Super Monkey Ball

 GameCube
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. Gamestyle
    90
    This is the perfect game to really see who has the patience and stamina to go all the way.
  2. Cincinnati Enquirer
    80
    A dangerously addictive diversion to monkey around with.
  3. GMR Magazine
    80
    An exceptional game based on a simple concept; some of the later levels will eat you for lunch. [Feb 2003, p.96]
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  5. Nintendo Power
    100
    Undeniably fun. It's a twitchy test of coordination and precision that'll make a monkey out of any pro, and it's a hard tgame to master and an even harder game to put down. [Nov 2001, p.141]
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  6. GameShark
    98
    SMB is unique, fun and, most importantly, as playable every day as it was the day you bought it.
  7. Games Radar
    91
    Packed to the rafters with ticklish problem-solving, as you have to complete your goals and collect bananas. [GamesMaster Magazine]
  8. GameSpy
    91
    The best arcade-style action / party game to come around in ages.
  9. Nintendophiles
    90
    Once again, the combination of Sega and monkeys has resulted in an extremely addicting game. Don’t pass this game up.
  10. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Even though this title screams party game, it’s much more fun to play alone than, say, a Mario Party title. Old school is definitely back, and it’s a heck of a good time playing it on a GameCube.
  11. GameSpot
    88
    Solid graphics, addictive yet accessible gameplay, and some of the best multiplayer action on the system make it a winner.
  12. Nintendojo
    85
    Yes, it's a frustrating game, to be sure. But it’s the warm, fuzzy kind of frustrating.
  13. Game Informer
    85
    For a game that's been billed as a modest little action game, that's a hell of a lot of replay value. [Nov 2001, p.116]
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  14. GamerWeb Nintendo
    84
    One of the best next generation console games out there right now for any platform.
  15. IGN
    83
    With both its finely tuned single-player experience and addictive multiplayer one, Super Monkey Ball has sleeper hit written all over it.
  16. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    82
    May just be the best party game ever made. [Dec 2001, p.254]
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  17. Cloudchaser
    75
    If you are looking for some quick fun for you and your girlfriend pick this one up, but for anything else, the monkeys are only good for a rental at best.
  18. Cheat Code Central
    100
    The most fun I've ever had playing a puzzle game before.
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  19. GamePro
    90
    What's so super about SMB? The added multiplayer games that turn this enhanced arcade port into one of the the best party games ever.
  20. Hot Games
    80
    With the exception of the very tight turns in the game, it's as easy as shelling peanuts once you get a few practice rounds in.
  21. G4 TV
    80
    The extremely clean graphics, married to addictive, simple gameplay are enough to recommend this title.
  22. GamePen
    80
    If you don’t mind unique ideas and simple game play, then you can’t go wrong with Super Monkey Ball.
  23. All Game Guide
    80
    It's weird, wacky and highly entertaining, and comes loaded to the brim with extras than only enhance its luster.
  24. Next Generation Magazine
    60
    Not unlike "Crazy Taxi," you’ll have fun every time you play, but the concept gets tiring pretty quickly and you’ll want to step away for a while. [Dec 2001, p.83]
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  25. Gaming Age
    100
    It is likely that a few months from now, Super Monkey Ball will be one of the few launch titles that you still will be playing, especially if you have friends to play with.
  26. Cinescape
    100
    The best party game in history.
  27. Into Liquid Sky
    91
    It's downright fun and you'll find yourself having a hard time pulling yourself away from it. While the single-player feels a little underdeveloped, you will play it enough to unlock the fun mini-games.
  28. Core Magazine
    83
    Here’s a lesson in elegant game design...as pure and enjoyable a game as any in the GameCube launch lineup.
  29. Game Revolution
    83
    It sounds like a game doomed from the start, but ultimately turns out to be a stroke of genius.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best GameCube Game of 2001
5
#5 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2001
3
#3 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 83
  3. Negative: 5 out of 83
  1. TierneyTalib
    May 15, 2013
    10
    Such a refined and polished game. You can tell they thought a lot about every single detail of this really "hardcore" game. The "escalating"Such a refined and polished game. You can tell they thought a lot about every single detail of this really "hardcore" game. The "escalating" of the level difficulty is really great. The main game is very addictive and it can really make you rage. And if you get tired of it, you also have mini games like bowling, pool or golf. This game is from the era when Amusement Vision made awesome games and the AV on a cover of a game was a seal of quality.… Full Review »
  2. MrTacoBob
    Sep 16, 2017
    9
    Sega is not only known for Sonic, well for the time but in the early 2000's this series came around. Super Monkey Ball has so much charm andSega is not only known for Sonic, well for the time but in the early 2000's this series came around. Super Monkey Ball has so much charm and fun gameplay it is probably one of the best Gamecube games.… Full Review »
  3. aHard
    Aug 2, 2023
    8
    If you haven’t played Super Monkey Ball on the GameCube, so yourself a favour and play Super Monkey Ball on the GameCube.
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