the singleplayer mode is radically different from previous games in the series, most resembling a trading card game. the player travels to various levels, in the form of islands, to compete against other monkeys in an assortment of minigames. after a set number of victories, the player can then compete against a boss character. this cycle is repeated for each island visited, in increasing difficulty. occasionally, the player will encounter unexpected battles. these challenges cannot be declined. the object of the game is collect cards and coins, eventually to the point that the player can attempt to defeat the antagonist and win. there is also a multiplayer component which includes a "monkey-shield" that ensures the second player cannot see your cards. this mode requires a second psp and game cartridge.