Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega is finally here for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC worldwide. The game celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Super Monkey Ball series bringing together more than 300 stages from Super Monkey Ball 1, 2, and Deluxe. Read my review of the PS5 version here and Nintendo Switch version here. While the game is very newcomer friendly, there are a few things in this guide that will help you out in the early parts of the game.
As a Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania newcomer myself, I had a much better time with Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania after learning the basics and playing around with the early levels to understand the physics, controls, and what camera options are ideal. I also tested out the different control options and settings. Here’s what you need to know.
How to earn points quickly in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania’s currency is points. You get points by completing levels, playing party games, collecting bananas, and more. The easiest way to earn points quickly barring completing levels, is just doing the basic party games once. You earn a lot of points for the first time you play these party games. Those will give you enough to start unlocking the things you want.
How to view the full stage map in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Press options or + or the equivalent on your controller and then select “View Stage” to get a full view of the stage zoomed. This will help you plan ahead. It is also worth pressing the button to zoom the mini-map out so you have a better idea of the stage.
How to skip a level in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
If you’re having too much trouble with a level in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, you can press options / + on the controller and choose “Mark As Cleared”. Assuming you have enough poitns (2000), you can use this to skip a level.
How to enable jump in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
To unlock jumping in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, you need to spend 30,000 points in the Points Shop under Special. Unlocking the Jump feature can be done here. I wouldn’t recommend this initially as you could spend the points on other things first. It is good to have in some later worlds though if you are having trouble with levels.
How to use slow motion in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
If you’re having trouble in a level, you can enable the helper function by pressing options / + and then turning helper function on. This gets you double the time and the ability to slow down the level by holding a button.
How to play the original stages in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Under Special in the Points Shop, you can unlock the Original Stage Mode for 10,000 points. This lets you play the original stages without modifications.
How to use the original music in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Once you buy the Classic Soundtrack DLC pack, you can toggle it on to use the original game music.
How to enable motion controls in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
On Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4 (also with supported controllers on PC), you can enable accelerometer or motion controls in the options menu.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania beginners movement tips
Replay the first few levels to understand the game’s momentum and physics. Try changing the camera sensitivity controls and even disabling camera controls to see how you feel. Once the game’s movement clicks, it will be smooth sailing or should I say smooth rolling.
How to unlock Kazuma Kiryu in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
You can unlock Kazuma Kiryu from the Yakuza series by spending 5,000 points in the Character menu in the Points Shop.
How to unlock Sonic in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
You can unlock Sonic by spending 5,000 points in the Character menu in the Points Shop.
How to unlock Beat from Jet Set Radio in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
You can unlock Beat from Jet Set Radio by spending 5,000 points in the Character menu in the Points Shop.
How to unlock Morgana from Persona 5 in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
Unlike the characters above, Morgana is paid DLC alongside Suezo from Monster Rancher and more.
Hopefully these tips help you out in the beginning hours of Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania.
