Cute little monkeys in
see-through balls star in this fun and
addictive release for the Game Cube. Players need to maneuver
the monkey through mazes in a manner
that is similar to the board game classic, Labyrinth.
Players attempt to guide the ball towards a particular goal
without falling off the edge of the board.Although
the goals and controls of the game are straightforward enough,
gameplay becomes maddeningly difficult as levels advance. Players
need to rely on good reflexes, strategy, and a bit of luck in
their attempts to clear as many stages as possible. They'll need
to avoid
obstacles and pick up objects as they roll around the stages, and for every 100 bananas they
collect, they earn an extra life.
Normal Mode plays the same way as the arcade game, Monkey Ball,
while Competition Mode allows up to 4 players to vie against each
other. Party games include racing, fighting, and target practice.
Mini-games can be unlocked, and these have sports themes -- golf,
bowling, and billiards. Most of these sideline activities are very
amusing.
This game can quickly become
addictive as players feel compelled to keep trying to better their
last performance. However, most children will find the game too
challenging on higher levels. A seasoned 11-year-old tester could
not make it past the twelfth stage of the Expert level's 50
stages, for example. The game is great to have on hand
for multi-player fun, however, and is best played occasionally (it
gets monotonous with overuse).
For more information, user
reviews, and/or to buy the game, follow this link: Super
Monkey Ball
Pros:
- Relatively nonviolent game.
- Requires some strategy
and fast reflexes.
- Captures a wide
audience, from beginning gamers to experts.
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Cons:
- Higher levels are
extraordinarily challenging.
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For Nintendo Game Cube |
By: Sega |
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Released: 2001 |
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