Monster Sanctuary

Monster Sanctuary is a clever amalgamation of the monster-catching and Metroidvania-style genres that works really, REALLY well. I had a good time exploring the world and uncovering its secrets, whilst catching monsters and then using them in strategic battling made for some really enthralling showdowns. It does have the occasional issue here and there that can slow your progress down, but it doesn’t stop the game from being a whole lot of fun to play. If you’re looking for a monster-catching adventure with a unique little twist, you really ought to give Monster Sanctuary a try.

87%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 5,773 reviews

Critic Score 76%Based on 4 reviews

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About

Monster Sanctuary is a single player tactical role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Sersch and was released on December 8, 2020. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

A pixel art monster collecting game featuring sideview visuals, metroidvania like exploration and challenging turn based combat.

+17

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,773 reviews

story359 positive mentions

grinding435 negative mentions

Engaging turn-based combat system with deep strategy and team-building mechanics.
Charming pixel art and a vibrant world filled with diverse monsters to collect.
Unique blend of metroidvania exploration and monster-catching elements, allowing for creative gameplay.

Difficulty spikes in late-game can be frustrating, requiring specific team compositions to succeed.
Repetitive grinding for monster eggs and resources can detract from the overall experience.
The story is generic and lacks depth, making it less engaging for players seeking a strong narrative.

story
1,304 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
67%
5%
The story in "Monster Sanctuary" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it to be simple and somewhat cliché, often comparing it to traditional monster-collecting narratives like Pokémon. While some appreciate its charm and the way it serves as a backdrop for gameplay, others criticize it for being forgettable and lacking depth. Overall, the story is seen as functional but not the main draw of the game, with the engaging gameplay and monster mechanics taking precedence.
- “The story was very well written and I found it to have quite a bit of depth.”
- “It left me wanting more, and my personal marker for a good story is when it leaves me looking for more, and basically scouring the internet in hopes for a sequel or an announcement of one.”
- “The story is simple but engaging, providing a good backdrop to the gameplay.”
- “The story is nonexistent.”
- “The story is a bit weak though still acceptable (even if some characters can be really annoying).”
- “The story is pretty basic and the dialogue is weak, but it keeps everything moving along nicely while giving me a reason to catch 'em all.”
gameplay
1,099 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
60%
4%
The gameplay of "Monster Sanctuary" has been widely praised for its depth and complexity, combining elements of monster collecting, turn-based combat, and metroidvania exploration. Players appreciate the strategic team-building mechanics, where each monster has unique skill trees and abilities that can be utilized both in battles and for solving environmental puzzles. While some reviewers noted issues with backtracking and difficulty spikes, the overall consensus is that the game offers a satisfying and engaging experience, particularly for fans of tactical RPGs and creature-collecting games.
- “The discovery and puzzle mechanics are very fun.”
- “With the complexity of the mechanics, every monster is viable the whole way through; an amazing feat in game design.”
- “Overall, the exploration/puzzles/platforming are a good change of pace and add to the gameplay loop.”
- “Lacking backtrack mechanics in the early game means I have to waste time going all the way back to towns constantly.”
- “The gameplay is so slick and streamlined, especially with the option to speed up battles.”
- “The game gets quite repetitive really fast (after 4 hours of gameplay).”
music
610 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
42%
6%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its charm and ability to enhance the atmosphere, while others find it repetitive and lacking in variety. Many highlight standout tracks that evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of classic RPGs, but also note that certain battle themes can become grating over time. Overall, while the soundtrack has its high points, it may not be memorable for everyone, leading to a range of opinions on its effectiveness in complementing the gameplay experience.
- “This game has one of my current top 10 soundtracks of any game.”
- “The pixel art and music are done well, creating an immersive experience.”
- “The music is out of this world, with catchy melodies that fit every biome you visit.”
- “The music here is very generic and a little bit grating over time.”
- “The absolute worst thing about the game is the music, which is always playing, is far too short so you hear it loop constantly, and is very annoying.”
- “The music is bland, and is sometimes grating to listen to, and so, of course, its soundtrack is sold separately.”
graphics
453 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
47%
4%
The graphics of the game are predominantly praised for their charming pixel art style, reminiscent of classic SNES-era visuals, which many players find appealing and nostalgic. While some reviews note that the graphics could be more varied or polished, the overall aesthetic is considered delightful, with well-animated sprites and a cohesive art style that enhances the gameplay experience. The combination of cute character designs, engaging animations, and a fitting soundtrack contributes to an immersive atmosphere that resonates well with fans of retro-style games.
- “Top notch graphics and character designs, with soothing music makes for an immersive experience!!!”
- “The pixel art style, while modest, is charming and detailed, and the music provides a soothing and sometimes epic backdrop that matches the tone of the different biomes you explore.”
- “The graphics are absolutely charming and wonderfully reminiscent of ye olde super Nintendo days.”
- “The only zone I liked was the forgotten world, since it had way more creative graphics and the mushrooms as platforms were a cute idea compared to the bland repetitiveness of the other areas.”
- “A choice was made to use obsolete, decades-old retro pixel 'art' as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
- “Without any other substantial graphics tweaks, it's not possible for gamers to improve the lackluster 2D visuals.”
grinding
452 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
2%
96%
The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a mixed experience, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, especially in the late game. While some appreciate the mechanics that reduce grinding, such as monsters hatching at levels close to the player's highest, others feel that the need for grinding to progress or to optimize team compositions can detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the game is described as having a grindy nature, particularly in terms of leveling and resource collection, which can lead to frustration for players who prefer a more streamlined experience.
- “Surprisingly not grindy for a game that has levels and a lot of monsters.”
- “Encounters are visible while walking around and you can avoid them most of the time, so exploring isn't tedious.”
- “Your new creatures start close to your max level, no grinding, very pleasant.”
- “It's a really cool concept, but it gets grindy fast, which is made worse by how slow combat is.”
- “The game kept me hooked and enjoying it for about 18 hours, but the final few levels just felt grindy to be able to win.”
- “The end game is an absolute grindy chore, and destroyed my enjoyment and just left me feeling frustrated.”
replayability
118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
52%
3%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, enhanced by various modes such as randomizers, challenge runs, and new game+ options, allowing players to experiment with different team compositions and strategies. With a wealth of content, including unique monster skill trees and optional challenges, players can enjoy countless hours of gameplay, making it a standout in the monster collection genre. While some players noted a potential for burnout after multiple playthroughs, the overall consensus is that the game's depth and variety provide significant replay value.
- “The sheer amount of content, including optional game modes like randomizer and bravery, ensures significant replayability and dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of enjoyment.”
- “Thanks to the non-linearity, the fact that nearly every monster is viable, and the alternate game modes, it has lots of replay value.”
- “The new game+ features are an awesome bonus and having other modes such as randomizer and permadeath also make the replayability endless.”
- “Though I should say, the puzzles detract somewhat from replayability.”
- “There's not quite enough variety in monsters to provide a lot of long-term replayability, but it's worth the asking price for the first playthrough alone.”
- “Overall, loved the game but it has little or no replay value.”
optimization
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
70%
7%
Overall, "Monster Sanctuary" is praised for its solid optimization, delivering smooth performance with minimal bugs or crashes, even on standard hardware. The game encourages strategic team building and performance optimization through its ranking system, which rewards players for efficient combat, though some players feel this can lead to a grind for optimal setups. While the game allows for creative strategies, it also nudges players towards more traditional team compositions to maximize rewards, balancing fun with the demands of optimization.
- “Monster Sanctuary runs smoothly with no performance issues on a standard laptop, with only minor graphical bugs/glitches during this early access time.”
- “Your performance in every battle is ranked (depending on how much damage you've taken, how quickly you won, etc.) and higher ranks give better rewards.”
- “Combat also has a mechanic that ranks your performance after each fight, and earning a five-star rating in a battle will force rare items to drop, which is a really nice incentive to really explore the creature skills and gear, and build your perfect team.”
- “Battles, particularly against champion monsters and in the post-game, can become quite challenging and, at times, feel like a grind, demanding highly optimized teams and specific strategies to overcome.”
- “On the one hand, that does encourage some experimentation until you find a strategy/team that works best for you, but on the other hand, it does mean that unless you want to re-run that optimization 100 times over throughout the game, you are going to end up capturing creatures you won't ever bother even looking at because the time sink to learn/adapt each one's full skill tree is pretty massive.”
- “Personally, I'm not a big fan of the battle score system because you get basically nothing if you don't consistently achieve 5-star ratings in battles, which usually requires a fairly well-optimized party.”
humor
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the quirky animations, hilarious monster designs, and amusing interactions that create a lighthearted atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the blend of funny gameplay mechanics and entertaining dialogue, which contribute to an overall enjoyable experience. The game's ability to balance humor with strategy, alongside its charming pixel art, makes it a standout in the genre.
- “Gotta love how they roll around on the ground, playing with their magical ball to heal or buff allies; it's also funny when they do that in a pool of tar.”
- “The story is okay, the characters are so cliché and stupid they become funny in an ironic way.”
- “I tried to play this game like a Pokémon game only to get my whole glass cannon team bodied by a funny gorilla dude with a goat head.”
emotional
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
12%
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while it offers moments of joy and a sense of investment in character development, many players find the narrative lacking depth and emotional engagement, leading to feelings of tedium and frustration. Some players express heartfelt connections during gameplay, particularly in moments of victory, but overall, the emotional resonance is overshadowed by a repetitive experience and limited character interactions. The game is praised for its wholesome community and nostalgic elements, yet it struggles to deliver a compelling story that fully engages players emotionally.
- “I genuinely shed a tear when I beat the final boss because I knew I was about to be done with the storyline.”
- “It made me feel joy when I felt alone.”
- “This made me feel much more involved and invested in my monsters’ development than I ever did in Pokémon, and lends more credence to the idea you are actually training them.”
- “I wish I liked this game more; the story is very boring, and the environments make it a slog to play.”
- “The emotional depth is lacking, leaving me feeling disconnected from the characters.”
- “I expected a gripping narrative, but instead, I found it to be flat and uninspiring.”
atmosphere
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
37%
13%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, enhanced by a beautiful soundtrack and expressive pixel art that effectively convey the distinct vibes of various regions. While some players noted moments of genericness, many appreciated the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from chill exploration to somber undertones, creating a captivating experience overall. The combination of lively animations, vibrant color palettes, and contextually appropriate music contributes significantly to the game's enchanting atmosphere.
- “The pixel art is clean and expressive, and the atmosphere draws you in more than you'd expect.”
- “The soundtrack, a beautiful symphony of chiptunes, complements the atmosphere perfectly, further immersing me in the game world.”
- “However, it does tend to get a bit generic most of the time, which might add to the feeling of comfort, but my favorite moments were when the game tried something new, like the Asian-inspired sun palace where you journeyed into its aqueducts to raise a tower into the sky, or the sickly, somber atmosphere of the underworld, refreshingly not the brimstone kind.”
- “I wish there was more atmosphere to each location.”
- “The atmosphere set by the scenery and music really manages to 'transport' the player to the game's fantasy world, and get them excited to go on an adventure with some monster pals.”
character development
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
45%
15%
Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some characters, particularly rivals and antagonists, receive solid development and engaging narratives, many others lack depth and backstory, leaving players feeling disconnected. The character designs are generally praised for their appeal, but the overall execution of character growth is inconsistent, with some players noting that additional context could have enhanced emotional impact. Despite the strong visuals and immersive music, the game's character development often feels insufficient, detracting from the overall experience.
- “The narrative is simple but surprisingly well-written, offering enough worldbuilding and character development to keep the player invested.”
- “Will actually gets a decent amount of character development and screen time.”
- “And the story is actually quite engaging, with decent character development for your rivals and main antagonists, and a couple of neat plot twists here and there.”
- “Something happens, so I'm supposed to care because everyone else in the game does, but there isn't any character development to get me to try to care.”
- “There is an attempt at some character development, but it's grating.”
- “For example, at one point there is a revelation about a family member of an NPC you meet at the beginning of the game - introducing some information about them beforehand in the game would've given some impact to the revelation and created character development for the NPC, which was otherwise very lacking.”
stability
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
13%
47%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance across various systems, including low-end devices and the Steam Deck. While some users noted minor graphical glitches and the potential for bugs typical of early access titles, the majority experienced no significant issues, with the game feeling polished and well-optimized. However, a few players highlighted the risk of save file soft-locks, indicating that while the game is largely stable, caution is advised during early access.
- “It runs great on low-end systems too.”
- “New content is not buggy and feels clean and finished.”
- “Although it's early access, what's there is perfectly playable, bug-free, and well-polished.”
- “> Early access, so there are still a number of bugs/glitches and many of them can soft-lock your save file or game progress.”
- “Bugs and glitches can be very frustrating or disheartening, especially if they're the kind that can ruin an entire save file, but from my experience the devs are more than willing to respond and help fix these issues.”
- “While still in early access, I have yet to encounter any bugs, glitches, crashes, or instances of gross game balance issues.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
Monster Sanctuary is praised for its lack of monetization schemes, such as loot boxes and microtransactions, which allows players to enjoy the game without the pressure of additional costs. This focus on quality over profit is highlighted as a refreshing contrast to the trends seen in larger AAA titles, making it a standout choice for players seeking a genuine gaming experience.
- “No loot boxes or monetization system, nice PvE, nice personalization.”
- “☑ No microtransactions.”
- “Over the past decade or so, the video game industry has shifted from making quality games to making monetization schemes with operant conditioning systems attached.”
- “As the big AAA publishers pivot toward monetization, the job of producing quality has fallen on the small studios and independent devs. As a customer, you'll get more of whatever you pay for - whether that's huge corporations pinching off an Anthem or Fallout 76 and then trying to put their hands in your pocket, or two nobodies producing a superior product out of their garage.”
- “It's not infected with loot boxes and microtransactions.”

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76%Critics’ scoreBased on 4 critic reviews

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29h Median play time

29h Average play time

30h Main story

48h Completionist

16-40h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 63 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Monster Sanctuary is a tactical role playing game with fantasy theme.

Monster Sanctuary is available on PC, Web Browser, Mac OS, PlayStation 4 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 30 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 48 hours to finish. On average players spend around 29 hours playing Monster Sanctuary.

Monster Sanctuary was released on December 8, 2020.

Monster Sanctuary was developed by Sersch.

Monster Sanctuary has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Monster Sanctuary is a single player game.

Similar games include Coromon, TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children, Yaoling: Mythical Journey, Crystal Project, Aethermancer and others.

Monster Sanctuary

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