Monkey Ball Bounces Onto PSP, Consoles
In an attempt to take the series someplace else, Sega decides to change the focus of the game. First screens.
Sega may call the latest Super Monkey Ball a "new creative direction" for the series, but fans of the puzzling series will probably decry the shift in emphasis. The bone of contention is aimed at Super Monkey Ball Adventure, coming later this year to consoles and for the first time the PSP.
As the name suggests, there's more of a story this time around. The Romeo & Juliet-esque tale has new characters to meet and challenges to solve. Playing as one of the four returning plastic-encased simians, you'll use new powers, such as sticking to walls, hovering and turning invisible, to bring peace and harmony to the fractured Monkey Kingdoms.
Though the platform-adventure parts may grate, there is something new for those weaned on the basic-yet-challenging puzzles of the previous games. Super Monkey Ball Adventure has 50 new puzzles and six new multiplayer types - these can also be played over the PSP's wireless connection.
Find out if the new Monkey Ball game has what it takes when Super Monkey Ball Adventure hits the PSP this summer.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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