Super Monkey Ball DX For Playstation 2 and Xbox Paves Way for SMB3 Roll-Out!
Sega spreads the love
Feel the love!
SPOnG has known since May that Super Monkey Ball for PlayStation 2 and Xbox was on the cards, though for reasons of misplaced loyalty (only kidding McG!) we were asked not to run it, so we didn’t. That’s the kind of nice, PR-friendly entity SPOnG is.
Either that, or a bunch of deluded Sega fanboys so easily bought by the promise of future goodies, like Cream the Rabbit plush toys… No matter.
Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, to be simultaneously launched for both Xbox and PlayStation 2, will see 300 levels of simian balancing mayhem; 114 from Super Monkey Ball, 140 from Super Monkey Ball 2 and 46 Deluxe levels, a rather paltry set of Nagoshi-crafted newness, but better than a poke in the eye with a stick caked in rhesus doo.
And of course, all mini/party games from both Monkey Balls one and two will be blended seamlessly into the mix, including of course, the outrageously addictive Monkey Target.
For reference, the development of Deluxe is being carried out by an as-yet unnamed third-party, though we are assured, under the watchful eye of what remains of the original Amusement Vision team.
Now on to the more interesting stuff. Speaking to various sources close to Sega about the project for the past few months, one point was outlined to us time and time again. Although the GameCube originals sold particularly well, especially in the US, the success of Deluxe will be measured not in sales, but acclimatisation of the Xbox and PlayStation 2 user bases to the brand. In preparation of course, for the Odyssian arrival of Super Monkey Ball 3, to be released on all formats.
No online play will be included in the game, from what we can gather, which is a shame: and in contrast to the scoreboard-driven Xbox Live support we had explained to us in May. Still, you never know.
Stay tuned for updates during the run up to the launch of Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, set to hit across the world before Easter on next year.
Either that, or a bunch of deluded Sega fanboys so easily bought by the promise of future goodies, like Cream the Rabbit plush toys… No matter.
Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, to be simultaneously launched for both Xbox and PlayStation 2, will see 300 levels of simian balancing mayhem; 114 from Super Monkey Ball, 140 from Super Monkey Ball 2 and 46 Deluxe levels, a rather paltry set of Nagoshi-crafted newness, but better than a poke in the eye with a stick caked in rhesus doo.
And of course, all mini/party games from both Monkey Balls one and two will be blended seamlessly into the mix, including of course, the outrageously addictive Monkey Target.
For reference, the development of Deluxe is being carried out by an as-yet unnamed third-party, though we are assured, under the watchful eye of what remains of the original Amusement Vision team.
Now on to the more interesting stuff. Speaking to various sources close to Sega about the project for the past few months, one point was outlined to us time and time again. Although the GameCube originals sold particularly well, especially in the US, the success of Deluxe will be measured not in sales, but acclimatisation of the Xbox and PlayStation 2 user bases to the brand. In preparation of course, for the Odyssian arrival of Super Monkey Ball 3, to be released on all formats.
No online play will be included in the game, from what we can gather, which is a shame: and in contrast to the scoreboard-driven Xbox Live support we had explained to us in May. Still, you never know.
Stay tuned for updates during the run up to the launch of Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, set to hit across the world before Easter on next year.
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Comments
Deviluck 8 Sep 2004 10:44
1/9
Now this news is cool, i loved super monkey ball for the GC, and that was a party game, so i will enjoy it for the PS2 also.
Kaxxx 8 Sep 2004 10:51
2/9
I love both games on the GC and im currently playing it on the N-Gage as well (basically the same as the GBA version).
However, i dont think that 46 deluxe levels would be enough to attract me to it. Im sure though that alot of XB and PS2 owners out there will be happy. Its a superb franchise.
However, i dont think that 46 deluxe levels would be enough to attract me to it. Im sure though that alot of XB and PS2 owners out there will be happy. Its a superb franchise.
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ohms 8 Sep 2004 11:29
3/9
>Now this news is cool, i loved super monkey ball
>for the GC, and that was a party game, so i will
>enjoy it for the PS2 also.
*cough* PS2analoguesticks *cough*
>for the GC, and that was a party game, so i will
>enjoy it for the PS2 also.
*cough* PS2analoguesticks *cough*
Joji 8 Sep 2004 11:39
4/9
Good news for everyone, but I think the GC and Xbox versions will take the cake. Many people won't bother buying an overpriced PS2 multitap, to play SMB3, especially at this stage of it's life, but anything is possoible.
SMB series like Mario party is best with four pads and players, GC and Xbox will get this in spades.
SMB series like Mario party is best with four pads and players, GC and Xbox will get this in spades.
Pandaman 8 Sep 2004 20:36
5/9
So the Cube gets screwed from the series that it made popular? That's nice...
Joji 8 Sep 2004 21:44
6/9
Don't be too surprised it's been happening to GC for a while. Viewtiful Joe and now SMB, as much as I don't like it, it's the reality of the industry and GC loosing so much support.
I'd rather the series appear on GC along with other formats, and get new fans, than not on GC at all, like Hitman 3. It's definitely the lesser of two evils.
I'd rather the series appear on GC along with other formats, and get new fans, than not on GC at all, like Hitman 3. It's definitely the lesser of two evils.
Kaxxx 9 Sep 2004 06:38
7/9
At the end of the day its better to see the series last on a multiformat situation rather than see it die in exclusivity to one.
jsm30625 12 Sep 2004 00:44
8/9
Die in exclusivity? What do you mean? Monkey ball sold over 400,000 units each for SMB1 and SMB2 for gamecube alone!
Kaxxx 13 Sep 2004 07:19
9/9
Im talking about the profits Sega need these days. Isnt it better to pull in revenue across the board?
It will pull in the money from going multiformat rather than what it will take from GC sales alone.
It will pull in the money from going multiformat rather than what it will take from GC sales alone.