Super Monkey Ball (cube: 2001): Reviews

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Super Monkey Ball


7.3

based on 28 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 12 votes
Read user comments
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Official Website

Tilt the stages just right and your monkey will zip down ramps, launch across a vast ocean, and maneuver through party games galore. Because they inhabit a transparent ball, the four versatile monkeys can act as a bowling ball (with pretty impressive spin), golf ball, and billiard ball. Engage in a variety of competitive races in Monkey Race, boxing in Monkey Fight, and flying in Monkey Target. If you fall off the side, simply scoop up more bananas and once you collect 100, you get another life! [Sega]

PUBLISHER:	Sega
DEVELOPER:	Amusement Vision
GENRE(S):	Puzzle, Action
PLAYERS:	4
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	November 18, 2001

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Nintendo Power

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]

100

Cheat Code Central

The most fun I've ever had playing a puzzle game before.

100

Gaming Age

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.

100

Cinescape

The best party game in history.

GameShark

SMB is unique, fun and, most importantly, as playable every day as it was the day you bought it.

Into Liquid Sky

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.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Packed to the rafters with ticklish problem-solving, as you have to complete your goals and collect bananas. [GamesMaster Magazine]

GameSpy

The best arcade-style action / party game to come around in ages.

NintendoWorldReport

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.

GamePro

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.

Gamestyle

This is the perfect game to really see who has the patience and stamina to go all the way.

Nintendophiles

Once again, the combination of Sega and monkeys has resulted in an extremely addicting game. Don’t pass this game up.

GameSpot

Solid graphics, addictive yet accessible gameplay, and some of the best multiplayer action on the system make it a winner.

Nintendojo

Yes, it's a frustrating game, to be sure. But it’s the warm, fuzzy kind of frustrating.

Game Informer

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]

GamerWeb Nintendo

One of the best next generation console games out there right now for any platform.

IGN

With both its finely tuned single-player experience and addictive multiplayer one, Super Monkey Ball has sleeper hit written all over it.

Game Revolution

It sounds like a game doomed from the start, but ultimately turns out to be a stroke of genius.

Core Magazine

Here’s a lesson in elegant game design...as pure and enjoyable a game as any in the GameCube launch lineup.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

May just be the best party game ever made. [Dec 2001, p.254]

Hot Games

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.

Cincinnati Enquirer

A dangerously addictive diversion to monkey around with.

G4 TV

The extremely clean graphics, married to addictive, simple gameplay are enough to recommend this title.

GMR Magazine

An exceptional game based on a simple concept; some of the later levels will eat you for lunch. [Feb 2003, p.96]

GamePen

If you don’t mind unique ideas and simple game play, then you can’t go wrong with Super Monkey Ball.

All Game Guide

It's weird, wacky and highly entertaining, and comes loaded to the brim with extras than only enhance its luster.

Cloudchaser

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.

Next Generation Magazine

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]

The average user rating for this game is 7.3 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jan S. gave it a9:
The best thing in this game is monkey target.

Jaden X (can't tell real name) gave it a2:
Uh...Try again. Some of these levels are so hard, (especially Master) that people give up playing these games. Sega, Next time, don't make levels a prick away from impossible.

Grant B. gave it an8:
Great little game, although a little short on the multiplayer side, which is a shame, as it is in multiplayer mode that this game really shines. Single player is very difficult on all but the easy settings, and I found that sliver thin tracks always defeated me. Still, after borrowing this game from a friend for a week, I did go out and buy myself a copy. I do find that most of my time is spent on the party games, playing against friends.

Ryan M. gave it a 5:
I don't see what is so great about the monkey ball series. It's got some enjoyment, in the mini-games and the puzzles, bt it gets SO repetitive that it takes the fun out of the whole experience. Roll...roll...roll... your way through so many levels...every one the same frustrating ride as the last.

Mick gave it a 9:
Excellent Sega Arcade fun, multiplayer even better.

[Anonymous] gave it an 8:
It was a pretty fun game at first, but like all games it gets boring pretty fast. But if your looking to rent a good game for the weekend this is it.

Adam L. gave it a 10:
OH MY GOD!- WHAT A GAME!- It is sooo much fun!. It's a real good game to play o na night with all your m8's at your house. The colourful graphics and amazin animation make this game an all time classic to look upon! Thanx Sega!