Super Monkey Ball 3D

 3DS
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 27, 2011
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 57
  3. Negative: 16 out of 57
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  1. Gaming Nexus
    May 13, 2011
    91
    My only major complaint is the lack of mini-games. While the two present can be fun in their own right, I would have loved to see a few more for variety.
  2. Game Chronicles
    Apr 7, 2011
    84
    The main game ends up being the most fun, but it can be completed relatively quickly. As far as launch games go, Super Monkey Ball 3D ends up being an impressive one, simply because of the amount of content available.
  3. GameShark
    Apr 14, 2011
    83
    While it risks being overlooked due to some of the series' less than stellar versions, Super Monkey Ball plays like a dream on Nintendo's latest handheld. It's a true return to form for AiAi and the bunch, and one of the best uses of 3D I've seen yet on the system.
  5. DarkZero
    May 16, 2011
    80
    This is definitely a return to form for for the franchise. It's not as good as the original game, and much as that was what I was hoping for, it's not a disappointment.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Mar 20, 2011
    80
    There will inevitably be some long-time fans disappointed by the game's far tamer level designs and lack of fan favourite Monkey Target mini-game, but those who can open their minds up to something a bit different might actually find the game a fun and engaging experience.
  7. Nintendo Power
    Apr 13, 2011
    75
    Still, the Super Monkey action here proves to be a satisfying addition to the franchise. [April 2011, p.86]
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  8. Impulsegamer
    Apr 13, 2011
    75
    In the end, SEGA should be commended for releasing one of their best Super Monkey Ball games to date. Not only does it pay homage to the original GameCube game but it features updated graphics and gyroscope technology that takes the franchise into the 21st century. It's a shame that the 3D doesn't work too well with the gyroscope but if you use the circle pad, the 3D works like a charm.
  9. IGN
    Mar 25, 2011
    75
    A stellar action puzzle hybrid with tight controls, Monkey Ball 3D is the best Monkey Ball game since the original, and Sega's found some cool ways to implement the system's 3D functionality and make it relevant to the gameplay.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best 3DS Game of 2011
16
#16 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2011
27
#27 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 43
  3. Negative: 13 out of 43
  1. christine-999
    Oct 24, 2014
    2
    Play Monkey Ball 2 on Gamecube and then tell me this adds up in anyway. This version of the game is possibly the worst game I have everPlay Monkey Ball 2 on Gamecube and then tell me this adds up in anyway. This version of the game is possibly the worst game I have ever played. I beat the main game in half and hour and the rest is so terrible I got rid of it immediately after. This is worthy of complaining to Sega....shameful and do not waste your money if you are over the age of 5.… Full Review »
  2. Human111
    Sep 21, 2011
    1
    Oh crap. I accidentally put 10 instead of 5.5 (5). Well there now they even each other out. Read my actual review if you want an in depth lookOh crap. I accidentally put 10 instead of 5.5 (5). Well there now they even each other out. Read my actual review if you want an in depth look in the game. Yeah. . . .… Full Review »
  3. KrakenOfPepsi
    Jan 12, 2020
    3
    Dull graphics, forgettable music, painfully mediocre level design all come together to create yet another nail in the coffin for the MonkeyDull graphics, forgettable music, painfully mediocre level design all come together to create yet another nail in the coffin for the Monkey Ball series. If the Banana Blitz HD remake didn't come out I would recommend this game over the original Banana Blitz purely so you could avoid the agony of using motion-controls or the anguish caused by those unfair and lacklustre boss fights, but now that the remake is out I see little reason to play this game. It is just an overall downgrade of Banana Blitz, with worse controls, graphics, performance, level design and less modes and characters. Not to mention that Banana Blitz is arguably not even worth playing on its own to begin with, neither of these games even come close to touching the original two Monkey Ball games. This game is unbelievably dull and boring, and I stopped playing before I could finish the third world. Not worth picking up even if you're a Monkey Ball fan and or find it cheap.… Full Review »
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