Super Monkey Ball Jr.

"The Epic GameCube Series Is Now Handheld!"

Super Monkey Ball Jr. is quite possibly the best game I've ever played on my GameBoy Advance. It takes the clever idea and unreal gameplay from the GameCube versions, and somehow manages to fit them into a compact and very portable cartridge. Kudos, Sega.

Gameplay 9/10
It's hard to give this a score on gameplay because so many factors play into it. The only, and I mean only, flaw in the entire game, is the fact that you have to use a D-pad. For those of who have played Super Monkey Ball on the GameCube, you can imagine this presents quite a challenge. However, it only takes a few minutes to get the feel for it. The fun factor of the game is off the charts, the only reason Gameplay gets a 9 is because of the somewhat questionable controls. Basically, you are a monkey inside a ball. Contrary to popular belief, you tilt the level, much like you would a pinball machine, and try to make the monkey roll around a stage and into a goal, collecting bananas the whole time. Now, along the way are jumps, bumpers, spirals, slopes, moving platforms, and the like. Don't forget that if you need a break from the hair-pulling fun of the normal mode, you can play 5 mini games. Monkey Duel, Monkey Fight, Monkey Bowling, Monkey Golf, and who could forget the Bonus game? These are all multiplayer capable, with the exception of the Bonus game. I found this game to be very challenging, but anyone that can stick to their guns will be passing the hardest levels in no time.

Graphics 9/10
My word. This game is a pioneer to GameBoy Advance polygon technology. If you remember what StarFox (SNES) was like when it first came out, this game will wow you just as much. The Monkeys, bananas, and bumpers are all sprites, but don't let this discourage you; each of the 4 Monkeys has countless poses, and the bananas rotate 360 degrees. The rest of the game, however, was created using a polygon engine. The levels match if not surpass in some ways the levels on the GameCube versions. Each level can be seen from multiple views, so you can figure out a plan to get to the goal, and the level is seen rotating before you play it. And I can assure you that the graphics for the minigames will leave you wondering how it's all possible.

Sound 8/10
The sound is in most cases, taken from the GameCube versions. This is not a bad thing, it's cool to have some of the old Super Monkey Ball features put into the latest masterpiece. The music is wonderful, some of the catchiest music ever, and never gets old. It seems like there's always some type of sound, whether it's the ticking of the clock, the Monkeys thanking you for selecting them, or screaming when they're about to fall off the edge... the sound best comes into play during the minigames.

Replay Value 10/10
The Super Monkey Ball franchise is all about replay value. with over 70 crazy levels to guide your monkey through, 3 stages to duke it out in Monkey Fight, 10 frames and 10 patterns to strike in Monkey Bowling, and an 18 hole golf course from grassy plains to icy cliffs, you've got some serious replayability. I daresay this game will be one of your most frequently played games for the next couple of years, that is, until (hopefully) Super Monkey Ball Jr. 2 comes out.

Buy/Rent
Rent. Not because I don't think is the greatest game ever, but because Super Monkey Ball is weird. You either love it, or hate it. There is no in between. This game is especially likeable by those who have played Super Monkey Ball and it's sequel for the GameCube. If you are a fan on Marble Madness, this is the game for you. It can be played by people of all ages. Definitley check this game out.

So... this game r0x0rz. Rent/Buy it as soon as possible.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/24/02, Updated 04/20/03