Board meetings at Sega must be really bizarre if a crazy game idea like this actually hits the shelves. Just imagine it for a second... EXECUTIVE: “We need a great idea for game that’ll put Sega’s name back on the map!” DEVELOPER: “Boss, why don’t we make a game with monkeys in it? Everyone loves monkeys, and they could be rolling around in balls, trying to navigate really tricky levels. Except you don’t control the monkey, you tilt the level. And you’ll get points by doing a level really quickly, collecting bananas on route. A good idea?” EXECUTIVE: “You need to see a doctor”. Despite this they still made it and thank heavens they did, as Super Monkey Ball is one of the most downright addictive games ever made! Whilst the initial levels are pretty easy they become incredibly hard later on, with Expert Level 7 particularly infuriating (Hngh). However the simple gameplay will keep you playing well into the early hours of the morning and as you have to earn extra credits with repeated play it’ll last a long time too. With over 90 levels (and more to unlock without losing a life) the game has plenty of depth. The single player mode is complimented with six multi-player modes. These range from fighting and racing to Monkey Target, where your simian has to be glided onto a big target (a bit like Pilotwings, then). You can also open bowling, golf and billiards, with the latter of these whittling away our free time. Overall SMB has something to offer for everyone - it really is ‘well rounded’! (Groan)
This game is very, very frustrating and that’s the quickest way to sum it all up, but at the same time it is one of the most addictive games you will ever play. It’s a very simple concept guide your monkey (in a ball of... Read Full Review
Super Monkey Ball is based around one completely random principle - a cartoon monkey, with oversized ears, in a ball. That's an idea that is probably best seen through the eyes of someone with a sense of humour, not thro... Read Full Review
