Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube
- Developers: Amusement Vision
- Publishers: Sega
Super Monkey Ball: A Rolling Good Time
Released in 2001, Super Monkey Ball is a platform party video game developed by Amusement Vision and published by Sega. The game was originally released as an arcade cabinet in Japan under the name Monkey Ball, but was later ported to the GameCube as a launch title. Super Monkey Ball was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
The game’s objective is to guide a transparent ball containing one of four monkeys—AiAi, MeeMee, Baby, and GonGon—across a series of maze-like platforms. The player must reach the goal without falling off or letting the timer reach zero to advance to the next stage. There are over 100 stages in the game, each with its own unique challenges.
In addition to the main single-player mode, Super Monkey Ball also features several multiplayer modes. These modes include independent minigames, such as Monkey Bowling and Monkey Golf, as well as extensions of the main single-player game, such as Monkey Race and Monkey Fight.
One of the things that makes Super Monkey Ball so unique is its control scheme. The game is controlled using a single analog stick, which is used to tilt the ball and roll it around the stages. This control scheme can be challenging to master, but it ultimately gives the player a great deal of control over the ball.
Super Monkey Ball was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming visuals, and catchy music. The game was also a critical success, winning several awards, including Game of the Year from IGN.
Gameplay
The goal of Super Monkey Ball is to guide a transparent ball containing one of four monkeys—AiAi, MeeMee, Baby, and GonGon—across a series of maze-like platforms. The player must reach the goal without falling off or letting the timer reach zero to advance to the next stage.
The game is controlled using a single analog stick, which is used to tilt the ball and roll it around the stages. The player can also use the analog stick to jump and perform other special moves.
There are over 100 stages in the game, each with its own unique challenges. Some stages are simple and straightforward, while others are more complex and require the player to use all of their skills to complete.
In addition to the main single-player mode, Super Monkey Ball also features several multiplayer modes. These modes include independent minigames, such as Monkey Bowling and Monkey Golf, as well as extensions of the main single-player game, such as Monkey Race and Monkey Fight.
Development
Super Monkey Ball was conceived by Amusement Vision head Toshihiro Nagoshi. Nagoshi was inspired by the success of Sega’s arcade game Crazy Taxi, which also used a simple control scheme to create a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience.
Nagoshi wanted to create a game that was accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. He also wanted to create a game that was fun to play in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
The development team experimented with several different control schemes before settling on the final version. They also spent a great deal of time designing the game’s stages, which are both challenging and visually appealing.
Reception
Super Monkey Ball was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming visuals, and catchy music. The game was also a critical success, winning several awards, including Game of the Year from IGN.
Super Monkey Ball has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been ported to several different platforms, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. The game has also been featured in several spin-off games, including Super Monkey Ball 2, Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, and Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz.
Legacy
Super Monkey Ball is considered to be one of the best party games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and charming visuals have made it a favorite of gamers of all ages. Super Monkey Ball has also been praised for its replayability, as the game’s many stages and multiplayer modes offer a lot of content to keep players entertained.
Super Monkey Ball has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s success helped to popularize the party game genre and inspired other developers to create similar games. Super Monkey Ball has also been featured in several crossover games, including Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Super Monkey Ball is a classic party game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming visuals, and catchy music make it a timeless classic that is sure to entertain players of all ages.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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