AIAI and GONGON (Super Monkey Ball)

by Joyride Studios

AIAI

Are you a Super Monkey Ball fan? Think GONGON and AIAI are the coolest monkeys ever? Are you wondering what the hell I’m talking about?

Although Monkey Ball doesn’t have instant brand-name recognition (at least in North America) it doesn’t make their action figures any less worthwhile. In fact, if you’re

under the age of seven, you’re likely have a ball with these figures. (Even though the package says, “Age 8+”.) Because although they are accurate to the game from which they are taken they’re the right size, shape, and cuddliness to attract a larger audience when aimed at the younger crowd. Take for example my son, who more than a few nights,

could be found with AIAI and GONGON on his pillow as he slept.

When AIAI and GONGON are actively played with – and they will be played with – they hold up quite well. But be warned the hard plastic of their heads pick up scratches extremely easy. The torsos and arms are less susceptible to picking up scratches but it still happens.

Their size and the fact they come paired mean that they’re highly playable. Not just amongst themselves but with other figures of smaller size – like Joyride’s Sonic or the Simpsons. The major flaw in terms of playability is that the balls themselves don’t stay together. My son continually tries to roll these guys across the floor and it just doesn’t work. The two halves have no real way to secure to each other, which is too bad – especially because the monkeys are in balls for the entire game and none of that can be recreated.

Collectors are less likely to play with AIAI and GONGON, but they shouldn’t have any problems justifying the purchase.

Both AIAI and GONGON have been nailed to a “T”. GONGON, the bad monkey according to my son, has the angry look of a monkey stuck in a hamster ball. The sculpt is sharp and defined as is the paintjob. The same can be said of AIAI – although he’s a lot happier. The display properties are quite good. Both figures come with a ball and a base for the ball to fit on (making them look like twin snow globes). To keep the figures secure, a plastic “sling” fits in notches on either side allowing each a bit of "swing". This sling has pegs that fit the holes in the feet of AIAI and GONGON. This feature allows different poses to be stuck – there are four points of articulation – inside the balls to keep the display fresh. Outside the balls, GONGON and AIAI stand easily but their impact is a little less.

Joyride has gone whole-hog in terms of packaging. Besides the 2-in-1 figures, the card opens up to reveal GamePro’s review of Super Monkey Ball and is packed with a collector card with some useful pointers. While many companies are looking to cut costs in terms of packaging, Joyride seems to know the package is part of the figure.

If you’re a fan of Super Monkey Ball and really want to show it, you’ve got no alternative but that’s not a bad thing. Good for display but even better for play.

- Omni
(October 10, 2002)