Summary

Release Year: 2006
Genres: Platform, Racing
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
Developers: Traveller’s Tales
Publishers: Sega

Super Monkey Ball Adventure: A Rolling Adventure

Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a 3D platformer game developed by Sega for the Nintendo GameCube. It was released in 2006 and is the fourth installment in the Super Monkey Ball series. The game takes the monkey rolling madness of the previous games and puts a story-based spin on it.

Players choose one of four monkeys – Aiai, Meemee, Baby, or Gongon – and roll their way around the various islands of Monearth. Along the way, they talk to citizens and perform tasks for them to cheer them up. These tasks can range from delivering sandwiches to finding a missing baby to rescuing rare flowers.

The game’s story mode is divided into six chapters, each of which takes place on a different island. The first chapter introduces the game’s main antagonist, Dr. Bad-boon, who is spreading discord and unhappiness all over Monearth. The monkeys must travel to each island and defeat Dr. Bad-boon’s minions in order to restore order.

In addition to the story mode, Super Monkey Ball Adventure also features a variety of other modes, including:

Challenge mode: This mode features a series of increasingly difficult levels that challenge players’ skills.
Party mode: This mode allows up to four players to compete in a variety of minigames.
Time attack mode: This mode challenges players to complete levels as quickly as possible.
Collection mode: This mode allows players to collect a variety of items, including new characters, levels, and items.

Super Monkey Ball Adventure was praised for its charming characters, engaging story, and challenging gameplay. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a 3D platformer game in which players control a monkey inside a ball. The monkeys can be rolled, jumped, and tilted to navigate the game’s levels. Players must use their skills to collect bananas, avoid obstacles, and reach the goal at the end of each level.

The game features a variety of different level types, including:

Standard levels: These levels are straightforward platforming challenges that require players to collect bananas and reach the goal.
Puzzle levels: These levels require players to use their brains to solve puzzles in order to progress.
Boss levels: These levels pit players against large, powerful bosses.

Super Monkey Ball Adventure also features a variety of power-ups that can be used to help players complete levels. These power-ups include:

Speed boost: This power-up increases the speed of the monkey’s ball.
Jump boost: This power-up increases the height of the monkey’s jumps.
Invincibility: This power-up makes the monkey invincible to damage for a short period of time.

Story

The story of Super Monkey Ball Adventure begins with the four monkeys – Aiai, Meemee, Baby, and Gongon – enjoying a typical day on their home island of Jungle Island. However, their day is soon interrupted when they see a flying machine crash down on a nearby island.

The monkeys investigate the crash site and soon discover that the mysterious Naysayers have appeared, spreading discord and unhappiness all over the island. The monkeys also learn that the prince and princess of the neighboring islands have gone missing on Jungle Island.

The monkeys decide to travel to each island and defeat the Naysayers in order to restore order to Monearth and find the missing prince and princess. Along the way, they meet a variety of characters, including a wise old monkey named Elder Kong, a friendly dolphin named Bubbles, and a helpful robot named Dr. Monkey.

Characters

Aiai: The leader of the monkeys and the protagonist of the game. Aiai is a brave and determined monkey who is always willing to help others.
Meemee: Aiai’s best friend and a skilled inventor. Meemee is always coming up with new gadgets and inventions to help the monkeys on their journey.
Baby: The youngest of the monkeys and the most energetic. Baby is always full of enthusiasm and loves to play.
Gongon: The strongest of the monkeys and a skilled fighter. Gongon is always ready to protect his friends and fight for what is right.
Dr. Bad-boon: The main antagonist of the game. Dr. Bad-boon is a power-hungry monkey who is trying to take over Monearth.
Elder Kong: A wise old monkey who lives on Jungle Island. Elder Kong provides the monkeys with guidance and advice on their journey.
Bubbles: A friendly dolphin who helps the monkeys travel between islands.
Dr. Monkey: A helpful robot who provides the monkeys with gadgets and inventions.

Reception

Super Monkey Ball Adventure was praised for its charming characters, engaging story, and challenging gameplay. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

The game received positive reviews from critics. IGN gave the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, saying “Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a great game that offers a lot of fun and challenge for players of all ages.” GameSpot gave the game a score of 8 out of 10, saying “Super Monkey Ball Adventure is a solid platformer that is sure to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.”

Legacy

Super Monkey Ball Adventure is considered to be one of the best games in the Super Monkey Ball series. It was followed by two sequels, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz (2006) and Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll (2007).