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PixelJunk: Monsters Review for PlayStation 3

PixelJunk: Monsters Review for PlayStation 3

Another Awesome Downloadable Title for the PS3…

It seems that both the Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network are coming out with some pretty cool downloadable titles these days. But if I had to pick which one had the most memorable and best quality original titles, I would really have to go with the PlayStation Network.

PixelJunk: Monsters screenshot

From Everyday Shooter to Pain, they really have some great content available on their network, and I would be tempted to say that I enjoy their downloadable titles more than the ones available at your local game store. One series that is emerging on the network as a powerhouse on the downloadable front is the PixelJunk series. Last year’s PixelJunk Racers was pretty good as a bite-sized slot racing game, and left many wanting more. This year we see the PixelJunk series travel into the realm of bite-sized real-time strategy with PixelJunk Monsters.

PixelJunk Monsters has definitely been on the radar for awhile. The idea of taking the RTS genre, which is usually grand in scope, and paring it down into a casual-style downloadable title was an ambitious prospect. I knew going into this game that it was either going to be a great success or a resounding failure. But the good news is that the folks at Q-Games have proven once again they know how to make a downloadable game. PixelJunk Monsters can definitely be described as a simplified RTS game, but its basic format does not hamper its faithfully-adapted RTS gameplay in any way.

PixelJunk: Monsters screenshot

The gameplay features a fort defense system where you act as the guardian of a group of small citizens. Foes of differing size, stature, and weakness will come approach your home base in differing formations, and it will be up to you to construct different battle structures. These battle structures include weaponry like bows, cannons, and anti-aircraft fire to destroy the invading monsters. Each weapon has different targeting and range capabilities, and it will be up to you to use the terrain and your enemy’s troop patterns to discern the most effective placement of these battle structures. However, you can’t just build structures for free. You start off with a budget, and then you have to earn money by killing the monsters before they reach your fort. You can also earn little upgrade gems that will increase the range or power of your pre-existing battle structure.

The gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters is an absolute blast to play, and the incorporation of the different battle structures and the cost/upgrade system is sure to please die-hard RTS fans. But as I stated before, PixelJunk Monsters is a micro RTS game. So where does it cut corners? PixelJunk Monsters wisely trims the fat when it comes to stage scope and story. Stages are fairly small, require no scrolling and only reach the edges of your screen. There are no sweeping environments, and the game takes what can only be described as a minimalist approach to the different levels in the game. So this is definitely not your scrolling RTS epic akin to Final Fantasy Tactics, but it will keep you interested and strategizing.

PixelJunk: Monsters screenshot

Surprisingly enough, however, you’ll find the strategy that you develop for the small stages in PixelJunk Monsters to be a good deal different then the strategy you might develop when playing through the Ivalice Alliance. Playing on such a small scale will force you to make decisions regarding small space management as opposed to the usual tactical placement that you would encounter in larger games. So if you think you can master this game using the same strategy that you’ve been using in all your other RTS games, you may be in for a bit of a shock. As for story elements, PixelJunk Monsters took the most minimalist approach they could and eliminated any type of story past the “protect the fort” aspect of the game.

PixelJunk: Monsters screenshot

Graphics, on the other hand, are one area where this game’s approach is anything but minimalist. The look of the game is entirely stylized and has a watercolor/ paper maché feel to it that resembles a cross between the Paper Mario series and Okami. In addition to the unique visual style of the game itself, the graphics are presented in full 1080p HD. And while you may not think it makes too much of a difference with these stylized graphics, the HD really shines in this title.

The sound in this game is definitely above average, and the music is done entirely by the Japanese ambient music group Otograph. And while you won’t find this group on any J-rock compilation, their tunes are pretty groovy and fit the laid-back style of the game. The only qualm I have with the music in this game is that it gets a little repetitive in some of the longer levels. But by and large, the music is delightful to listen to. Though it may be a little monotonous at times, I can’t exactly fault a downloadable title for not having a full and varied soundtrack.

PixelJunk Monsters is yet another great downloadable title from the PlayStation Network. It has a very complete-feeling RTS-based gameplay that makes the title well worth the price of the download. And while the game itself may be short in terms of a traditional RTS (you’ll probably beat this one in 8-9 hours), it offers a whole bunch of fun. PixelJunk Monsters features RTS gameplay that is both authentic and fresh. This title is further proof that just because a download title may have a smaller focus than a traditional title, it doesn’t have to be any less fun.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.5 Graphics
Wonderfully stylized graphics beautifully presented in full 1080p HD. 4.5 Control
Extremely simplistic, which is exactly what this game needs. You’re really allowed to focus on the gameplay rather than memorizing what buttons to press. 4.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Background music feels whimsical and fits the gameplay perfectly. The only problem here is that in the longer levels it does get a bit repetitive. 4.2 Play Value
An absolute blast to play through alone or with a friend. Several levels will keep you engaged for a while, but once you beat them all there’s no real replay value. Fortunately, that could be a while. 4.4 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Simple But Deep – Simple controls make PixelJunk Monsters easy to learn. But mastering the challenges of tower upgrade and placement requires deep strategic thinking, leading to hours of addictive gameplay.
  • Visually Charming – PixelJunk Monsters features a unique hand-drawn art style with over 20 stages and weather effects.
  • Distinctive Music – Features original music and sound by Japanese ambient techno group Otograph.
  • Online Leaderboards – For tracking both single player and co-op high scores.
  • Remote Play – Supports Remote Play for PSP system.

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