Super Monkey Ball 2

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2002
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 87
  3. Negative: 6 out of 87
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  1. LeviT.
    Jun 7, 2003
    10
    Incredibly fun and deep single player game, along with the most insanely fun multiplayer mini-games ever.
  2. ChristianC.
    Jun 10, 2005
    9
    So fun they really upgraded with better games wow wow better and funner places to do story I thought the story was dumb but its too fun there they really upgraded it im impressed so fun but the bored level still there if you play like 30 min.
  3. DarkTranquillity
    Sep 6, 2002
    10
    SMB2 has got to be the best value on the GC. There's 15 separate games, all of which are incredibly fun. The main game is basically a 3D version of the Nes classic Marble Madness. That comparison doesn't really do SMB2 justice though. There are 150 courses here, while Marble Madness only has 7 or 8. Some of the SMB2 labyrinths are very challenging due to a slow, yet consistent SMB2 has got to be the best value on the GC. There's 15 separate games, all of which are incredibly fun. The main game is basically a 3D version of the Nes classic Marble Madness. That comparison doesn't really do SMB2 justice though. There are 150 courses here, while Marble Madness only has 7 or 8. Some of the SMB2 labyrinths are very challenging due to a slow, yet consistent increase in difficulty over the many stages. I imagine the course designers laughing it up at how devious some of the labyrinths are. My only complaint with SMB2 are occasional stutters in frame rate, and the camera sometimes isn't perfect. Both are very minor quibbles, and certainly don't detract from the fun. … Expand
  4. GDsReviews
    May 27, 2022
    4
    This game is significantly better than original Super Monkey Ball by being able to start with 99 lives at max, a story mode where you don’t have to worry about losing lives, and far better and expanded party game roster that greatly improves on the party games in the original.

    Unfortunately, it takes an insane amount of grinding to unlock all the party games and especially 99 lives at    This game is significantly better than original Super Monkey Ball by being able to start with 99 lives at max, a story mode where you don’t have to worry about losing lives, and far better and expanded party game roster that greatly improves on the party games in the original.

    Unfortunately, it takes an insane amount of grinding to unlock all the party games and especially 99 lives at max for the start, still has a grating soundtrack, and remains brutally hard. Point blank, this game is only fun in multiplayer party games against your friends.    … Expand
  5. [Anonymous]
    Oct 21, 2004
    10
    ThiS GamE Is HoT.
  6. Adam
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    I love this game.the mini games rule.
  7. KevinC.
    Oct 13, 2002
    8
    This Game is fun but it is very frustrating so for those who like frustration this is your game!!!!!!
  8. JohnB.
    Jan 31, 2004
    10
    I think we all should ignore the last and lowest scored review of this game because all he basically bashes this game about is sound and graphics and personally I don't that's what a game's about. There's just one word for this game: amazing. I have never used this much of my motor, hand-eye coordination, or reflexive skills in any other game in a long time. The great I think we all should ignore the last and lowest scored review of this game because all he basically bashes this game about is sound and graphics and personally I don't that's what a game's about. There's just one word for this game: amazing. I have never used this much of my motor, hand-eye coordination, or reflexive skills in any other game in a long time. The great thing about this game is that it not only takes serious skill to beat it, but it isn't too frustrating and isn't impossible to beat. It has some of the most innovative gameplay I have ever seen. I think this series could really be going somewhere regardless of its corniness and immaturity. Could it possibly be a replacement for Sonic the Hedgehog...? Hmmmm...I hope not, but the recent Sonic games haven't been to great either.… Expand
  9. JeremiahS.
    Jul 17, 2004
    10
    Simply amazing...and I thought the music was really awesome!
  10. RyanM.
    Sep 21, 2002
    10
    It's everything that the first one wasn't. It has to be one of the best multiplayer experiences of all-time!
  11. drlowdon
    Jun 9, 2013
    8
    Super Monkey Ball finds the player as a monkey encapsulated inside a see through ball and then presented with a number of challenges to complete. In single player this largely involves traversing a series of Marble Madness style mazes within a set time period. As one would expect these mazes are relatively simple to begin but soon become increasingly difficult. The controls and levelSuper Monkey Ball finds the player as a monkey encapsulated inside a see through ball and then presented with a number of challenges to complete. In single player this largely involves traversing a series of Marble Madness style mazes within a set time period. As one would expect these mazes are relatively simple to begin but soon become increasingly difficult. The controls and level design are excellent but some of the mazes later in the game can seem to rely more on luck than skill and this can become very frustrating. Very few players will see it out all the way to the end.

    The biggest addition from the first title is the inclusion of a host of new multiplayer games (now making twelve in total) for up to four players. Many of these, such as monkey bowling and monkey golf are good for filling in half an hour or so but monkey target is good enough to be a game all by itself. This sees the player attempting to land the monkey on targets floating in the ocean with points being awarded depending on where you land. As other players can knock you off the target it often becomes very tactical and is superb fun with three other players.

    Overall Super Monkey Ball 2 is amongst the best multiplayer games available on the Gamecube and since it can be played on Wii would make a great addition to anyone’s collection.    … Expand
  12. namDa65
    Jan 21, 2012
    9
    I don't understand why, but the gamecube has the most cute and addictive games ever. Animal crossing, and then now this? Great game for its time, including a plethora of minigames. This includes rowing, on rails shooter, and boxing. There's then the main story which has ~100 levels i believe. Cant remmeber
  13. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    8
    A fun game with friends.
  14. lucaspucasseven
    Jul 30, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is simply astonishing. The gameplay is simple, fun and addicting, the level design is great, the difficulty is hard yet fair, the graphics are great for the Gamecube, and the music is amazing.
    It's basically like another Marble-Labyrinth-type game, but it's probably the best and most unique of the bunch. It's also an amazing sequel, fixing all the problems that the first had, and expanding upon it.
    There are 159 different stages in this game, counting the Bonus, Extra, and Master Levels.
    There is also a ton of replay value with the extra stages, bonus stages, and the plethora of mini games to play with your friends, but if those aren't your thing, you can always just play the main game with your friends in Challenge Mode.
    The game can get very frustrating at times, especially with levels like "Arthropod", "Warp", and "Labyrinth", just to name a few. However, if you are able to complete all three difficulties of Challenge Mode and the extra stages, you'll unlock The Master Stages: the Ultimate Monkey Challenge.
    The Master Stages is a collection of the 20 hardest and most frustrating levels in this game, but if you have enough skill and patience, you can overcome them.
    This game is amazing. From the addicting Main Game, to the chaotic Party games, to the insane Master Stages, it is amazing in nearly every way. I'm very surprised that the game somewhat faded into obscurity among Gamecube owners, because this is honestly one of the best games on the console. Buy it now.    … Expand
  15. AUFT
    Oct 20, 2013
    10
    Such an addicting game. I know I'm writing a review of a game that came out many years ago but honestly, It is well deserved. AV never ceases to amaze. Great replay value!
  16. Skywire01
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Fantastic... Very fun and has incredible ideas and graphics for being published in 2002, meaning it was probably the best game ever put out when ahead of its time. It allows you to earn points to get new minigames, and has nice sound effects and music on some of them. Monkey Ball will probably be the best kid/ cute game ever to come out by Sega. It recently came out with a new 3ds game,Fantastic... Very fun and has incredible ideas and graphics for being published in 2002, meaning it was probably the best game ever put out when ahead of its time. It allows you to earn points to get new minigames, and has nice sound effects and music on some of them. Monkey Ball will probably be the best kid/ cute game ever to come out by Sega. It recently came out with a new 3ds game, which allows you to view the gaming in 3d. The new game is not only fun and has ideas that are like the Smash Brothers and Mario Kart put out Nintendo, but is also very cheap. Monkey Ball will probably transfor to the Wii U at some point, and other consuls as well. Super Monkey Ball 2 has already been transfored to the Xbox if you dont have a gamecube, buy this game ASAP.… Expand
  17. LostNexusGamer
    Nov 29, 2017
    7
    Super Monkey Ball 2 (SMB2) states itself as a parkour-party game. The game is amazing when your playing with others. The 4 player Co-op can be great entertainment when hosting a party or having friends over. On the other hand, it can be extremely boring when playing alone. There aren't a whole lot of options. There are some mini-games you can play, but those won't last a long time. TheSuper Monkey Ball 2 (SMB2) states itself as a parkour-party game. The game is amazing when your playing with others. The 4 player Co-op can be great entertainment when hosting a party or having friends over. On the other hand, it can be extremely boring when playing alone. There aren't a whole lot of options. There are some mini-games you can play, but those won't last a long time. The only way the mini-games can be entertaining is if you actually play with multiple people. The graphics are impressive for 6th generation. The simmering of the light off the floor was a noticeable trait. The soundtrack is forgettable, and you will find the game annoying from the constant screaming of monkeys. Not to mention the creep who says "ready" over and over again. Play the game if you have multiple people. On the other hand, this was a promising game which ended in an annoying setback.… Expand
  18. fijiboy
    Apr 21, 2014
    7
    its as fun as a barrel of monkeys. you roll through the stages as quickly as you can to get the best score. it is very satisfying to complete these stages, since many of the harder ones will take quite a few tries. the other game modes are a lot of fun as well. the bad thing about the game is that it is strictly gameplay, that's it, and that would have been fine 20 years ago, but duringits as fun as a barrel of monkeys. you roll through the stages as quickly as you can to get the best score. it is very satisfying to complete these stages, since many of the harder ones will take quite a few tries. the other game modes are a lot of fun as well. the bad thing about the game is that it is strictly gameplay, that's it, and that would have been fine 20 years ago, but during the time of this game, people are starting to expect things such as a storyline, interesting characters and a sensible objective. so in that sense it is an arcade game on a console, and its tons of fun… Expand
  19. shado474
    Mar 6, 2017
    9
    At first I wasn't a fan of the addition of a story, but I got used to it and enjoyed the more gradual difficulty curve. The stages felt easier than those from the previous game, especially in the expert mode, but in some cases were more creative. This game also has more to do in multiplayer mode than its predecessor, which can make it a good party game.
    Overall on par with Super Monkey    At first I wasn't a fan of the addition of a story, but I got used to it and enjoyed the more gradual difficulty curve. The stages felt easier than those from the previous game, especially in the expert mode, but in some cases were more creative. This game also has more to do in multiplayer mode than its predecessor, which can make it a good party game.
    Overall on par with Super Monkey Ball in my opinion, but new players may want to start with this one due to its lower difficulty level. Definitely not a game to play with an uncalibrated or defective joystick!    … Expand
  20. CarlDaShyGuy
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    If you want a fun and challenging sequel with excellent multiplayer and solo mode, then this is the prefect game for you. This game's predecessor was flawed, and the game fixed any and all issues with the game. You may not believe me when I say this, but this game is literally perfect. This game defined the Super Monkey Ball series for me. The game is expansive and has lots to unlock, toIf you want a fun and challenging sequel with excellent multiplayer and solo mode, then this is the prefect game for you. This game's predecessor was flawed, and the game fixed any and all issues with the game. You may not believe me when I say this, but this game is literally perfect. This game defined the Super Monkey Ball series for me. The game is expansive and has lots to unlock, to play, and to have fun with your friends. All the stages are great in their own way. But believe me, this game can get HARD. Like, really hard. Beginners, I recommend you try the beginner stages. The game's modes are very unique and are lots of fun both in solo and multiplayer. By far, the best aspect is the simplicity. Even if this is you very first time playing Super Monkey Ball, even a game in general, then no need to crack open a manual. The game lets inexperienced and experienced players alike play the game with ease, though the game gets very hard. The levels are so much more expansive than in the first.

    Scores

    Solo: 10/10
    Multiplayer: 10/10
    Controls: 10/10
    Replay Value: 10/10
    Graphics: 10/10
    Sound: 10/10

    Final Score: 10/10 (God-Tier)    … Expand
  21. obthegeek
    Nov 22, 2020
    9
    basically, ditto what i had to say about spaghetti manky balls 1. a lot easier this time round, thankfully and unfortunately.
  22. GamecubeLover
    Jul 21, 2016
    10
    Better than the first one cause there is more to do and better levels. This game THIS GAME is my 5th favorite game with amazing controls and amazing graphics and amazing gameplay this is easily one of the best games I have every played in my entire life.
  23. MrTacoBob
    Sep 16, 2017
    10
    The sequel of Super Monkey Ball is better than the original it adds bunch of upgrades that make the game more fun than the original. Super Monkey Ball 2 is definitely in my top 5 favorite Gamecube games.
  24. nitorita
    Feb 14, 2022
    7
    A generously vast suite of minigames places this game far ahead of its competition and easily makes other casual games on the GameCube—particularly sports—obsolete.

    Unfortunately, the main game suffers from balancing issues, because as soon as you go beyond the Beginner stages, the maps often end up being constant dice rolls rather than skill-based play. Even with cheats, you'll likely    A generously vast suite of minigames places this game far ahead of its competition and easily makes other casual games on the GameCube—particularly sports—obsolete.

    Unfortunately, the main game suffers from balancing issues, because as soon as you go beyond the Beginner stages, the maps often end up being constant dice rolls rather than skill-based play. Even with cheats, you'll likely find yourself stuck on a stage or two for ages because of the inherent design of it boiling down to luck.

    The ridiculous scarcity of bananas available to the player does not help the case either, as you never collect enough for them to matter, which disincentivizes collecting them to begin with. You're better off just rushing for the goal each time.

    Overall, I think this sequel would be best paired with the prequel—you would play the main game on the first and the minigames on the second.    … Expand
  25. neojotic
    Aug 26, 2020
    9
    A classic game in this franchise along with the first title. Great graphics, great levels and heaps of fun!

    Difficulty increases perfectly throughout the game. Awesome Sega game from an era where Sega was a dominant third party developer.

    Can't help but love this game!
  26. TicketStubs
    Jun 25, 2021
    10
    This game was an impactful part of my childhood. The main campaign has fun and exciting gameplay that challenges the user. The party games were innovative and never got old. I think out of all the games I played on the GameCube this particular game was a timeless masterpiece comparatively.
  27. ibblue07
    Oct 3, 2021
    9
    Super Monkey Ball 2 offers great single player content as well as fun multiplayer modes. It has a rather steep difficulty curve, but once you get used to it this game is a blast!
  28. gamesreviewer35
    Mar 4, 2022
    8
    Remember spending loads of time with this game and the first Super Monkey Ball back in the days of the GameCube. Lots of multiplayer options available. Still a party staple (along with it's predecessor), worth playing even today, particularly for parties.
  29. Strykersweez
    Sep 1, 2022
    10
    I'm rating this game this high primarily because of how good the mini games are. The physics in this game is astounding!

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best GameCube Game of 2002
11
#11 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2002
33
#33 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Cincinnati Enquirer
    90
    Easily the game's greatest strength is its simplicity — there's no need to "monkey around" with complicated controls or even crack open the manual for that matter.
    Read full review
  2. Gamestyle
    90
    The levels are so much more diverse, so much more rich, solid, 3 dimensional even, than in the first - the levels just move so much more.
    Read full review
  3. GMR Magazine
    80
    The extra game modes add quite a bit to the simple concept. [Feb 2003, p.96]
See all critic reviews »