Monster Rancher

"Bored? Why not raise your own monster for a change of pace?"

Straight from the realms of something like that of a Tamagotchi comes Monster Rancher. A unique Playstation game that gives you the chance to raise your own monster and fight it out with other monsters!

Gameplay (9/10): Monster Rancher was a bit of slow, and not necessarily for older gamers. Basically you raise your monster by making it work for money. The money gives you the ability to send it to the training grounds or to buy items. Tournaments give you the chance to take your monster head on with other computer controlled monsters, or you can face off against a friends monster to see who's monster reigns supreme. Sometimes there's a special prize, othertimes just money. There are even special tournaments that you get invited to.. Occasionally, Karn, an explorer, will take your monster to different regions. In these regions you can find unique items. These items have different effects and value. Some may help your monsters stats and others may have a better value...

Story (9/10): The story involves you breeding your monster until you are the best. You get your items and such, raise your monster's stats, win tournaments, and gain better recognition with the monster breeding council. Once you reach a master level, which takes true skill, you can even get a special monster!

Audio/Video (8/10): The sound is pretty much what you would expect. Dark for moments, such as your monster getting sick or dying. Upbeat and cheerful when your monster learns a new skill. However, the graphics were lacking in my opinion. In places the graphics were better than others, but overall somewhat weak. However, this doesn't take much away from the game.

Replayability (10/10): Monster Rancher has a unique way of giving you monsters. Pop in an CD (audio, dvd, Sega Saturn, etc.) and watch your monster form. The game gives you a monster based on the CD you place in it. For an ironic example, I put in the CD Pearl Jam: Ten. What monster did I get? A Pink Jam (a pink blob basically). The limit of monsters is somewhat limitless. I still haven't gotten all of the monsters!

This game is a definite buy. I've put in many hours (about 50) and still haven't received everything. This game is worth the $30 I spent on it!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99