Super Monkey Ball Touch and Roll

SCORE: 82

Sega has gotten Super Monkey Ball on a lot of different systems. Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll is specifically designed for the Nintendo DS (editor: mainly in the controls). Many of the favorite monkeys are back inside their balls rolling around in some of the most annoying puzzle levels conceived by the brilliant minds at Sega. The ESRB rated this game ‘E’ for Everyone, but forgot to mention the very crude humor found within this Nintendo DS cartridge. The main menu has a monkey shaking his behind at the player asking to be touched there. Pretty disgusting stuff I know.

I was disappointed with the graphics in Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll. While the monkeys are in the balls (the majority of the game play) they look like they were transferred over from the Gameboy Advance. A lot of the graphics are re-used, and the brightness has sadly been toned down. There is cartoon violence in many of the party games. Monkey Wars is the worst one in that regard. Thankfully I only find the repulsive humor on the start screen, but on the flip side it is seen by everyone who plays this game.

Sega did a decent job with the music in Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll. Sure all of the music has been heard in previous Monkey Ball games, but that music has been generally very good. The special effect sounds are another story entirely. I am sad every time my little monkey baby falls off the ledge.

Sega includes a lot of levels in Super Monkey Ball video games, and Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll is no exception. There is also a wonderful little mini game to play while the credits are rolling. The difficulty may turn some people off though.

While we are talking difficulty, Sega really needs to address this. Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll starts out simple enough, but then it is like hitting a brick wall. Hours of practice can help, but the touch only controls can cause numerous control problems. Slowing down, or even trying to stop after going down a steep slope can be nearly impossible. Some of the party games can be fun, but the meat of Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll is not. I question the physics that Sega uses in this Nintendo DS video game.

I really do not understand why video game developers feel the need to throw in offensive material like the start menu. The violence in Monkey Wars is boring beyond belief, but then all violence is boring. There are some good things in Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll about learning how to overcome obstacles. Clean up the problems, and then submit some sequels Sega.
- Yolanda

Graphics: 74%
Sound: 89%
Replay/Extras: 86%
Gameplay: 79%
Family Friendly Factor: 82%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Sega
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Mild Cartoon Violence}

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