expanding the Universe

Spin-offs and Sequels

Super Monkey Ball spawned several spin-offs and sequels, including Super Monkey Ball 2, Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, Super Monkey Ball Adventure, and Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania. These games introduced new gameplay mechanics, features, and characters to the franchise, expanding its universe and keeping the fans engaged.

# Banana Blitz and Beyond

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz was a spin-off game released for the Nintendo Wii in 2006. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as motion controls, and featured new levels, characters, and power-ups. It received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay and enjoyable multiplayer mode.

# The Legacy of Super Monkey Ball

Super Monkey Ball has left a lasting legacy in the gaming industry. The franchise has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and has become a beloved classic among gamers. Its unique gameplay mechanics and colorful graphics have inspired many other games and have helped define the platformer genre. The franchise continues to evolve and expand, with new games and spin-offs being released regularly.

Super Monkey Ball Games: A List

Counting the Titles

The Mainline Games

Super Monkey Ball

# Original Version

• Release date: November 18, 2001
• Platforms: GameCube, Wii (Virtual Console)
• Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
• Plot: Players control a monkey named Jimmy in a clear plastic ball, rolling and bouncing through various levels to collect bananas and reach the goal.
• Gameplay mechanics: Roll, jump, tilt the ball to move in different directions, use special abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
• Critical reception: Mixed to positive reviews, praised for its innovative gameplay and graphics, but criticized for its lack of variety and replay value.

# Enhanced Versions

• Release date: October 22, 2002
• Changes: Improved graphics, additional levels, new game modes, and mini-games.

# Remakes and Remasters

• Release date: October 15, 2010
• Platforms: Wii
• Changes: Updated graphics, new mini-games, and online multiplayer.

Super Monkey Ball 2

• Release date: October 14, 2002
• Plot: Players control different monkeys, each with unique abilities, as they navigate through various levels, collecting bananas and defeating enemies.
• Gameplay mechanics: Each monkey has its own special abilities, new obstacles and enemies, and a new type of ball to roll in.
• Critical reception: Mixed to positive reviews, praised for its improved gameplay and graphics, but criticized for its lack of innovation and short length.

# Banana-thon

• Release date: September 24, 2003
• Platforms: GameCube
• Changes: New levels, mini-games, and playable characters.

# Super Monkey Ball Adventure

• Release date: March 28, 2006
• Changes: Improved graphics, new levels, new playable characters, and a new story mode.

# Super Monkey Ball Deluxe

• Release date: October 16, 2005
• Changes: Improved graphics, new levels, new mini-games, and online multiplayer.

Super Monkey Ball 3

• Release date: October 1, 2005
• Plot: Players control a new character, AiAi, as they navigate through various levels, collecting bananas and defeating enemies.
• Gameplay mechanics: New obstacles and enemies, new special abilities, and a new type of ball to roll in.

# Banana Mania

• Release date: November 24, 2006
• Changes: New levels, new mini-games, and new playable characters.

# Super Monkey Ball 3D

• Release date: December 24, 2010
• Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
• Changes: 3D graphics, new levels, new mini-games, and StreetPass

Super Monkey Ball Games: A Timeline

Tracing the Chronology

The Super Monkey Ball franchise has a rich history, spanning multiple console generations and evolving gameplay mechanics. To understand the current state of the series, it’s important to look back at its past and see how it has changed over time.

The Early Years

The launch of a legend, Super Monkey Ball, introduced players to the world of monkeys and their love for bananas. This classic arcade game required players to guide a monkey in a ball through a series of obstacles by tilting the level to roll the ball. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay quickly became a hit, and a sequel was released not long after.

The Launch of a Legend

Super Monkey Ball and its sequel, Super Monkey Ball 2, brought players more of the same addictive gameplay, but with improved graphics and new levels. These games were a staple of the GameCube era and remain beloved by fans to this day.

# Super Monkey Ball

Super Monkey Ball was the first game in the series, released in 2001 for the GameCube. It featured 100 levels, with players guiding a monkey in a ball through a series of obstacles to reach the end of the level. The game also featured multiplayer modes, which added to its replay value.

# Super Monkey Ball 2

Super Monkey Ball 2 was released in 2002 for the GameCube and expanded on the original game in many ways. It featured over 300 levels, new characters, and power-ups. The game also introduced the ability to play as the monkeys’ rival, a group of pigs.

The Transition

The series’ next entry, Super Monkey Ball 3, marked a transition to a new console generation. The game was released in 2005 for the Nintendo Wii and featured motion controls, which allowed players to roll the ball by physically tilting the remote. The game also featured a story mode and a new character, a monkey named Poppin’ Kiki.

# Super Monkey Ball 3

Super Monkey Ball 3 was a departure from the previous games in the series, introducing motion controls and a story mode. The game received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling that it strayed too far from the original formula.

# Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz

Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz was released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS and was the first game in the series to feature multi-touch controls. The game also featured new levels and characters, as well as a multiplayer mode.

The Present Day

Super Monkey Ball Bounce, released in 2016 for mobile devices, marked a departure from the traditional gameplay of the series. Instead of rolling a ball through levels, players tapped on the screen to make the monkey jump and bounce through obstacles. The game featured over 1,000 levels and was a commercial success.

# Super Monkey Ball Bounce

Super Monkey Ball Bounce was a departure from the traditional gameplay of the series, with players tapping on the screen to make the monkey jump and bounce through obstacles. The game featured over 1,000 levels and was a commercial success.

# Future Releases

While there have been no recent releases in the Super Monkey Ball franchise, there are plans for future games. In 2021, it was announced that a new game in the series was in development for the Nintendo Switch. It remains to be seen what direction the franchise will take in its next iteration.

Super Monkey Ball Games: A Lifetime of Fun

The Appeal of the Series

The Allure of the Franchise

Replay Value

The Super Monkey Ball series has always been known for its high replay value. Players can spend hours perfecting their skills and attempting to beat their high scores. One of the main reasons for this is the inclusion of time trials, mini-games, and unlockables.

# Time Trials

Time trials are a staple of the Super Monkey Ball series. Players are tasked with completing levels as quickly as possible, with their times being recorded and tracked. This adds a competitive element to the game, as players strive to be the fastest.

# Mini-Games

Super Monkey Ball games also feature a variety of mini-games that add to the overall replay value. These mini-games are often unlocked after completing certain levels or achievements, and they provide a fun break from the main gameplay.

# High Scores

Another reason for the high replay value in Super Monkey Ball games is the inclusion of high scores. Players can compete with friends and other players online to see who can achieve the highest score in a given level. This adds a social element to the game, as players can compare their scores and try to one-up each other.

# Unlockables

Super Monkey Ball games also offer a variety of unlockables, such as new characters, levels, and customization options. These unlockables provide an added incentive for players to keep playing and exploring the game.

# Collectibles

In addition to unlockables, Super Monkey Ball games also feature a variety of collectibles. These collectibles can include items such as bananas, coins, and stars, and they are often hidden in hard-to-reach places. Finding all of the collectibles in a given level can be a fun challenge for players.

Replayability

One of the reasons why Super Monkey Ball games have such high replay value is due to their replayability. Each level can be played in a variety of ways, and players can experiment with different playstyles to find the one that works best for them.

# Different Playstyles

Super Monkey Ball games offer a variety of playstyles, including classic platforming, puzzle-solving, and racing. Players can choose the playstyle that best suits their preferences, and they can switch between playstyles as they see fit.

# Variety of Levels

Each Super Monkey Ball game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. This provides a sense of variety and keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.

# Customization Options

Super Monkey Ball games also offer a variety of customization options, such as character skins and customizable vehicles. These customization options allow players to personalize their gameplay experience and make the game their own.

# Skill Progression

As players progress through Super Monkey Ball games, they will encounter increasingly difficult levels and challenges. This provides a sense of skill progression, as players must master new skills and techniques in order to succeed.

The Joy of Bananas

Banana Bonanza

One of the most iconic elements of the Super Monkey Ball series is the inclusion of bananas. Bananas are scattered throughout each level, and players must collect them in order to earn points and unlock new levels and characters.

# Fruitful Fun

Collecting bananas is a core part of the Super Monkey Ball experience, and it provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when a player successfully collects a large number of them. The inclusion of bananas also adds a sense of whimsy and lightheartedness to the game, making it a joy to play.

# Banana Rewards

In addition to providing points, bananas also offer other rewards in Super Monkey Ball games. For example, players may

Super Monkey Ball Games: A Legacy

The Impact of the Series

The Legacy of the Franchise

Influence on Gaming

• The Super Monkey Ball series has been praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, which involve controlling a character in a ball as they navigate through various obstacles and levels. This unique gameplay concept has inspired many other games to adopt similar mechanics, leading to a new subgenre of games that emphasize precision and skill.
• The series has also been recognized for its unique and memorable characters, such as the main character AiAi and his friends, who have become beloved icons in the gaming world. These characters have inspired numerous fan creations, including fan art, cosplay, and even toys.
• The Super Monkey Ball series has also been praised for its storytelling, which has evolved over the course of the series. While the earlier games focused more on simple arcade-style gameplay, later games introduced more complex narratives and characters, making the series more than just a simple game of skill.

Influence on Pop Culture

• The Super Monkey Ball series has had a significant impact on pop culture, with its memorable characters and gameplay mechanics becoming popular references in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media.
• The series has also become a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic music and sound effects being recognized by fans around the world. The series’ soundtrack has been used in countless videos and remixes, making it a beloved part of the gaming experience.

The Future of Super Monkey Ball

• While the future of the Super Monkey Ball series is uncertain, there are many new developments and rumors that suggest that the franchise is far from over.
• Fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series, which is rumored to be in development for a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
• The excitement for the next Super Monkey Ball game is palpable, with fans clamoring for more information about the game’s release date, gameplay mechanics, and characters.

FAQs

1. How many Super Monkey Ball games are there?

Super Monkey Ball is a popular video game franchise that has been around for over a decade. The franchise has seen several iterations, each with its own unique features and gameplay mechanics. As of 2021, there are a total of six Super Monkey Ball games that have been released on various gaming platforms.

2. What is the first Super Monkey Ball game?

The first Super Monkey Ball game was released in 2001 for the GameCube console. The game was developed by Am7 and published by Sega. It featured 100 levels, each with its own set of challenges and obstacles. The game’s gameplay involved guiding a monkey in a ball through a series of mazes, with the goal of reaching the end of each level as quickly as possible.

3. What is the latest Super Monkey Ball game?

The latest Super Monkey Ball game is Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania, which was released in 2021 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game features updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new levels and characters. It also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in a variety of challenges.

4. How many games have been released on each platform?

Super Monkey Ball games have been released on several gaming platforms, including GameCube, Wii, Nintendo DS, Wii U, 3DS, and PC. The number of games released on each platform varies, with the GameCube and Nintendo DS having the most Super Monkey Ball games with three each. The Wii U and PC have two Super Monkey Ball games each, while the 3DS has one.

5. Are all Super Monkey Ball games the same?

While all Super Monkey Ball games share some similarities, each game in the franchise has its own unique features and gameplay mechanics. For example, Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, which was released for the GameCube in 2005, added new mini-games and playable characters to the original game. Super Monkey Ball 3D, which was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, featured updated graphics and 3D gameplay. Similarly, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania introduces new levels, characters, and gameplay mechanics to the franchise.

Ranking Every Super Monkey Ball Game