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First Look: Super Monkey Ball

by Cory Bohon Jul 12th 2008 at 3:00PM


After the WWDC '08 Keynote, everyone wanted this iPhone game -- it received almost as much hype as the iPhone itself. Super Monkey Ball from SEGA definitely has some good qualities, however it does have some bad qualities as well. First off, this game costs $9.99 -- a little steep at first glance, but totally worth it after you notice that it comes with 100+ levels.

The graphics are beautiful, and it definitely pushes the system, but I do have some complaints about the game. First off, the game is extremely hard to control with the tilt-sensors -- perhaps an update with some refined calibration is in order. A bigger complaint about the game: when you have the silent switch flipped on (meaning that the phone shouldn't make ANY noise), the game overrides this and plays the sounds anyway. So, be sure to change the sound settings before you start trying to play this game in a very quiet library or doctor's office. You also cannot pause the game, go to the home screen, and reopen it to start playing again (this might be an SDK issue, rather than a specific SMB problem).

Overall this is a solid game with good performance/graphics. While you won't be able to play this game in the car, it still provides hours of fun sitting extremely still so as not to anger the tilt-sensors. This game is available for $9.99 from the App Store.


First Look: Super Monkey Ball



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After the WWDC '08 Keynote, everyone wanted this iPhone game -- it received almost as much hype as the iPhone itself. Super Monkey Ball...
 

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Rob

I found this game to be totally uncontrollable and therefore unplayable. Worse still - though I complained to Apple Store within 15 mins of buying the game and asked for a refund, its now a week later and i've had not response or refund. Beware! And don't buy anything on the Apple store unless you are sure you won't need to return it - this will be my last purchase there for sure.

July 26 2008 at 7:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Diddle

I downloaded it on recommendations from others online and yeah, it's cool... but it's WAY HARD. I don't care if there's 100 levels, I had trouble finishing the first 10 never mind finishing them at 100% proficiency.

The developers REALLY need to add a calibration (for being able to play reclined) and sensitivity option. It wouldn't be hard for them to do and from what I understand, apps can be updated without having to re-buy them.

For those who are having an issue with crashing their iPhone or Touch, simply remove and re-add the app and it will work fine. (Had this problem at first but it seemed to help by re-installing it.)

July 15 2008 at 2:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Diddle's comment
sgtpritchard

I've never played before and just got this app - do you have to get King's Crowns on all levels before the next world opens up? I completed 1-10 (with a few crowns) but can't get into the next world yet. I do find it very challenging to control but it is a nice game.

July 16 2008 at 12:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Danny F.

I agree, I died on the 3rd level alone at least 10+ times.

They need to re work the controls in a update.

Labyrinth had awesome tilt sensitivity and was hoping the same from this game.

Sega needs to reworks this game for better handling.

July 14 2008 at 10:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Richiepoo

I'm not opposed to charging $10 for games like this, but it seems like they should offer a free "demo" download that only has 1 or 2 levels. I know I'm sure as heck not going to plop down $10 for a game I might not like.

July 13 2008 at 2:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jonny

It's ridiculously hard to control... not fun at all. I do feel like I wasted my money on this.

Crash Bandicoot on the other hand...

July 13 2008 at 12:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
required


I can't believe how bad the iPhone variant looks.

The version for the GameBoy Advance (2002) looked a lot better and I'm certain it played much better.

http://media.gameboy.ign.com/media/480/480095/imgs_1.html

July 13 2008 at 11:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joost Schuur

Even after I realized the behavior of the controls (tilt the world plane, not move the ball), the controls are just way too finicky. Your character seems to change direction seemingly at random because a relatively slight tilt will set the ball off the wrong way, which is a sure death if there's no protective bumpers.

I just uninstalled the game and sorely regret paying the $10.

July 13 2008 at 3:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
yokken

Level 7 hates me. I can't believe I paid $10 for this. This is the worst buyer's remorse I've EVER had.

July 12 2008 at 11:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kruze

You CAN pause tap the clock.
Get your facts straight

July 12 2008 at 11:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Kruze's comment
Danny F.

Read the article again.

You cannot pause the game, go to homescreen, and come back to resume the game.

That is what Cory meant.

July 14 2008 at 10:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mik

It´s not expensive, remember your gameboy apps? You can spend hours with that game. You´ll have to pay the same amount to drive to your neighbors in some countys in the near futue.

July 12 2008 at 8:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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