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Super Monkey Ball Review - Gamecube

Games are really being made by the truckload these days. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly harder to find an original, fresh game. Pikmin was a game that oozed originality; it stood as an example of how a zany idea could be converted into a top-notch title.

Super Monkey Ball (SMB) is another game that fits into this category. The idea of rolling monkeys around in balls across various levels is one that boggles the mind - but it works for the most part. Despite some flaws in the game's design, SMB has to be one of the better party games to come out in quite a while.

Gameplay

The core element in any game is the gameplay, and thankfully, this was the main focus in the developing of SMB. The concept involves tilting the levels so you can guide the monkeys to the finish line. There are a huge number of levels ready to test every inch of your skill, focus and patience.

Levels start off easy enough but soon become a nightmare. The levels start to tilt, turn and spin, and obstacles such as holes and hills take a major role in making the game that little bit harder.

Scattered across the courses are bananas, collect one hundred and you'll get another life. Although not a necessity to collect them, you will find that you will lose lives at an incredible rate.

The main game in SMB is sure to hold an appeal for a decent amount of time, but you will either finish it or get sick of it after a while. Thankfully, SMB comes with 6 multiplayer games that, in their entirety, make worth a purchase without the main quest. All the games are multiplayer, and as we know, multiplayer makes the replay value a whole lot better.

The best of the games is Monkey Target, which has you rolling down a rather large ramp, launching yourself in the air and attempting to land on targets. It is quiet hard at first but you will soon learn the physics of it all and will be hitting the top scores often enough. Countless hours have been spent playing this sole game - it truly is a gem.

The other games include Monkey Fight - a simple game that has you punching your opponents out of the ring, Monkey Bowling - 10 pin bowling, easy as that, Monkey Billiards - billiards in the form of the 9 ball game, Monkey Race - roll the monkeys around several tracks filled with different power-ups and finally Monkey Golf - mini golf style thankfully.

Some of the games are better then others, and will depend on your taste, but let me assure you, they are a blast to play and although there is few, they are more lengthy then your average Mario Party mini game.

Graphics

SMB has basic graphics. ... (continued next page)