Part racing game, puzzler, and mini game collection, this game is a blast to play, if very frustrating at times.
The other half of the game is the 12 included mini games. These vary widely in quality, but I can see how these would be an absolute blast with friends. Monkey ball sports such as baseball, tennis, and soccer feel a lot like greatly simplified renditions of some of the Mario sports games. Others, such as bowling, boating, golf, racing, gliding, and battling, make for some interesting gameplay. Each mini game has a surprisingly robust set of options that allow you to set gameplay however you like. As an example, the golf game has two full 18 hole courses, one for putt-putt and one for regular golf.
The good side of this game is that it has an almost obscene amount of replay value to it. There are about 300 levels in it, and a few different modes to encounter those levels in. You can replay these levels to beat old times, collect bananas, or to race against a friend to see who can beat it first. On top of this, the 12 mini games offer a surprising amount of gameplay, especially with friends. This is definitely one of the game's strengths, for there is lot to do here.
Now for the bad part. This game is definitely not for easily frustrated players. Expect to fail some of the more difficult puzzles dozens of times before even getting close to the finish. Don't be fooled into thinking that this is an easy kid's game because of the graphics and sound, for some of the later levels are incredibly tough and will try your intellect and dexterity. The mini games are much easier, and the early levels are fine, but some of the later levels were a bit tougher than I personally enjoy.
One of my biggest problems with this game is the sound. The background music is a mediocre but fitting complement to the happy, vibrant graphics of the game. However, this music is turned down so much that it is masked by two of the most annoying game noises I've experienced in gaming: the sound of the monkeys and the countdown clock. The monkeys make noise every time you bump into a wall, bounce, or get near an edge: which is almost constantly in the later levels. There are only a few noises, and their high pitched squeaks are very annoying. The countdown clock for the level is much louder than the music, and it takes away from the music and ruins some of the feel of the game. Neither of these can be turned off or down, and both will grate on your nerves after only a few minutes.
All and all, this is a lot of game for not a lot of money. The feel of the game (minus some of the sound effects) is great, and there is a lot of challenge here. The mini games are fun, if shallow, and this seems like a game built for multiplayer. Very enjoyable, but recognize its weaknesses.