A successful smooth trouble-free game that takes no effort in story mode, making its great uses of the controller.
The Bad: More than half of the mini games are terrible. Controlling with the Wii Mote is tough and at times unresponsive. Story may be long but it is no challenge to breeze through. No multiplayer in Story Mode.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz is a game that is addictive. It definitely improves from the past titles to the Monkey Ball franchise in its numerous unique ways. The game itself is great, and those who are looking for some fun can’t go wrong in purchasing this game. In Story Mode, you have to tilt the Wii mote in the direction you want your player to go. This may sound weird and I admit it takes some time to master…I personally do not enjoy using the Wii Mote instead of the good old classic Game Cube controller. Still, this game is…good. The story mode begins with a giant and mean looking monkey snatching golden bananas! Although this may sound like a rip of to Donkey Kong 64, this game is totally different. You must travel through 8 various themed worlds in an attempt to claim your possessions! The story is good in sense of idea. I preferred it over the initial Super Monkey Ball Story initiative; however, the story is really easy towards the end of it all. 2 levels out of the 8 available may prove a challenge but they are all easily overcome in about 30 minutes. Levels are brought out well and they use the great functions of the motion sensitive controller. For one, jumping has been a gift...yet it makes the game harder by throwing some levels that require you to jump for your life.
Bosses in story are assorted and pretty tough as far as their exterior goes. There is always a marked weakness so don’t be too frightened. Bosses may get annoying but they are straightforward to overcome as you master the control set up. Well there’s your wrap on Story Mode.
Mini games are what had me occupied while playing this game. The ridiculously large selection of 50 assorted mini games narrows down to 10 games that are awesome to play. Yeah, eighty percent of the games are terrible…but the games that are fun are so awesome you could play a single of the bunch for hours and hours. Multiplayer is a nice addition for the Mini games, but sadly it is unavailable in Story Mode.
Game/Play: 8/10
Graphics are pretty good in this game, particularly for what the Wii has showed us thus far. The only game that has better graphics is Twilight Princess, but other than that, I think this game has nice cheery graphics to keep you entertained. All of the monkeys look good in their own unique way. Worlds are various and filled with different assortments of colors. To top it all of, the Mini Games all have different original backgrounds. Graphics are really good in what Super Monkey Ball aims for: simple yet detailed enough to make a gamer have an enjoyable experience.
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: Music is okay and the monkeys sound alright, but there is nothing special in this department. The levels have different music but you can tell that they slightly repeat themselves from previous places. The announcer is okay too, but I’m tired of hearing him yell “Goal!” all the time. Sound demonstrates nothing new but not bad to be ignored…
Sound: 7/10
Value: For the price I’d say buy it, yet it depends on what type of gamer you are. You like challenges than avoid it… but if you want a fun well brought out overall great experience-particularly with multiple players-than definitely try it out. To those who are unsure just rent it for a while and see what you think.
Value: 8/10
Reviewer’s Tilt: Does this mean what others think about the game? Well, I have heard mixed reactions about this game. Some like it while others don’t even bother beating the game… they say it is so simple and repetitive. This game isn’t the worst but you can’t call it a must have… Let’s just put it at that. Mixed reactions here, but most people are on the positive side and recommend it.
Reviewer’s Tilt: 8/10
Overall Monkey Ball brings back memories with renewed controls and features. It is much different from the other monkey ball games, so don’t think too lowly of it as far as repetitiveness goes. The graphics are great and sound is just above average. Wii owners who need a good game may want to consider this one. I thank you for reading this and if it helped…I hope you made the right choice. That concludes this review…
Peace
-Oblivion