Note: To unlock the Master levels, you must beat all fifty Expert levels and the ten Expert Extra levels without continuing. Use the same strategy for unlocking the Expert Extras here just make sure you practice the Extra levels as well--Expert Extra 9 in particular. Warning: If you reset the game while playing the Master levels, you will have to go through Expert mode without continuing to play them again. Of course, once you've play any level, it's yours for use in the practice and competition modes. I suggest that you beat all ten Master levels in one sitting (though that may be difficult).

Master 01

The easiest way to beat this level is to simply push and hold forward until you get into the goal. Of course, you have to time it right. I've done it twice by moving forward slowly and then gunning it when it looks good to me. It takes a few tries (and it's a lot of fun to watch), but I'm sure you'll get it eventually.

Challenge: Beat the level the real way (I haven't).

Master 02

This may be the easiest Master level. Stay on the outer edge of the fan structure at all times and move when the path is clear. There are no tricks here, it's just you and your skill.

Master 03

Following the easiest Master level is, without a doubt, the most difficult one. This level has three distinct obstacles. The first is difficult, the second is nearly impossible and third I have never gotten to (though it looks easiest of the three). How did I beat the level if I didn't get past the second obstacle you ask? One minute. First let's take a look at the giant skinny hill. This is just like the second part of Expert 7 only much longer, higher and skinnier. The "trick", if you can call it that, is to line up as straight as possible and use full power until you reach the pinnacle of the ramp. Once you reach the top, allow gravity to pull you down, but you'll have to temper gravity's pull by tugging back on the control stick. If you hit the stop-pole to fast you'll fly off the level. The next obstacle is nearly impossible to pass. By watching the timing of the platforms, it's clear that you'll have to move two platforms at a time, using "angling", if you want to get to the goal before time runs out. In addition, the platforms are absurdly fast. If you ever do get past this, you'll have to attempt to ride that crazy (and very fun looking) spiral down to the goal. Something tells me you won't get that part right on the first try. Fortunately, there is an easier way. Stay in the center of the approach to the second obstacle. Creep forward. As you get to the edge (make sure you're barely moving) angle a little to the right of the pyramid in the background and then push forward as fast as possible (make sure the moving platform is out of your way). If you did it right you will fly right through the goal-tape. This will take a few tries, but I have to believe that it's much easier than beating the level the real way.

Challenge: Beat the level the real way (I haven't).

Master 04

Master mode has the most unique levels in the entire game. For this one, let the carpet roll all the way out and back in before you start rolling down it. You're aiming for the little safe-haven on the left side. When you get there turn and watch the carpet roll back up. As it rolls back towards you get ready to run for the next safe-haven. Repeat until you beat the level. You'll need to start moving down the carpet as quickly as possible if you want to get to the end successfully.

Master 05

This level looks very difficult at first. However, the goal is so close, it only takes a little bit of persistence to get to it. What you need to do is head to the right as quickly as possible. Get close to the corner, but not too close. The idea is to make the splitting blocks split around you. If you die, try again. If you live, immediately make a run for the goal. It's as simple as that. This will take a few tries but it wasn't that hard.

Master 06

This level is shaped like a ten-sided die. It appears that you must stand on the red squares to survive, but this only makes the level harder. The red squares simply indicate which direction the die will flip toward next. Your best chance for survival is to stay in the middle of the crazy, flipping madhouse. On the eleventh flip, you will land near the goal so be prepared to break the tape.

Master 07

This level can be hard at first, but it's no Master 3. First thing you do is turn left 45º so that you're parallel with the goal (which is now directly under you). Watch the button in the distance. When it goes down, the entire level is going to roll towards you. You have to slowly move forward and then balance as long as possible on the edge before moving onto the next face and braking hard. The next turn is the same, but this time there is one 90º edge to deal with (rather than two 45º edges), but you have more landing room. Once you've completed this, stay where you are and get ready for one more flip. This one is pretty easy because you just have to land in the goal area.

Master 08

This is a fun level. Just watch the circles on the ground. Each moving peg is tracing a circle. The only problem is that the outer-most circles are not drawn for you. Advance as far as possible by only crossing the colored lines when the rotating peg has just passed. You'll have to wing the last few, but it's not that difficult. You can try and take a shortcut past the first group of circles by using the side rails, but I didn't find this very helpful.

Master 09

This level is the second hardest level in the game (behind Master 3). However, there is a trick that will make this level much easier as well. The trick for this level is in the beginning. Turn left and pick up the only banana in Master mode, then move along the platform. When you get to the end, turn right as hard and fast as possible. You need to jump the gap and land on the straightaway. If you succeed, you will shave ten to fifteen seconds off your time, giving you more time to navigate the really hard part of the level. The only other advice I can give is be careful, and don't trust your eyes. The strange floor can deceive you. Instead watch your Monkey's animations.

Master 10

It's a shame that the last level in the game is thematic rather than absurdly difficult. I would have relished a nearly impossible final level. Instead what we have isn't all that hard. Just use the leg to climb onto Ai Ai's body. From here, advance towards his head and get ready to run for the goal. You'll want to run to either side of the goal (depending on what direction it's moving). Try and get it as it completes a swing. You won't be able to stand next to the goal area for very long because Ai Ai's head moves rather quickly.

This time I really mean it. If you've unlocked and beaten every level in this game, you are truly a master. Super Monkey Ball has been one of the most entertaining game's I've played in years. Fortunately, we have a sequel to look forward to with all new mini-games (and updated versions of the old ones) as well as more than 150 new levels to beat. Cheers friends. We'll be playing Super Monkey Ball 2 later this year.