Super Monkey Ball
Screenshots
Summary
Super Monkey Ball is a 2001 platform-based party video game created by Amusement Vision and released by Sega. The game first appeared in Japan at the 2001 Amusement Operators Union trade show under the name Monkey Ball, an arcade machine built on Sega's NAOMI platform and operated with a unique banana-shaped control stick. Following the decline of Sega's Dreamcast console and the company's resulting reorganization, an improved version titled Super Monkey Ball was launched as a GameCube title in late 2001, marking Sega's first foray into publishing a game for a Nintendo home system. Developed under the leadership of Amusement Vision's Toshihiro Nagoshi, Super Monkey Ball tasks players with steering a clear ball housing one of four monkeys—AiAi, MeeMee, Baby, or GonGon—through a sequence of maze-like stages. The objective is to reach the finish line without falling off the course or letting the time run out to unlock the next level. The game also features multiple multiplayer options, including standalone mini-games and variations of the main single-player experience.
Storyline
This game features a story exclusive to the Japanese version. Here's a translated excerpt: AiAi, MeeMee, and Baby are a happy family living in peace on Jungle Island. One day, from a distant land, GonGon, the leader of the Gorillas, launched a raid on the island. Their goal? To take all the bananas for themselves! AiAi manages to escape the chaos but becomes exhausted and falls asleep. In his dream, the "Grand Monkey" reveals the existence of a paradise known as "Banana Island" floating in the sky. However, reaching it requires navigating through various traps and obstacles. The Grand Monkey also teaches AiAi a magical chant: "Ei Ei Poo!"—a spell that shields him from all dangers. AiAi awakens and, shouting "Ei Ei Poo!", a massive ball descends from the sky. He jumps inside and soars high into the air. Now, it's time to survive the dangers ahead and reach Banana Island! If players complete the Master Stages (set above Banana Island) while controlling AiAi, MeeMee, or Baby, they can reach Banana Island and enjoy all the bananas it has to offer. However, if playing as GonGon, he will be barred from the area where the bananas are stored while the other characters enjoy them.
Similar games
Alternative titles
- SMB— Other Alias