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Super Monkey Ball Jr.

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 20 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 6 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Sega
Genre(s): Action
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: November 20, 2002
Summary
Maneuver your monkey across 60+ stages filled with barriers, bumps, and rails. With mini-games and multiple game modes, Super Monkey Ball could be the most "well-rounded" games you've ever played. AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon, and Baby make their GBA debut! Over 60 tables filled with steps, bumps, moving platforms, and more. Includes 4 of your favorite mini-games: Monkey Fight, Monkey Duel, Monkey Golf, and Monkey Bowling. [THQ]
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
IGN
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.
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
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.
Read Full Review >Cheat Code Central
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.
GamePro
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.
Read Full Review >Nintendophiles
It plays like an absolute dream. Sometimes I forgot I was playing on my GBA.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
While it’s essentially "Marble Madness" with better graphics and a few twists in the game design, it feels much more than that.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
A perfect GBA adaptation of the GCN original.[Jan 2003, p.174]
My Gamer
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.
Read Full Review >GamerWeb Nintendo
It faithfully reproduces what was one of the best surprises of the GameCube launch in almost every respect!
Read Full Review >Game Over Online
Able to combine both mechanical genius and addictive magic to give you a compelling offbeat title that everyone ought to check out.
Read Full Review >Pocket Games
The 3D engine runs smoothly, mimicking the look and feel of the GC game while maintaining its tight controls. [Spring 2003, p.39]
G4 TV
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.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
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.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
It's easy enough so that anyone can play it but challenging enough to stump even the most intellectual of players.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
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]
Game Informer
The physics and control (digital instead of analog) are a tad off. [Feb 2003, p.108]
Gamestyle
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.
Read Full Review >Modojo
It certainly has its faults, but if you crave some monkey action on the go, it more than satisfies your primal hunger.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
An unexpected technical achievement for the GBA, but that doesn't make it a fun game -- it most decidedly is not a fun game.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Uter gave it a 9:
I'd give it a 10/10 had I not played the GC version (which is superior for obvious reasons). It's really an outstanding gba game.
Kyle B. gave it a 10:
A monkey in a ball? GENIUS!!!
Michael R. gave it a 10:
This game is the best gba one to date. I think its a brilliant game!!!!!!
James B. gave it a 10:
This game is dangerously addictive and fun! An awesome port of the gamecube version! It is definitely a must have for any avid GBA player!
