Super Monkey Ball Review

The game is a popular Gamecube racing game series. Variants became popular on GBA, Xbox, PS2, Wii and even Nokia N-Gage. Now, there is an iPhone variant as well. If you have not played this game, then keep in mind that this game is similar to Marble Madness series. The Super Monkey Ball game was released on launch day and was a super hit in no time.

You are a monkey, in this game that is, trapped in a ball. Your job is to pass through all levels as fast as possible. If you like Seinfeld, the phrase 'bubble monkey' will definitely pass through your mind when you play this game. Some gamers may be relived to discover that you do not race any other trapped monkey. You simply race to get out as early as possible.

Ever tried controlling a monkey? If not, then you will find out how difficult it is to do so when you play this game. Controlling the movements of the monkey is the most difficult part. Speed affects control and maneuverability. Unless you get the right balance between speed and control, you will find yourself either lagging behind or crashing at every other turn. As if this was not difficult enough, there are ledges from where you can easily slide off the screen. What results is a soulful and painful wail from the monkey along with a loss of a valuable life in the game. The ledges are present in all levels and you will crash the moment you opt for high acceleration to boost your timing. You know what to do and you also know how it is to be done. However, doing it often turns out to be more difficult than you can imagine.

There are 110 levels (that is right 110) to cross and some levels open up only when you successfully achieve set targets. Until then, it remains locked. Apart from rushing through the levels as fast as possible, you have to collect bananas (you are a monkey, what did you expect?) as you cross the levels. Collect many bananas to unlock new levels and also earn a new life in the game. You will have to replay levels until you get the required number of bananas. This often makes gamers go bananas if they are unable to succeed even after numerous attempts. If you were good at Marble Madness, then you will find this game easier to complete.

Super Monkey Ball has some brilliant graphics, still some of the nicest seen on the platform despite it being one of the oldest games out there. The 3-D environments are colourful and detailed, and the viewing distance is excellent. With the large number of levels there are certainly some duds in level design and looks, but on the whole this is a great looking game. Your monkey too is cute as can be, and there are 4 different ones to choose from, each offering slightly different parameters.

The controls work solely through tilting the iPhone. This is not very easy and requires practice. You need a steady hand as the tilting control is very sensitive. If you tilt too far, the monkey will flip over and you shall lose a life in the game. In fact, many players have complained that the controls are too sensitive for comfort. However, the tilting has to be sensitive as strong tilts will make it even more difficult to play the game. Hence, the smartest thing to do is get used to the controls as early as possible. The game does not have additional modes. This works against it and many may feel that it becomes monotonous very soon. Despite this flaw, the game is very popular. The combination of crossing levels at top speed and collecting bananas in the process is a good one. This game is a favorite of many iPhone owners and is highly recommended.

Score: 9.5/10

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