Looking for the first billiards game on GCN? The first golf game? The first bowling game? Maybe you're looking for a game that lets you be a monkey in a ball rolling around for seemingly no reason.
Either way, Super Monkey Ball has you covered.
Aesthetics:
Monkey Ball's main game is a treat for the eyes. If one can tear away from the action, the backgrounds tend to be quite interesting.
There's not a lot Amusement Vision could do with the simple design of the game, but for what's there, it all looks pretty decent.
Control:
Talk about simple design, here it is. For the main game, players use the control stick to move the level. That's it. Doesn't get any simpler.
What's more, the analog control is very, very accurate. Skilled players will be rolling across the most narrow of paths.
Gameplay:
And that's the bulk of the gameplay - rolling on increasingly more difficult floors. Whether the floor be moving, curving, narrow, angled, or littered with obstacles, each track requires a new strategy.
With 10 beginner, 30 advanced, and 50 expert tracks (plus several hidden tracks), this mode has lots of replay value.
The mini games and party games like Monkey Fight (Monkey Balls with spring-loaded boxing gloves), Monkey Race, and Monkey Target (Imagine the hangliding levels from Pilot Wings) each add to the experience as well, especially in multiplayer modes.
Multiplayer:
And multiplayer is another big perk for Super Monkey Ball.
While the learning curve is steep for a noviced player, two to four experienced players can really go bananas.
Since every mode of Monkey Ball is multiplayer, there's certainly a lot of variety to keep everyone entertained.
Sound:
The sound in Monkey Ball is nicely done. In typical Sega form, the soundtrack is upbeat and fitting of the intense action.
An announcer sends you off and counts down the time remaining should the clock wind down. Sounds like these and the squeals from the trapped monkeys are loud and clear, helping to convey that arcade feeling.
About the only sound that is annoying is the tone for collecting a banana. Since 100 bananas serves up an extra life, players are going to be looking for them. Unfortunately, on a bonus stage with 50 bananas in a row, that incessant banana beeping can get a little annoying.
OVERALL:
The only gripes to be had with Super Monkey Ball are the learning curve for a multiplayer inbalance, and that nit-picking of the banana sound.
All in all, not too shabby. This game has tons of variety, many levels, and it all adds up to lots of replay value.
If you can't wait for Super Smash Bros: Melee, this title would serve up as a nice party game as well.
So grab a monkey (Not like that, you pervert!), hop in the driver's seat, and as Fred Durst might say: "Keep rolling, rolling, rolling..."
The Lowdown on  Super Monkey Ball
| Aesthetics: Above Average |
Control: Very Good |
| Gameplay: Awesome |
Multiplayer: Above Average |
| Sound: Average |
Innovation: 5/6 |
| Lasting Appeal: 5/6 |
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Overall: Very Good!
"A Must-Buy"
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Super Monkey Ball
