One of the most original games to grace a console in years.
User Rating: 9.1 | Super Monkey Ball GC
This game oozes originality and should have the word FUN written across the box in huge red letters because this game is just that. The concept of the game is a monkey inside a ball and by using your directional stick you move the ball around a course and once you reach the end you have to get through the goal. Sounds easy? well it actually is at first, the first level sees the goal in front of you with no obstacles in your way, you just simply push forwards and through you go. However as you progress the floors start moving and breaking up under your feet, thin planks that slant off cliffs and you will find it getting gradually harder. This game was made by SEGA and it's a quick slap across the face everytime you turn the game on as a reminder that they are not dead and buried. There's also no surprise after seeing the SEGA logo that this game is one of the most original in years because they are also the people who brought you Crazy Taxi and other equally great games. There are 4 characters to chose from who each have their own attributes, you have the medium sized monkey, a small one who is very light for speed and sometimes speed is needed as each level has a time limit. There's also a female monkey and a big gorilla monkey for more stability but a lot less maneuverability. The range of modes to chose from will keep you busy for a while, there is arcade mode where you can do beginner courses, intermediate and hard...hard being almost impossible to complete and as you complete these difficulties you start to unlock bonus levels along the way. Perhaps the most fun and surprising mode is Battle Mode which sees a bunch of mini-games for you to play with your friends. Yes you can play arcade with up to 4 players taking turns of piece but with Battle you get to all play at once and thats where the fun really is. You can all race around a number of tracks in your little coloured balls or there is even a boxing game which sees you rapidly pushing 'A' to knock your opponents off the edge and become the king of the ring. The game also features a practise mode in which to improve your skills and finally complete that course that you could never figure out how to crack. Gameplay - The gameplay is inspired and a big ball of fun, there's something fulfilling about making monkeys run around that has to give this perfect marks. Graphics - Cartoony yes and not the most revolutionary, backgrounds are uninspired but some cool effects can be found. Sound - Again the sound lets it down in some respects, its cute and cuddly at first but after you hear a monkey fall down once you've heard it a million times. Value - Lots of value in here, after you've mastered the courses there's nothing to really keep your interest unless you have a bunch of friends to share the fun with.
