Sega’s Most Influential Platformer Deserves Its Big Remake Moment Next
Not every remake has to be for a huge game. Some quicker plays from yesteryear could also benefit, like one all-time great from Sega.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Star Fox have recently demonstrated the audience's appetite for high-quality remakes. Sega, known for its successful franchises, is now in a prime position to revive some of its classic games. One such franchise that deserves a triumphant return is Super Monkey Ball, which marked its 25th anniversary earlier this month.
Super Monkey Ball, initially launched as an arcade game, made its way to the GameCube in November 2001. Players select one of four monkeys and navigate their way through a variety of floating platforms, collecting bananas and maneuvering through challenges. While not a traditional platformer, the game incorporates elements of platforming as players tilt the boards to control the balls and avoid falling off the platforms or running out of time.
The original Super Monkey Ball, with its dozens of stages, proved to be captivating and highly replayable. Players not only control the monkeys but also the platforms they occupy, which adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. As the game progresses, the difficulty ramps up, with more challenging courses and larger, more demanding levels.
A remake of the original Super Monkey Ball could introduce visual enhancements and emphasize the charm of the characters. AiAi, a key mascot, has even appeared in a 2012 Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed game and various Super Monkey Ball sequels. The game also features party modes and competitive play, offering engaging online experiences for both friends and strangers.
Sega has not forgotten about Super Monkey Ball, as evidenced by the release of Super Monkey Ball Triple Pack for Nintendo Switch on November 10. This bundle includes various recent installments in the series, such as Banana Rumble and Banana Mania, which remasters the original GameCube stages. However, none of these newer games have managed to capture the same impact as the original Super Monkey Ball.
If Sega were to undertake an ambitious remake with the level of care and attention given to Ocarina of Time, Super Monkey Ball could once again become a sensation.
Written by urgent.news from Polygon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
