Super Monkey Ball Adventure (Game Cube, 2006)

**After extensive play, I have found that "Adventure" falls short of the much higher marks set by Super Monkeyball I and II.
**The graphics are nowhere near as good, the music and sounds are simply repeats from other versions, and the loading takes ::F::O::R::E::V::E::R::!!
**Every single action you perform requires loading time, which causes frustration in and of itself.
**The learning curve for this game is perhaps 30 minutes from initial load to, "Oh... THAT'S what I'm supposed to be doing!" Lousy narrative in the How-To Guide is partly to blame. There are way better instructions on the web, I would suggest using them!
**New features include over 20 characters to play with, most available for purchase in the Monkey Stores. Challenging new puzzle format, where you have to complete certain tasks assigned along the way to progress. Inventive monkey cities such as Jungle Island, Kongri-La, Zootopia and Moonhaven offer a change of scenery and difficulty. Standard favorite Party Games such as Fight and Race, alongside new pointless endeavors such as Bounce and Cannon. Oh, the humanity.
**One of the few things that remains similar to previous versions of 'monkey mania' are the mini-games. There are 50 in the entire game. Finding them is task #1, beating them is task #2- infinity. The lower levels are the easiest to beat, but get progressively harder the higher up you go. (Think Advanced Level 26, SMB2, "Launchers") Many of these games require little skill, but a whole lot of luck, so play at your own risk!

My suggestion? Keep a 12 year old on hand in case you end up with a task or minigame you simply cannot do. I've yet to see any video game component stump one of them! ;-) Well worth the money, if you're looking for a long-term investment...as it will take a while to be able to complete the game!