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Intro Wolfie, Drac, and Frankie set out to save their homeland from an unseen evil. With a fun premise, tons to do, and a solid two-player Gauntlet-style option, Monster Force's only real downfall is its wonky controls. However, even these flaws can't keep this game from being a lighthearted yet challenging and fun experience. Gameplay: 7/10 Universal really tried to make their stable of classic monsters more current by giving them anime-esque makeovers and new names like Wolfie, Drac, and Frankie. Not all of this is necessarily a bad thing, mind you, as it can get younger gamers into classic cinema. Immediately selectable are said monsters, each with their own attributes: Frankie is stronger, but a bit slower; Wolfie is faster, but weaker; and Drac is a solid all-around character that has average speed and firepower. Each character has a shot that can be charged for greater impact, and they can each take advantage of the option to purchase relics and tools with power-ups that are collected throughout the levels. Relics are items that help to upgrade the character by making their shots stronger, giving them extended health meters, and other goodies. Also within the levels themselves are the aforementioned tools, which serve to enhance shots by making them ricochet, spread, and also to attract power-ups left by deceased enemies that would otherwise be unreachable; there's also powerbombs, health regenerators, and other useful items. The levels are a varied bunch that range from cemeteries to villages and even Atlantis. Each offers an interesting Trial level that has a time limit with set goals, while other missions will have time restraints, but those only serve as a means of awarding a medal - and additional power-ups -- to those who are able to quickly finish a level. They are all designed nicely, with a couple maze-type levels thrown in for confusion. All stages are varied and fun to play through, though some can get quite lengthy, and it's never fun starting from the beginning of a mission. A mid-level save point would have gone well with the three standard save slots. Luckily, the longer and tougher levels never so much so as to become annoying. With over 30 levels and unlockable features, there's certainly plenty of gaming available here. Also present is a solid two-player mode via link, although some of the single-player levels must be played through to be unlocked for the multiplayer mode. Now a true Gauntlet-like experience can be had - and on the road to boot! Monster Force isn't without its faults, though. Button placement and menu navigation are a breeze, though the controls are cumbersome, and the characters feel as if they are on straight rails, making it quite difficult to get them off a rigid path. The camera is also a bit of a problem as it focuses on the player and leaves much of the surroundings a mystery. Both of these problems make for a dangerous combination and can potentially turn away some gamers, especially the younger player that might be intrigued by the monsters' cartoon visuals. My advice would be to stick with it, even with its problems, as the nonstop action and solid design make this an enjoyable title for any patient gamer.
Graphics: 8.5/10 Sound:
8.5/10 Control: 4.5/10
Overall:
7/10 [ top ] | |||
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