Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz

Putting a monkey in a ball and rolling it across narrow, precarious platforms is a pretty cruel idea for a game, but gamers have struggled to resist Super Monkey Ball’s irresistible charms since it arrived way back in 2001.

It’s hard not to love the series’ trademark colourful cartoon style, which looks better than ever on PS Vita’s fabulous 5-inch OLED screen. The gameplay is familiar too, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Most developers are dazzled by Vita’s numerous control options, leading them to shoehorn touchscreen and gyro gestures into unsuitable games. However, SEGA has shown remarkable restraint. The touchscreen, the rear trackpad, the gyros and even the cameras are all used in the mini-games, but the trusted left analogue stick is all you need for the core game. Motion control is also available – and it’s an excellent way to play – but it’s entirely optional.

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW ON PS3 ATTITUDE