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Year of the Monkey Ball?

Amusement Vision boss offers cryptic clue.

Eagle eyed readers of Japanese Nintendo Dream magazine are busy arguing over a column from Toshihiro Nagoshi, head of Sega's Amusement Vision division - the team responsible for such gems as F-Zero GX and, of course, the Super Monkey Ball series.

According to 1UP, in his most recent column the AV boss turned his attention to the coming year, offering a cryptic clue. "What's next?" he asks. "Here's a hint: 'kanshi'." That's the Japanese word for the sixteen-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, we're reliably informed, and as many have already noted this year just so happens to be the Year of the Monkey.

And what better way to commemorate the Year of the Monkey than by releasing a new Monkey Ball? A bit tenuous? Let's hope not. If it turns out to be true, we'll be sure to let you know, and if it turns out to be a load of old cobblers, we're sure you'll let us know.