Monster Madness: Grave Danger

"Fun, but not without issues"

Now what does this game prove? It proves that graphics don't make the game. And to those who are obsessed with graphics, let me warn you beforehand: This game has the worst graphics I've ever seen this gen for a disc game. Yes. Really. However, if you're looking for some brainless fun with some great variety - this game is for you.

Graphics (2/10)

If a game is pushing PS3 hardware, this game is not it. I've seen better looking PS2 games, heck, I've seen games that are on par with it on the PSone. This is definitely not for those obsessed with graphics. There are a whole lot of enemies that can go on screen at once, but it's not anything noteworthy, it's definitely not pushing the limit on polygons per second or anything. Quite a bit of distracting screen tearing plagues the game, but it's not entirely too serious. Might sound like I'm nitpicking here, but you must realise: graphics definitely don't make the game, otherwise, I wouldn't be addicted to games like these or Super Stardust HD.

Sound (4/10)

Music isn't anything special. Voice acting is horrible bad. Characters have really annoying voices. Weapons don't really sound right when you hit someone. For example, hitting someone with a plunger or knife will land a "ding!" sound. Don't mean to sound nitpicky, but the sound will annoy you more often than most. But then again, sound doesn't make the game!

Gameplay (7/10)

Despite awful graphics and awful sound, the place where it redeems itself is in the gameplay. The controls are so much better this time around. Instead of turning with the Right analog stick and firing with a shoulder button, all you need to do is just point the right analog stick to the direction you need to shoot and "Voila!" Controls are perfect for this type of game, especially with tons of enemies that are spouting in every direction. To compare it to a similar game, the controls are very similar to Super Star Dust HD and Everyday Shooter. Because it mainly is just a brainless shoot em up.

Despite how fun I think this game is though, this game suffers from quite a few issues. Physical nuisances are often found here. Sometimes, a monster will jump at you, and you'll be flying in the air. Or a monster will pin you in a corner and start beating the hell out of you without you being able to do anything to get out of it. Good thing there are unlimited respawns, because moments like these occur often and are very frustrating. Another issue is its repetitiveness. Shooting zombies 24/7 with the same nail gun or melee weapon can get pretty annoying. Sure, there are other weapons, but you'll probably only stick by upgrading the best ones. Switching to different melee weapons doesn't really matter, most are one time use, and the permanent melee weapons don't really change the melee gameplay that much. All you're doing is just mashing the same buttons over and over. Sure, there's the odd mini vehicle mission here and there, but at its heart, it's just a fun, brainless, zombie killer.

Replayability (7/10)

There are tons of costumes to unlock, higher scores to get on missions, tons of challenges, and of course: 4 player co op now! The question is whether you'll get the most out of your money with this game. It's a disc game and it's 40 US dollars at the moment and is pretty much just like a pimped up PSN game. I understand that they didn't ship many copies out, so it'll be hard to find a rental. Do I think it's worth a buy? It depends, if you're questioning whether to save your money for upcoming games like SOCOM or LBP, then yes, save your money. If you've got money to burn, then buy, join the fun!

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 08/11/08

Game Release: Monster Madness: Grave Danger (US, 08/05/08)