Once in a while an original idea comes out of nowhere, out of leftfield and we furrow our brows wondering whether it'll be any good. Super Monkey Ball is one of those games, mad like a bag of ferrets but fiendishly addictive and charming in equal measure. Oh, and bloody frustrating to boot. Monkey Ball lures you into a false sense of security right from the off. It's front end screams kid's game with it's colourful sacharrine-coated presentation and twee, irritating music. Start playing through the main game and you'd be forgiven for thinking that Super Monkey Ball is a kid's game. It begins baby-simple, but this is all part of a plan to reel you in and then laugh in your face as the learning curve shoots through the roof. Simple in concept, Monkey Ball is incredibly taxing when you begin to navigate the later levels. You'll curse the little simian sods for rolling too close to the edge after you've flawlessly navigated a labyrinthine gauntlet. The reality remains that it's all your fault but try telling that to the pad you just threw across the room in a fit of uncontrollable, foamy-mouthed rage. Monkey Ball tests your nerves to the limit as well as your sanity. Stick with it though and you'll start to improve. You'll acquire a steady hand and a trance like focus. It's then that you realise Super Monkey Ball is not just a game, it's a training tool for other games too. It's then that the game drags you in kicking and screaming and won't let go. You'll want to beat it, just to prove to yourself that you're good enough, that you won't let a colourful kiddy game best you. Best you it will though. Again and again and again: Monkey Ball can be a test of patience and perseverance at times.
If you feel that you need a breather from the main game modes you'll find the real meat of what Monkey Ball has to offer; the party game modes. Boasting a selection of fun bitesize party games the party mode has the potential to consume yours and your mate's time. You'll lose hours to monkey fighting, monkey target, monkey golf and monkey tennis among others.
Super Monkey Ball is a strikingly original, frustrating, enjoyable game. While this may sound like a contradiction (and it is) it encapsulates the game perfectly. Annoying, but definitely worth it. Honest.
Verdict: 8/10
