“The next thing we knew, it was 12:30!” I’m sure you’ve said that more than once, after getting wrapped up in the fun of a game. That’s usually the sign of an outstanding game. Sure enough, Sega’s port of this arcade game is dead on brilliant.

The puzzle mode is an exercise in frustration, but a delightful one. Some of the tracks you need to maneuver your little simian around are seemingly designed by the Marquis de Sade, with treacherous turns and gut-wrenching leaps of faith.

If that was all the game had, it would be a marginal purchase at best. But the party games are great fun. Monkey Race is like Mario Kart with monkeys. Monkey Battle is like Super Smash Bros. … with monkeys. Monkey Target is like Pilotwings … er, you get the picture.

Monkey Target was the focus of most of last night, and it’s definitely an equalizer for my wife, who was getting mercilessly pounded in Monkey Battle. Flinging your monkeys off a ramp and trying to glide your way to the point platforms is an incredibly good time.

Now with all these party games, and the puzzle mode, you’ve got a hit on your hands. But Sega didn’t stop there. After earning points in the puzzle game, you can buy “Mini Games,” like Monkey Billiards, Monkey Bowling, and Monkey Golf. We’ve only played Bowling so far, but it’s also looking like it will be a blast at parties.

I could get into all the details of the graphics (superb!), gameplay (excellent!), or the sound … but this is certainly the domain for a full review. Monkey Ball is a GREAT game, and something to play while waiting for Super Smash Bros. Melee. Definitely recommended!

Oh, and the wife LOVES it. :)