Super Monkey Ball 2 Preview
We check out Sega's chimp-tastic sequel to its original GameCube hit.
Super Monkey Ball was, without a doubt, one of the bright lights of the GameCube's launch lineup last November. A greatly enhanced version of the Monkey Ball arcade game that features a number of new modes, Super Monkey Ball has been the finest party game released on the system so far. For the sequel, Super Monkey Ball 2, developer Amusement Vision has been sticking with the same approach it took when developing the first game. Featuring greatly enhanced graphics, a ton of new boards, a horde of new minigames, and a new villain, Super Monkey Ball 2 looks poised to top its most excellent predecessor.
For those unfamiliar with the original game's formula for success, here's a primer: Take a monkey, stuff it into a plastic ball, put it on a vast board with a number of Dole bananas and a goal point that is tantalizingly out of reach, garnish with a ton of minigames and excellent multiplayer options, and let the hilarity ensue. The simple but addictive premise and accessible controls that are key to the game's appeal (well, aside from the monkeys) have been left intact, but rather than rehash the original game, Amusement Vision has actually overhauled a number of the original's elements and beefed it up considerably.
Before we go into all the additions, we'll fill you in on what hasn't changed. The count of selectable monkeys holds steady at four, with Ai Ai, Gon Gon, Mee Mee, and Baby all returning in their shiny plastic balls with no visible air holes. The basic structure of the overall game has been left largely untouched--you'll still find two modes, main game and party game, to choose from. Each mode offers a selection of different games to play through. As before, you'll earn play points in the main game that will let you unlock games in the party game mode. The core gameplay has also been left alone. You'll still manipulate the board your monkey is on to collect bananas and send him or her through the goal on the opposite end of the playfield. As you'd expect, if you're familiar with how Super Monkey Ball plays, you'll have no troubles getting into Super Monkey Ball 2.
However, as mentioned above, Super Monkey Ball 2 brings a number of new things to the table. In the main game mode, you'll find a story mode in place of the original's arcade mode, as well as the standard challenge and practice modes. The story mode lays out a massive challenge of 100 maps spread out over 10 themed worlds. In keeping with Sega's fruity leanings, the worlds in the game range from standard fare, such as Jungle Island, Volcanic Magma, Under the Ocean, and Amusement Park, to the quirky, such as Space Colony and Clock Tower Factory, and the bizarre, such as Inside a Whale, Boiling Pot, and Bubbly Washing Machine. Another new element introduced in the story mode is a plot that reveals the quartet's motivation for all the ball rolling and banana collecting. As you progress through the game and journey to new worlds, you'll be treated to cinemas that frame the action. The mode's first cinema shows the villainous Dr. Bad Boon rolling up on monkey island in his blimp and sucking up all the bananas, much to the locals' dismay. The fantastic four, after seeing the banana carnage, set out to recover the stolen fruit. Eager to hold on to his loot, Boon hides the bananas throughout his labyrinths. The ensuing cinemas are some of the most absurdly bizarre and funny things we've seen in a while.
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- GameSpot Score9.0Editors' Choice
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Super Monkey Ball 2 Review
It's almost amazing how Super Monkey Ball 2 makes fun and addictive multiplayer gaming seem so simple, and it manages to include a compelling single-player game to boot.
- Aug 26, 2002
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