Monster Run is a chilling but fun-filled murderous experience. Additionally, it allows you to take on the role of a giant demonic cat as you unleash hell on armies of moronic humans. This hybrid title is violent, challenging, and rewarding. Furthermore, there is a tactical edge as your huge cat has an array of special skills and unlockable abilities.
This rogue-lite beat ’em-up was developed by Interactive Fate and published by Iceberg Interactive. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that plays out from an isometric viewpoint. Its simple style is punctuated by gore and death. What’s more, there are 60+ enemy units to tackle and an array of tactical elements to be considered. This combination is occasionally tough to swallow as the hectic action can push you over the edge.
Monster Run highlights humanity’s destructive edge.
It has been 100 years and the demonic cat has calmly slept. However, a dark cloud is forming above its nest. Humans have encroached on its territory and the forest they once called home is slowly being destroyed. This will not do, and the demonic cat will stop at nothing to thwart the invaders. Yet, unbeknown to them, the humans will not back down. Armies of armour-clad warriors, wizards, and archers stand between the cat and victory.
This may seem like a one-sided battle, but it isn’t. The giant feline has magic, fire, sharp teeth, and powerful claws on its side. Moreover, it is agile, determined, and unbelievably pissed off. Consequently, though it only has the traditional 9 lives, this should be enough to recapture the forest and kill every human in sight.
Excellent gameplay.
The gameplay loop is fantastic. Though it has a repetitive nature, I liked the reassuring style and how easy it was to understand. Additionally, each fresh run is unique. As such, though the action follows a familiar loop, the gameplay rarely falls flat.
First, the kitty is relatively weak. Well, as weak as a demonic cat can be. Yet, as you thwart your foes, you gather XP. These experience points can be invested in new magic, armour, better attacks, agility, and so forth. Whatever you spend your points on, will improve your chances.
As the action evolves, the missions become extremely hectic. The armies expand and the units are tough to defeat. Alongside this, there are defensive structures to destroy and a never-ending stream of deadly magic to avoid. Subsequently, you must be patient and work on your tactics if you wish to succeed.
Balanced gameplay.
This genre can be repetitive, unfair, and suffer with grind action. Thankfully, Monster Run avoids most of these issues. The balanced gameplay allows you to evolve the protagonist without bum-rushing each level. Moreover, your enemies are tough but a tactical approach and some impressive magic will keep you ahead of the game.
On top of this, you’ll replenish your mana and health as you find food and increase your stats. This is vital if you wish to keep each of your 9 lives. If you die too many times, your run is over and you must start again. Consequently, running in all paws blazing isn’t the best move you can make. Instead, identify the weaknesses and smash the hell out of them.
Monster Run looks great.
Monster Run doesn’t cut corners when it comes to its presentation. The isometric viewpoint lets you plan without giving you too many clues about what to expect. Furthermore, the unique backdrops create an array of issues that must be overcome. This element is combined with new buildings and swathes of enemy units. Subsequently, you’ll have your work cut out as you attempt to stay alive. Though it has a stylish finish, there were some frame rate drops. This was unfortunate as it undermines the polished nature of this gruesome title.
The audio is fantastic. The dramatic soundtrack is great to listen to. Additionally, I loved the hardcore sound effects that make your skin crawl. The noise of bones breaking and soldiers dying was oddly rewarding. Moreover, the crash of tumbling buildings and the crackle of fire never get old.
Impressive controls.
Monster Run took a little getting used to. The controls were alien to me and I struggled at first. Yet, the excellent UI and some trial and error helped to cement the inputs. Alongside this, every action was responsive, and the button layout was simple to understand once you got your head around each command.
The opening levels are easy to mow through. Furthermore, tactics go out of the window as you slice, bite, and burn everything in sight. However, this soon grinds to a halt as the difficulty ramps up. This was great as it adds to both replay value and longevity. Moreover, the rogue-lite layer ensures that no playthrough is ever the same.
Monster Run is gruesome and great fun.
I couldn’t resist the chance to become a demonic cat. The idea of smashing humans for ruining my peaceful land was too much to turn down. If you then consider the fantasy edge and the blend of skills and upgrades, you get a challenging but moreish experience. Accordingly, I love its gruesome nature and I recommend buying it here! Can you overcome the invaders and save your land? Go hunting, evolve, and kill anything that moves.
