Game Review Data
 


Game Title

Planet Monsters
Publisher
Titus/Virgin
Features
1 to 4 Players. Password Save.
Format
Puzzle/Battler
Reviewer
Andrew Blanchard


RATING

Good!


Ratings Scale:

Excellent!

Good!

Playable!

Ho-Hum!

Yuck!


Archived Game Reviews:

From A - Z

 

 
Introduction

No, you didn't read incorrectly! This is Planet Monsters, one of many original titles from French software developer Planet Interactive. To add to the confusion, the tag line on the box reads "Gotta kill 'em all", which is incredibly close to Nintendo's best seller, although the word "kill" and "Pokemon" couldn't really be further apart. Suffice to say, this isn't a Pokemon clone, but a rather unique title which it itself is a rarity considering the numerous "ben there, done that" titles that's constantly popping up on the GBA. Question is... is it uniquely good?

Screen Shots

GamePlay

All your battles take place in an arena which visually represents the world you're currently in and the objective of the game is simple - you must stay alive, you've 'gotta kill 'em all'! There are unfortunately three other players who have the same idea and a whole host of regenerating nasties who are happy to destroy anything in front of them. There are two ways to dispose of the other three monsters or anything else for that matter. The first is to push a block into them which isn't as easy as it sounds as they're trying to do the same to you leaving little time to think. The second is to collect one of the many special weapons lying around which also requires timing but an important point to remember here is that these things can destroy you too.

Every world is split into five different battle arenas and a sixth level where you must beat the end of level boss. These are obviously far more difficult to destroy and you may need a few tries before discovering its weak spot. As the levels progress they also get more complicated so you'll encounter walls that are solid and cannot be used as weapons, arenas split into different islands and teleporter systems that allow quicker travel. Fortunately you're also equipped with a radar so locating the other players is never that difficult though you should always remember that they're also after you and some of them can be very calculating.

In addition there's a multiplayer mode which is incredible as this type of game is always better with 'real' opponents. You will unfortunately need another copy of the game but it is worth it. The password system is also a joy to use and the very user friendly four digit code should really be a standard. Anything else should be battery back up.

Controls

The control system couldn't be simpler which is very important in a game of this type and even more so when time is running out and everything is flying around the arena at great speed. Everything is very responsive so you can fire special weapons and push blocks with split second timing which you'll quickly realize is the key to success.

Graphics

The graphics are wonderful and every one of the eight areas appears suitably different from the previous one. The various menu systems are very user friendly and some other developers would do well to see just how this title has been expertly constructed. The highlight though is the character design and animation. Any death or celebration is accompanied with Tex Avery style, over the top, visuals. The end of level bosses are excellent and a lot larger than you so disposing of them is always very satisfying.

Sound & Music

You'd initially be forgiven for thinking that this title contains no music or sound effects at all as nothing kicks in until you get to the main title screen. As soon as you get here though you're treated to the kind of comical cartoon soundtrack that you'd expect from a game of this type. On the sound effects side everything is high quality and the sound of any of your opponents being squashed by a sliding block is very entertaining.

Final Comments

Original titles don't really come around often and quality ones are even rarer. I'm pleased to say that nearly every aspect in Planet Monsters has been thoughtfully created - from sound and graphics to the multiplayer element and most importantly, playability - Indeed, it's hard to find anything that disappoints. Planet Monsters is, in short, a first rate (not to mention addictive) 1 to 4 player game which any GBA arcade fan would be happy to add to their collection.

@ EAGB Advance 2002. All rights reserved.