Super Monkey Ball 2

Yahoo! Games

Perhaps the perfect sequel. It fixes the main problem the original had -- its uninspiring single-player game -- and capitalises on the things the first title did so well, namely its array of party games.

GameNow

One of the best multi-player experiences on this, or any other, system. [Oct 2002, p.36]

Nintendo Power

Each Party Game offers endless fun, so you practically get 12 stand-alone games with your Super Monkey Ball rocking and rolling. [Oct 2002, p.194]

NintendoWorldReport

The title has an enormous replay factor, and many Monkey Ball fans will find themselves playing the game until the next iteration of Super Monkey Ball.

TotalGames.net

SEGA has gone the whole way with this one.

netjak

An instant classic.

XenGamers

Every aspect of the game works tightly in conjunction, delivering an enormous amount of gaming.

Cinescape

The level designs are, quite frankly, ingenious. Featuring curves, ramps, narrow paths, moving platforms, and obstacles of all kinds, the levels are as awe-inspiring as they are frustrating.

Nintendojo

You simply can’t get bored of it and it’s literally fun for all of your friends and family. How can you go wrong at all? It’s a wicked game.

Cheat Code Central

It's addicting and it never gets too cute so as to be annoying.

IGN

With inspired, intuitive controls to boot and 150 challenging new levels that are more difficult -- sometimes frustratingly so, the single-player mode alone is worth the purchase.

GamerWeb Nintendo

The new multiplayer games, except for Monkey Tennis, don't really measure up to the originals, but they are, afterall, just icing on the cake.

Gamestyle

The levels are so much more diverse, so much more rich, solid, 3 dimensional even, than in the first - the levels just move so much more.

GameZone

The mini-games are deep and complex, and require strategy, not endless button-mashing. So to me, this is much more than a party game.

GamePro

More like an expansion pack than a full-blown sequel…but so what? There’s no way that more monkeys in plastic balls could possibly be a bad thing.

GameSpot

With so many so-called party games out there trying so hard to create a frenetic multiplayer experience, it's almost amazing how Super Monkey Ball 2 makes it all seem so effortless and manages to include a compelling single-player game to boot.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Easily the game's greatest strength is its simplicity — there's no need to "monkey around" with complicated controls or even crack open the manual for that matter.

GameSpy

They don't win points for innovation, but this is still one of the best multiplayer games you can buy.

Gamer's Pulse

The new story mode is nothing too serious, although I did have some gripes with the new style of level design, but the new multiplayer modes and upgrades will have anyone coming back for more.

GameCritics

There’s more of what worked, almost everything that didn’t is actually improved, and it feels as though the developers really put out forth honest effort rather than churning out a low-cost, low-imagination sequel.

Nintendophiles

I found the replay value to be a little too shallow for my liking. I need a game that pulls me into its world and keeps me there.

GameCube Europe

The sound and story are nothing special but the gameplay is top notch in both one player and party games.

Game Revolution

The single-player game is still merely a fair distraction, but the dozen mini-games will keep you and your friends glued to the couch for hours.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

What really launches Monkey Ball into the stratosphere is the multiplayer. [Oct 2002, p.194]

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

It's not quite as solid a package as the original, but the refinements and additions still add up to a worthy game. [NGC]

Electric Playground

Here's hoping Amusement Vision knows when to move on and begins a new project instead of staying stuck and trying to squeeze out a "Monkey Ball 3."

All Game Guide

The title exudes a considerable amount of polish, possessing good texture work and splendid visual effects, with special mention needing to be made of the themed backgrounds in each of Story mode's worlds.

GMR Magazine

The extra game modes add quite a bit to the simple concept. [Feb 2003, p.96]

Play Magazine

Improved in every way. [Oct 2002, p.83]

G4 TV

The graphics are sharper and more vivid, and some of the backgrounds are jaw dropping.

Eurogamer

But if you can deal with that, the useless camera doesn't sound like a showstopper and motion sickness isn't a problem, then strap on your simian capsules and spout some unintelligible Japlish, because the monkeys are back and your Cube needs this game.

Game Informer

The first SMB was hard, but this follow-up raises the difficulty level to a daunting degree, shattering the fine balance the prececessor struck between challenging and frustrating. [Oct 2002, p.87]

Gaming Age

The game is cute, very nice on the eyes, and just all around enjoyable.

Into Liquid Sky

I really hate that Amusement Vision didn't take the time to upgrade the sound effects and music. You still here that weird melody blurring through your speakers.