Gaming Target - Game Boy: Super Monkey Ball Jr.

Written by Matt Swider on January 21, 2003

Review: Sealed inside Sega's giant sphere, this is one ape that'll never escape!

The incredibly simple concept behind the Super Monkey Ball franchise got the ball rolling for Sega when it came to developing on the GameCube. After launching alongside the system in 2001, it's popularity gained momentum as a highly addictive game especially during parties involving four players. While the rest of us were monkeying around with the original, Amusement Vision went on to develop Super Monkey Ball 2 for the GameCube and Sega made a simple rendition of the series available for cell phones and PDAs. Believe it or not, this doesn't bring us up to speed. Just three months after Super Monkey Ball 2 shipped, Sega, THQ, and a developer known as Realism, took part in brining Game Boy Advance enthusiasts a handheld version of the series.

Not only does this game sport a clever title in being dubbed Super Monkey Ball Jr., it also features the same playful monkey mechanics that we have experienced on the GameCube. For those who missed out on Super Monkey Ball 2 and its predecessor, the basic concept behind the series is to guide a monkey that's trapped inside a ball and reach the goal area without falling off the edge of the stage. Despite the odd theme involving monkey-filled balls, the game's general idea travels along the same path as Marble Madness. It's almost as if it were taken from the history books of classic gaming and given a proper update on a current line of platforms. Since the original Super Monkey Ball gameplay was translated so well onto the Game Boy Advance, we have the prime reason why these primates are so enjoyable to spend time with on portable system.

Super Monkey Ball Jr. is made of challenges that may seem simple, but prove to be much more difficult given the level design and other finely tuned puzzle elements. Each of the sixty floors in normal mode is progressively harder than the last. The first couple of stages start out with a simple floor design that contains very few obstructions and no boundaries to help save your monkey hide. The levels quickly become more complicated with moving platforms, narrow pathways, winding curves, and many other puzzle predicaments. At the same time, there are plenty of shortcuts, warp goals, and bonus stages to be discovered. Since each stage is timed, some of these challenges will often seem impossible to complete. However, taking time out for a couple of sessions within the practice mode will surely give you the edge without you falling off of it.

Realism could have taken the easy way out by developing an overhead Monkey Ball experience, but instead of mimicking Sega's cell phone output, the company created a competent 3D engine you'll go ape about. Its display surpasses our expectations for the game by delivering a look that few thought Game Boy Advance was capable of producing just one year ago. Though the monkeys don't appear to be the cute models we remember seeing on GameCube, the rest of Super Monkey Ball Jr. is in perfect pocket size form.

For the most part, the camera is seated directly behind your spinning globe while you franticly race for the goal area. However, when making a sudden turn or following a winding path, the camera doesn't shift into place immediately. It can either be seen as frustrating or as an additional challenge depending on how you look at it. When veering off course due to this reason though, it will more than likely viewed with frustration. Along with the minor hassle of dealing with the camera, players must be conscious about using the directional pad since it doesn't have the same effect as an analog stick. Precision is very slight and only possible through use of the A and B buttons, which tilt the playfield either harder or softer when moving. It takes some time to get used to, but can make all the difference in this game of monkey madness.

Through all of your focus and determination, Super Monkey Ball Jr. is one game that doesn't keep silent. The music takes on the same dynamic undertone originally heard on the GameCube and fills out its soundtrack with impressive beats in the background. Dropping off the edge in Super Monkey Ball Jr. will incite a different cry from the poor little monkeys just as they do on the GameCube. Likewise, all four of the playable monkeys have a distinct cheer echoed upon completing a floor or wiping out all of its competitors. Although the Game Boy Advance wasn't supplied with the best speaker for quality audio of any sort, Super Monkey Ball Jr. is on the ball with it comes to sound.

Earning points by playing through the main portion of Super Monkey Ball Jr. will eventually lead to unlocking its three mini-games. While Monkey Target isn't among them, the game does just fine with Monkey Fight, Monkey Bowling, and Monkey Golf. Monkey Fight isn't especially difficult to master by any means, but it takes many rounds of Golf and a few sessions of Bowling to figure out the best technique possible. I can even say that Monkey Bowling and Monkey Golf can rival any other game dedicated to those specific areas, which is most impressive.

Super Monkey Ball Jr. completes its charm by utilizing the link cable and supporting up to four players in the process. As long as everyone involved owns a cartridge, each of the mini-games can be played for some fast and furious monkey mayhem. Two-players can also take part in Monkey Duel by facing off on one of the standard floors and attempting to finish before their opponent. Although you might not always be able to find some one with a copy of Super Monkey Ball Jr., this is one game that is worth the extra effort to do just that.