Metascore
87 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Undeniably fun. It's a twitchy test of coordination and precision that'll make a monkey out of any pro, and it's a hard tgame to master and an even harder game to put down. [Nov 2001, p.141]
  2. The most fun I've ever had playing a puzzle game before.
  3. It is likely that a few months from now, Super Monkey Ball will be one of the few launch titles that you still will be playing, especially if you have friends to play with.
  4. 100
    The best party game in history.
  5. SMB is unique, fun and, most importantly, as playable every day as it was the day you bought it.
  6. Packed to the rafters with ticklish problem-solving, as you have to complete your goals and collect bananas. [GamesMaster Magazine]
  7. 91
    The best arcade-style action / party game to come around in ages.
  8. It's downright fun and you'll find yourself having a hard time pulling yourself away from it. While the single-player feels a little underdeveloped, you will play it enough to unlock the fun mini-games.
  9. This is the perfect game to really see who has the patience and stamina to go all the way.
  10. Once again, the combination of Sega and monkeys has resulted in an extremely addicting game. Don’t pass this game up.
  11. Even though this title screams party game, it’s much more fun to play alone than, say, a Mario Party title. Old school is definitely back, and it’s a heck of a good time playing it on a GameCube.
  12. 90
    What's so super about SMB? The added multiplayer games that turn this enhanced arcade port into one of the the best party games ever.
  13. Solid graphics, addictive yet accessible gameplay, and some of the best multiplayer action on the system make it a winner.
  14. Yes, it's a frustrating game, to be sure. But it’s the warm, fuzzy kind of frustrating.
  15. For a game that's been billed as a modest little action game, that's a hell of a lot of replay value. [Nov 2001, p.116]
  16. One of the best next generation console games out there right now for any platform.
  17. 83
    With both its finely tuned single-player experience and addictive multiplayer one, Super Monkey Ball has sleeper hit written all over it.
  18. Here’s a lesson in elegant game design...as pure and enjoyable a game as any in the GameCube launch lineup.
  19. It sounds like a game doomed from the start, but ultimately turns out to be a stroke of genius.
  20. May just be the best party game ever made. [Dec 2001, p.254]
  21. A dangerously addictive diversion to monkey around with.
  22. An exceptional game based on a simple concept; some of the later levels will eat you for lunch. [Feb 2003, p.96]
  23. With the exception of the very tight turns in the game, it's as easy as shelling peanuts once you get a few practice rounds in.
  24. 80
    The extremely clean graphics, married to addictive, simple gameplay are enough to recommend this title.
  25. 80
    If you don’t mind unique ideas and simple game play, then you can’t go wrong with Super Monkey Ball.
  26. It's weird, wacky and highly entertaining, and comes loaded to the brim with extras than only enhance its luster.
  27. If you are looking for some quick fun for you and your girlfriend pick this one up, but for anything else, the monkeys are only good for a rental at best.
  28. Not unlike "Crazy Taxi," you’ll have fun every time you play, but the concept gets tiring pretty quickly and you’ll want to step away for a while. [Dec 2001, p.83]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. StephenX
    10
    "Gon-gon you're drunk, give me the keys." This game is a tourney level masterpiece and one of the best titles on the Gamecube. The gameplay for the main game remains fundamentally same throughout the duration, but the dynamic music and beautiful level design keep it from getting boring. I suggest a high end Wavebird or official Nintendo controller for this game. You will need a very precise control stick. The Xbox won't cut it. Full Review »
  2. VianyteX
    2
    The only reason i got this game was because it got good reviews. I regret buying it, even if i only paid £5. Its repetitive (You just tilt the control stick and thats all there is to it), theres barely anything in the game, half the game you have to unlock, a super boring credits level (Where you roll down an endless path for absolutely effing ages.), no story (Well its a party-puzzle game so i shouldn't be surprised), boring stages and all you do is roll. It tries to be fun and charming but instead, turns out boring and irritating. The reason this manages to get a 2 from me is because it has some challenge and kept me interested long enough to complete easy and half of medium. I would only suggest this game to you if you're the type of gamer who doesn't play games very much or very long. Full Review »
  3. JanS.
    9
    The best thing in this game is monkey target.