It was inevitable.  After all, Sega has released a Super Monkey Ball game for every platform under the sun, introducing players to cool ball-rolling techniques, a number of unique mazes, and great modes such as Monkey Billiards.  (Because every system needs a variation of Monkey Billiards.)  Now, just months after releasing a version for 3DS, Sega is rolling forward with a Super Monkey Ball game for Sony's upcoming handheld, the PS Vita.

The game, accidentally revealed by Sega over the weekend, has been confirmed via a trailer below, and is set for release sometime in 2012, probably close to the system's launch...whenever that is.  Not only will it introduce the visual style that Super Monkey Ball veterans are used to, but it will also utilize "dual analog sticks and front/back-touch controls."  This'll be interesting, as that's bound to add a new physic-ready dynamic to give the gameplay a nice little spark, something that's been needed since other versions rely on usual joystick play.

The game will feature updated graphics to take advantage of the PS Vita dispaly, along with a number of new modes (including skill challenges and games), as well as new stages made specifically for this version of the game.  What's more, Monkey Target will make a return, enabling you to aim your flying monkey at a bullseye target, to see how well you can land.  This game was pretty popular in previous versions, so there you go.

Best of all, multiplayer will be enabled, so you can play up to four folks in Monkey Ball-ing via Wi-Fi services.  No word yet if this is just for the party modes or the main game as well, but we'll find out soon enough.

Check out the trailer below and get the Ball rolling next year.

About the Author

Robert Workman

Senior Writer/Editor

Robert has years of experience in the video game industry, writing for such sites as AOL GameDaily, PlanetXbox360 and Comic Book Resources.  He can also outdrink you any day of the week.  And twice on Sunday.  Follow him at www.twitter.com/thedcd.