Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz (Wii, 2006)

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is the latest entry in the Super Monkey Ball series following Super Monkey Ball Adventure. It is a Wii exclusive and was released before the system on November 14, 2006 in North America.

Features
The Wii controller is held parallel to the ground. The monkey character rolls based on the slope of the game world, directly corresponding with the relative tilt of the Wii controller. The analog stick on the nunchuck attachment can control the camera but does not have to be connected to the Wii remote to play the game.

For the first time in a Super Monkey Ball game, players are able to jump by quickly flicking controller up or by pressing the A button.

There are around 100 main game levels.

There are approximately 50 mini-games that each use the controller in a different way, e.g. the mini-game "Darts", where players 'throw' the Wii Remote like a dart.

All characters featured in past games are playable according to IGN's interview with the producer of the game.

Unlike previous games in the Super Monkey Ball series, this new game will feature boss battles.

This is the first game in the Super Monkey Ball series to feature character-specific abilities and stats in the single player mode (although character specific stats have featured previously in minigames, such as Monkey Bowling).

Characters will be able to save a total of 30 replays on their Wii, according to the official manual.

The Good: Single-player game makes intuitive use of Wii Remote; incredible variety of multiplayer minigames; gameplay initially more approachable, but can still present a potent challenge; gives series much-needed visual makeover.

The Bad: Lack of camera control can be frustrating in some boss battles; quality of multiplayer minigames wildly inconsistent; single-player game a little short.