Ask any Super Monkey Ball fan to talk about their favourite part of the series, and you'll likely hear the words 'Monkey Target' come flying out of their mouth before you've even had a chance to finish the question. There's a reason the minigame's so popular – because it's just so good.
So imagine then, if you would, a game that takes Monkey Target's fundamental ideas and transforms them into a full experience, complete with fresh takes on Monkey Ball's iconic gameplay and a charming city pop soundtrack. That thing you've just imagined is Bonito Days, and it's launching on Switch on 14th October.
The game's been created by the indie team at Studio Somewhere, developed by Cameron Shackleton (Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Disney Infinity) and with art from Adam Westerman. You can get a taste of the action in the new launch trailer up above.
Take to the skies and glide your flying fish through more than 20 sun-kissed stages including the beaches of Temaki Sands and the glistening ice caps of Narwhal Station. Play ‘Target Test’ and land your fish on their distant goal, or ‘Sweet Rush’, where players will soar through the skies, collecting sweets and discovering hidden paths while chilling to a selection of forgotten Japanese city-pop classics.
Bonito Days can be played either alone or in up to four-player multiplayer, and promises to deliver "easy to pick up and play gameplay". In a press release, Shackleton said, "In the cold month of October we wanted to recall a little of that summer magic. Bonito Days combines our love for the smooth sounds of eighties Japanese pop music, the happy times we spent playing Monkey Target in Super Monkey Ball on GameCube, and the laid-back vibe of lazy summer days."
"We hope players will play Bonito Days to relax, to compete with friends and to extend their summer by just a few more weeks!"
As a reminder, the game launches on 14th October and will be priced at $9.99 / £7.99 / €8,99. Will you be giving it a go?
Comments 13
"Bonito flakes"
Could be worth a punt at £7.99 - thanks for drawing attention to it, particularly in light of Monkey Target disappointment!!
Not a huge fan of the art style on this one, looks quite busy for the gameplay, but that gameplay shown does look fun.
If they nail the physics I'll buy it.
Works for mr. Specially if they keep the cheesy music
A good review and I’m in!
Ngl, Monkey Target is good, but I honestly prefer Fight, Race and Billiards. Maybe that’s an unpopular opinion 😳
Absolutely loving that city pop soundtrack though.
This looks like a vibe. Truly relaxing and I hope it's as fun as it is zen. I've been looking for something like this after playing 'A Short Hike' when I need to relax... perhaps a little too often. I'm ready for a new go-to escape.
Well, the main game is my fave part of Monkeyball. Monkey Target is my fave mini game though and this looks ace! Again, from the looks of the trailer, the physics look a bit stiffer than the originals but at least there is more freedom and joy in the flying than what Banana Mania was trying to do .
Also a little bit of those Spyro challenge levels.
If it gets the physics right then I'll get it for sure. I really dislike the name Bonito Days tho.
One thing is ture, Moneky Target IS indeed the best part of Super Monkey Ball! I'll keep an eye on this one.
good timing! right after the off the mark monkey target in the new old monkey ball remade game.
I'm a sucker for city pop music, if all the soundtrack is that good, I'll pick it up just add some new artists to my faves.
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