| 100 |
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.
|
| 100 |
GameNow
One of the best multi-player experiences on this, or any other, system. [Oct 2002, p.36]
|
| 98 |
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]
|
| 95 |
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.
|
| 93 |
TotalGames.net
SEGA has gone the whole way with this one.
|
| 93 |
netjak
An instant classic.
|
| 91 |
XenGamers
Every aspect of the game works tightly in conjunction, delivering an enormous amount of gaming.
|
| 91 |
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.
|
| 91 |
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.
|
| 90 |
Cheat Code Central
It's addicting and it never gets too cute so as to be annoying.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 86 |
GameSpy
They don't win points for innovation, but this is still one of the best multiplayer games you can buy.
|
| 86 |
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.
|
| 85 |
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.
|
| 85 |
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.
|
| 84 |
GameCube Europe
The sound and story are nothing special but the gameplay is top notch in both one player and party games.
|
| 83 |
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.
|
| 83 |
Electronic Gaming Monthly
What really launches Monkey Ball into the stratosphere is the multiplayer. [Oct 2002, p.194]
|
| 82 |
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]
|
| 80 |
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."
|
| 80 |
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.
|
| 80 |
GMR Magazine
The extra game modes add quite a bit to the simple concept. [Feb 2003, p.96]
|
| 80 |
Play Magazine
Improved in every way. [Oct 2002, p.83]
|
| 80 |
G4 TV
The graphics are sharper and more vivid, and some of the backgrounds are jaw dropping.
|
| 80 |
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.
|
| 78 |
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]
|
| 75 |
Gaming Age
The game is cute, very nice on the eyes, and just all around enjoyable.
|
| 67 |
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.
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