PlayStation 2

War of the Monsters

P.S. I'm terribly sorry if this review is repetitive or terrible. I have to admit that I had to stop and go play War of the Monsters every time I started writing about how great this game is. I wasn't lying above, you need to try this game!

The one-player mode is fun until you reach the frustrating bosses that take forever to kill. Victories earn points toward unlocking new stages or mini-games, but unlike Godzilla, all the main monsters are available from the beginning (cool!). The two-player mode is crazy fun, and even lets you throw some CPU-controlled monsters into the mix. A split-screen mode is used, but this occasionally switches to full screen when both monsters are in close proximity. Some people say it's disorienting, but I like it. War of the Monsters is an amazing game that effectively recreates the spirit of those old monster flicks on your Playstation 2.

While predictable, this technique can still be used effectively with titles that are similar. However when this technique is applied to something that is unique, the results don't add up. Way of the Samurai 2 is a wonderful sequel and powerful drama. To pan the game for not being more like GTA 3 is misguided, disrespectful to the each title's unique contributions, and also speaks volumes of the lack of critical thinking of the X-Play critics and the industry as a whole.

All we can do now is look to the stars and cross our fingers for the possibility of a soon to be released sequel. If Incog could double the monster count, toss in four-player and online play, and add a couple more stages we could the beginnings of the greatest party game ever made. In the meantime, however, the first and only edition of War of the Monsters should be studied over carefully. It's rare when a game like this comes along, and an appreciation for it is assuredly deserved. Do the proper thing my friends -- buy this as soon as you can.

War of the Monsters is a wonderfully made video game, and clearly a labor of love on the part of its developer (not to mention another good example of Sony's excellent internal development work). If not for its two player limit, it would easily be one of the best party games on the PlayStation 2. Since it does have that limitation, it'll have to settle for being a merely great game and a hell of a fun homage to the cultural flotsam of the 1950s. If you're looking for an interesting brawler or just want to smash buildings in spectacular fashion, War of the Monsters will not disappoint.

Overall, War of the Monsters is a fun fighting game that would be well worth a purchase if you’re going to have lots of people to play it with; in other words, it’s a great dorm game. However, if you’re going to be playing primarily by yourself, War of the Monsters will only give you about as much play time as watching a couple of Godzilla movies; after a few times through, the single player modes all get old very quickly, as they do with most fighting games. However, as a concept, and as a rental, War of the Monsters is an excellent game and good for those moods when you just want to smash something up. Indeed, while the single player may be lacking, War of the Monsters truly is a smashing good time.

In the end, War of the Monsters is that monster arcade-fighter that people have been looking forward to for a long time. Fans of fighting titles will definitely want to consider this game, while others should still at least give it consideration. The graphics are well put together for the style of game, and the gameplay is quite with numerous options to choose from. A few more characters would have been nice to see, and a more in-depth storyline is strongly welcome, but overall WOTM does an excellent job accomplishing what it set out for itself. If you're an arcade fan who just can't get enough of fighting games, War of the Monsters is an easy decision.

Overall, fans of monsters, B-Movies or action games will probably find a lot to like, and smash, in War of the Monsters. While it may not have as much as depth as many other action titles, the solid graphics, fun two-player battles and schlocky humor should keep players coming back for more. PS2 owners should give this one a chance to go berserk on their system.

The fast, frantic, explosive action is enough to entertain gamers of all ages. It's rated Teen, but lots of kids see movies rated PG-13, and this game is a lot tamer than a movie, so don't stop yourself from inviting the whole family over for a War of the Monsters gaming session.

Even then, the rather simple gameplay might run out of steam on you right around the time you stop being impressed by the fancy graphics. War of the Monsters has lots of charm and character, and it capably handles a subject that ought to be a lot more common in games. Yet though the gameplay definitely has its moments, this one would just as well make for a weekend rental instead of a permanent addition to your library.

For most gamers, War of the Monsters will come as a bit of a disappointment, hardly worth anything more than a rental. However, if you really love Destroy All Monsters Melee, you’ll probably enjoy this title’s ambition – just don’t expect it to be more enjoyable.

"War of the Monsters" isn't a terrible game, just a disappointment. Its main competition, "Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee," bettered it before it was even released (though on an entirely different system). This is one of those games that just tries to do too much and in the process, needlessly complicates things. There is certainly potential for a sequel, but only if the large list of major problems are addressed.

If we don't see a decent monster fighter in the near future, we might be tempted to say this is a genre that's gone the way of the point and click adventure.