After a long wait, Sega is rolling out Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania on October 5. This ultimate edition of the first three Super Monkey Ball games is the ultimate collection of the momentum-based puzzle series' greatest maps in the form of remastered levels from each previous game in the series. However, as it is meant to be a massive celebration of all things Monkey Ball, the newest entry is also sending a number of huge surprises rolling down its twisting ramps.
A host of special cameos have been added in the form of new playable characters, including some surprising Sega legends who are joined by a few special friends. With so much to keep track of already in Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania's topsy-turvy challenges, getting to know these guest stars will let you settle in before the world goes completely upside down.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is Sega's most iconic character and its mascot for 30 years now. The chili dog-chomping speedster has stared in dozens of games, from the Sega Genesis classics to starring alongside Nintendo's own plumber mascot in a series of Olympic-themed sports games and guest star in dozens more, not to mention a wealth of animated adaptions. The Blue Blur has even made the successful transition to the big screen with a sequel not that long away. It's no wonder Sega included their poster child. Sonic will be playable as soon as you earn enough points to buy him from the in-game shop, and won't require any type of real money transaction.
Miles "Tails" Prower
Miles "Tails" Prower, only ever known by the nickname and rarely his speed pun full name, is Sonic's constant companion, hovering just behind him ever since the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 back in 1992 on the Sega Genesis. He's appeared alongside the world's fastest hedgehog in most of his outings, often serving as the tech genius whenever a Sonic game calls for such, the best example of which being his walking tank portions of Sonic Adventure 2. He's nearly as big a mascot for Sega as Sonic himself, so it's no surprise the two come bundled together. Tails can also be acquired after earning enough of the in-game currency to purchase him.
Beat
Beat, the protagonist of Jet Set Radio, is one of the more obscure, which just makes him all the more special. A young graffiti artist, Beat seamlessly flowed from spot to spot, slowly establishing dominance over the streets of Tokyo-to using a spray can and building a team that could survive on the wild streets. Jet Set Radio Future sees Beat return to take his place in that game's new story, his spray-cans always at the ready even in the re-imagined world. Sega has a history of working Beat into their more party-oriented games, so it's no surprise he makes a cameo here. Beat will also be available once you unlock him in-game.
Kazuma Kiryu
Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima and face of Sega's long-running Yakuza series, is no stranger to odd challenges, and Banana Mania will be far from his zaniest adventure. Though usually stoic and suffering through one tragedy after another, Kiryu from time to time finds himself in odd situations that force him to shift outside of his comfort zone. Being transported from the streets of Kamurocho to the winding world of Super Monkey Ball is just another test for his iron, Heat-filled heart. Kiryu rounds out the list of guest characters available purely through gameplay, with players only needing to unlock him.
Hello Kitty
Born back in 1974, Kitty White, more commonly referred to as Hello Kitty, has grown into one of the most successful brands on the planet. This anthropomorphized cat has spread across all media, branching from the world of fashion into anime, comics, music and many video games. The Bobtail icon is a mainstay of a subset of Japanese popular culture know as kawaii, referring to the mascot's adorable appearance, making her addition to Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania a no brainier. Kitty White will be available at launch but will cost the player $4.99.
Suezo
Much like Beat, Suezo is lesser-known compared to other guest characters appearing in Banana Mania, debuting back in 1997 along with his fellow monsters in the original Monster Rancher. A classic monster taming series, Monster Rancher was built around using physical CDs as the trigger through which monsters were obtained. Suezo has appeared in various iterations across almost every one of the Monster Rancher games and was one of the main characters in the anime adaptation. Suezo will be available on October 19 (two weeks after the game launches) and will cost $4.99.
Morgana
Though he may look like one, Morgana is no cat. A core members of Persona 5's cast and founding member of the Phantom Thieves, Morgana is a fitting addition to the other Sega legends on display -- and hopefully only the beginning of his journey across boundaries. Being a creature that is not entirely human grants Morgana all kinds of powers, not the least his ability to transform into a fully equipped bus, the main transportation for his Phantom Thief companions. It also wouldn't be a shock if Morgana's Persona, Zorro, uses his shadowy powers to aid his true self. Morgana is planned as post-launch content, coming out November 2 and costing players an additional $4.99.
Classic Sega Consoles
Easily the most bizarre addition to Banana Mania's roster are Sega's classic Game Gear, Saturn and Genesis consoles. The game will allow players to revisit the publisher's history by pulling a few legends from its expansive history down the ramps. The eldest of the additions, the Game Gear, was one of Sega's only forays into the portable market, released in 1990. The Saturn is next age-wise, released in 1994, serving as the successor console to the Genesis and one of the first consoles to run CD-ROMs.
Lastly, there's the Dreamcast, Sega's final attempt at a home console. After releasing the system in 1998 and discontinuing it in 2001, Sega ended its 18 year run of producing hardware, instead becoming a third-party software publisher. All three will be available as part of the game's Digital Deluxe Edition, or can be purchased separately after Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania releases for $4.99.
Each of these characters (or machines) are legends in their own ways, serving as welcome additions to Banana Mania's already expansive roster. They've marked their place, not only in the history of Sega, but gaming in general. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania releases October 5 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.