Super Monkey Ball Jr.

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Nov 19, 2002
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. GamePro
    90
    While kids will love the cheerful graphics and cute characters, adults can marvel at the simple but polished 3D levels-such as the reflective floors in Monkey Bowling.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    90
    An incredible, bang-on port of the Cube version including many of the levels, modes and characters - all in 3D. Yes, we're talking full 3D here not just some cheesy camera swirls.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Eurogamer
    90
    It's got the looks, the sounds, the depth and the reward structure, not to mention oodles of gameplay and one of the most endearing multiplayer 'party' dynamics ever.
  5. IGN
    90
    It not only offers a hell of a challenge in its main game, it also encourages replays by awarding points that will unlock well-produced mini-games.
  6. Nintendophiles
    90
    It plays like an absolute dream. Sometimes I forgot I was playing on my GBA.
  7. Nintendojo
    89
    While it's essentially "Marble Madness" with better graphics and a few twists in the game design, it feels much more than that.
  8. Nintendo Power
    88
    A perfect GBA adaptation of the GCN original.[Jan 2003, p.174]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Games Radar
    87
    Astonishing stuff. [NGC]
  10. My Gamer
    86
    The challenge may be extremely difficult, but players will have tons of fun in the process. Honors should be given because this is the first 3D handheld game to be ported from a 3D game on a 3D system.
  11. GamerWeb Nintendo
    85
    It faithfully reproduces what was one of the best surprises of the GameCube launch in almost every respect!
  12. GameSpot
    80
    It's easy enough so that anyone can play it but challenging enough to stump even the most intellectual of players.
  13. Game Informer
    80
    The physics and control (digital instead of analog) are a tad off. [Feb 2003, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Game Over Online
    80
    Able to combine both mechanical genius and addictive magic to give you a compelling offbeat title that everyone ought to check out.
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    As accurate a port as one could hope for on GBA - the 3D engine runs smoothly, mimicking the look and feel of the GC game while maintaining its tight controls. [Feb 2003, p.158]
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  16. Pocket Games
    80
    The 3D engine runs smoothly, mimicking the look and feel of the GC game while maintaining its tight controls. [Spring 2003, p.39]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. G4 TV
    80
    The graphics in Super Monkey Ball Jr. truly shine. Executed in the same style as its arcade/console counterparts, Jr. plays in full 3D This level of quality should surprise many.
  18. All Game Guide
    80
    With its cast of cute characters, vibrant graphics, and appealing sound effects, Super Monkey Ball Jr. feels right at home on Game Boy Advance, even despite the sometimes hairy controls. It's a great title to take on the road or to enjoy with a group of friends.
  19. Gamestyle
    70
    There is certainly a lot to keep anyone occupied here, even if the main game is a little un-balanced, simply firing up a game of monkey bowling whilst sitting on the train makes it a worthy purchase.
  20. Modojo
    60
    It certainly has its faults, but if you crave some monkey action on the go, it more than satisfies your primal hunger.
  21. GameSpy
    52
    An unexpected technical achievement for the GBA, but that doesn't make it a fun game -- it most decidedly is not a fun game.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
16
#16 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
15
#15 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. GamecubeLover
    Jul 27, 2016
    10
    THQ made this? Wow. This game is just like the Gamecube games but on the Gameboy Advance! This game has amazing gameplay, easy and hardTHQ made this? Wow. This game is just like the Gamecube games but on the Gameboy Advance! This game has amazing gameplay, easy and hard levels, and its portable!… Full Review »
  2. DragonriderJC
    Aug 9, 2021
    8
    this is almost a master piece
    the d pad in 3d can take a bit of practice
    some stages are near impossible if you didn't know about using the    this is almost a master piece
    the d pad in 3d can take a bit of practice
    some stages are near impossible if you didn't know about using the B and A buttons    … Full Review »
  3. NinWiidle
    Jan 11, 2020
    7
    Two words: Monkey Fight. The main game looks great for the gba, but the controls seel somewhat awkward. To be totally honest, most of my timeTwo words: Monkey Fight. The main game looks great for the gba, but the controls seel somewhat awkward. To be totally honest, most of my time with this game has been spent playing the monkey fight mini-game. This game accomplishes what it set out to do: Semi-port Super Monkey Ball to the GBA. It just doesn't do much more than that.… Full Review »
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