Super Monkey Ball jr

SCORE: 90

THQ teaming up with Sega is something that Family Friendly Gaming is not accustomed to. Both Sega, and THQ are known for some family friendly titles that have caught our eye in the past. So when I came across Super Monkey Ball jr. on the Gameboy Advance I had to get a review going for it. For those not versed on the Monkey Ball series; these monkeys are inside balls, and they roll around the level to the goal. The player achieves this by rotating the entire level with the control pad to make the ball roll around. Simplistic in design, but strategic enough to be of interest.

The graphics in Super Monkey Ball jr. are better than I expected for the Gameboy Advance (GBA). The graphics will not stand up to the home console versions (even the older ones), however all of the characters, items, and levels are very recognizable. The background graphics have always been extremely well done, and this version does not disappoint there either. The only violence is some of the mini games that have some cartoon styled violence. I did not find any offensive images in this game at all.

The sounds are very crisp and clear in Super Monkey Ball jr. The music is very cheerful, uplifting, and upbeat. I had to remind myself that this was the GBA, and there is not a lot of musical channels on this little machine. Many of the sounds from the console versions made it to this little hand held version, and have transitioned better than I had expected.

The Super Monkey Ball series has always been known for its party games. Super Monkey Ball jr. does not disappoint there either. Monkey Fight, Monkey Bowling, Monkey Golf, and Monkey Duel are all present and accounted for. Four players can link up to play one another in these games. There are also sixty plus floors for the one player campaign. If you can find this game, then it is one you should consider picking up.

Sega and THQ obviously knew what they doing with the controls of Super Monkey Ball jr. The controls work wonderfully, and the level design is awesome. It should be noted that many of the levels have been in previous Super Monkey Ball games, but this is the first Super Monkey Ball game on the hand held. I had fun playing this game.

Super Monkey Ball jr. has few lessons in it. The main lessons are concentration, balance, and attention to detail. I would really like to see a sequel to this game, especially if it was put on the Nintendo DS. It was my pleasure to play and review Super Monkey Ball jr. I really wish there were more games like this one where offensive material is kept out, and good clean fun is kept in. Good job Sega, and THQ.
- Paul

Graphics: 89%
Sound: 92%
Replay/Extras: 91%
Gameplay: 96%
Family Friendly Factor: 84%
System: Gameboy Advance
Publisher: Sega
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Comic Mischief}

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