Another, smaller addition is the increased roster of playable monkey pals. YanYan and a doctor round out the original four primates - each sports its own unique skill set that you'll have to employ at some point throughout the eight massive worlds. Heavy-set Gongon can't be blown around easily (and can shatter bumpers that pop lesser monkeys off the track), Aiai's the middle ground and Baby's a hot jumper - choose how you want to play and let the monkey do the rest.
Bosses appear for the first time too. Every world's divided into eight stages, then a battle that has you evading attacks, looking for the perfect time to jump up and konk the baddie on its weak spot. We tackled an overgrown beastie with a glowing belly button, a giant snowball-tossing creature and even a rocket-launching thug that's only vulnerable to his own deflected projectiles.
If you're able to make it though the jungles, deserts and pirate-themed levels without continuing (good luck), you'll unlock a secret ninth world - beat it the same way and you'll discover a tenth, though only the hardest of the hardcore monkey maniacs will be able to pull that off.
Of course, this all applies to the single-player game. You've also got 50 minigames ready right from the start - we'll have a full breakdown of them next week.
