• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 27, 2011
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 57 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 57
  2. Negative: 16 out of 57
  1. May 13, 2011
    91
    My only major complaint is the lack of mini-games. While the two present can be fun in their own right, I would have loved to see a few more for variety.
  2. Apr 7, 2011
    84
    The main game ends up being the most fun, but it can be completed relatively quickly. As far as launch games go, Super Monkey Ball 3D ends up being an impressive one, simply because of the amount of content available.
  3. Apr 14, 2011
    83
    While it risks being overlooked due to some of the series' less than stellar versions, Super Monkey Ball plays like a dream on Nintendo's latest handheld. It's a true return to form for AiAi and the bunch, and one of the best uses of 3D I've seen yet on the system.
  4. May 16, 2011
    80
    This is definitely a return to form for for the franchise. It's not as good as the original game, and much as that was what I was hoping for, it's not a disappointment.
  5. Mar 20, 2011
    80
    There will inevitably be some long-time fans disappointed by the game's far tamer level designs and lack of fan favourite Monkey Target mini-game, but those who can open their minds up to something a bit different might actually find the game a fun and engaging experience.
  6. Apr 13, 2011
    75
    Still, the Super Monkey action here proves to be a satisfying addition to the franchise. [April 2011, p.86]
  7. Apr 13, 2011
    75
    In the end, SEGA should be commended for releasing one of their best Super Monkey Ball games to date. Not only does it pay homage to the original GameCube game but it features updated graphics and gyroscope technology that takes the franchise into the 21st century. It's a shame that the 3D doesn't work too well with the gyroscope but if you use the circle pad, the 3D works like a charm.
  8. Mar 25, 2011
    75
    A stellar action puzzle hybrid with tight controls, Monkey Ball 3D is the best Monkey Ball game since the original, and Sega's found some cool ways to implement the system's 3D functionality and make it relevant to the gameplay.
  9. Apr 4, 2011
    70
    Super Monkey Ball is a good game but doesn't benefit from the 3D functionality the 3DS has to offer. The game is pretty short and you should therefore wait until the price drops before you buy it.
  10. Apr 1, 2011
    70
    The latest Monkey Ball is back with a brilliant and pleasant 3D graphics, but the game suffers for its short longevity and not so funny mini-games: SEGA missed a big opportunity to release the best primate-in-a-ball game.
  11. Great fun for a few hours, but after that you'll have more or less seen it all. [Apr 2011, p.96]
  12. Jun 25, 2011
    69
    While Monkey Race and Monkey Fight are not worth much of your attention, you can have fun with Monkey Ball for some time. But even with the fairly poor current library of the 3DS, there are better options.
  13. Mar 30, 2011
    66
    The extra modes are more forgettable than fun, but the core Monkey Ball experience passes muster, though keep in mind that using the gyroscopic controls kills the 3D. For best results, pick your primate, turn your circle pad on, and the 3D slider up.
  14. Dec 12, 2011
    65
    It's tough to recommend this game to newcomers to the Monkey Ball world based on the two rough game modes, and the otherwise decent Challenge mode likely isn't long enough to justify the high price tag of 3DS titles. The use of 3D is novel, but completely unnecessary – as we've all played these games at home since the Gamecube launch.
  15. Apr 4, 2011
    65
    Full of charm while lacking in spirit.
  16. Oct 20, 2011
    62
    Technically sound, but the gameplay is way too easy and unimaginative. [May 2011]
  17. Apr 25, 2011
    60
    Whilst Super Monkey Ball 3D is fun, somewhat harking back to the days of the original GameCube duo, it proves to be far too simple a game on the whole, with not as much variation in level design as in the past. Even the inclusion of the Smash Bros. and Mario Kart-style mini-games do not save Super Monkey Ball 3D from run-of-the-mill status.
  18. Apr 23, 2011
    60
    Monkey Ball has grown flabby and gutless. A real shame. [Apr 2011, p.52]
  19. Apr 14, 2011
    60
    Super Monkey Ball 3D is funny for a few hours, but after that there's anything more.
  20. Apr 11, 2011
    60
    Monkey Ball 3DS is not a terrible game; it is just very light on content.
  21. Apr 7, 2011
    60
    Die-hard fans might enjoy it, but everyone else should wait for a more complete iteration to go bananas over.
  22. Apr 6, 2011
    60
    On the surface Super Monkey Ball 3D is a decent looking game with slick 3D effects. and the core "Monkey Ball" mode offers up some solid entertainment. My biggest concern is that after you peel away the banana outer skin, the Super Monkey Ball 3D experience is somewhat shallow as there is not nearly enough content here to justify paying full pop for game that will be collecting dust much sooner than later, which is sad given how past games have been so good.
  23. Apr 3, 2011
    60
    While the groundwork for a great Super Monkey Ball is there, the level design fails to realise this potential.
  24. Mar 30, 2011
    60
    What works Super Monkey Ball 3D is just that: 3D and Super Monkey Ball. Unfortunately, that fun is pathetically short-lived, and everything else is a poorly executed afterthought that makes the $40 price tag borderline insulting.
  25. Mar 29, 2011
    60
    The bad game modes for 4 players and the repetition in levels mess this clean floor.
  26. Mar 28, 2011
    60
    There might be enough content to please the rookie Monkey Ball player, but the fan who decides to shed $250 for a 3DS and expects something more out of this game will be left scarred.
  27. Mar 26, 2011
    60
    Years of waggling has softened Sega's touch. They need to relight that arcade fire.
  28. Mar 26, 2011
    60
    If you've been a devout Super Monkey Ball fan since the beginning you may be more willing to overlook this entry's glaring faults. If you haven't hopped on board the banana bandwagon, however, the weakly implemented 3D and unusable motion controls won't be enough to make you a believer.
  29. May 12, 2011
    58
    It is a decent game, and will impress you with its 3D effects and difficulty. However, with an asking price of $39.99, the game just isn't worth it, unless you are a major Monkey Ball fan.
  30. Apr 4, 2011
    58
    Super Monkey Ball 3D's total longevity for most people is likely to hover around 2 to 3 hours, and that, along with the uninspired level designs in comparison to the console iterations, is by far its greatest flaw.
User Score

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 8
  2. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. Oh crap. I accidentally put 10 instead of 5.5 (5). Well there now they even each other out. Read my actual review if you want an in depth look in the game. Yeah. . . . Full Review »
  2. This game was ok... there is nothing much more to say. The new features which they added (mario kart clone) were bad, but the main campaign was good but just nothing special. Full Review »
  3. Dear god i'm so glad I got this game free and didn't buy it. The only original part of this game (monkey ball) is boring after about 5 min. No story line at all. The other 2 modes seem to be a copy of better Nintendo games. Save your money for something like Mario kart7, super Mario 3d land or resident evil. No matter how cheap you can get this it is not worth it. Full Review »