Monstro: Battle Tactics
- September 1, 2014
- Retrocade.net
Get on SteamMonstro takes the traditional tRPG gameplay and reconstructs it into a completely deterministic, logical experience with a twist of tactics. All of this is spiced up with ridiculous, tongue-in-cheek lore and approachable difficulty.
Reviews
- Monstro: Battle Tactics offers a unique blend of tactical gameplay and puzzle-solving, with no RNG, allowing for strategic planning and execution.
- The game features charming graphics, humorous writing, and a pleasant soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- With a variety of challenging levels and the ability to undo moves, players can experiment with different strategies without the frustration of random outcomes.
- The game lacks character progression and RPG elements, which may disappoint players looking for a deeper experience akin to traditional tactical RPGs.
- Some levels can feel unfair or overly difficult, leading to trial-and-error gameplay rather than pure puzzle-solving.
- There are minor issues with typos and a lack of clarity regarding enemy movement order, which can detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by straightforward tactics-style mechanics integrated into a puzzle format, which may not appeal to players seeking deeper strategic experiences akin to traditional tactical games like Fire Emblem. While the brevity of the gameplay is seen as a strength, some mechanics, such as the pause feature during enemy attacks, may detract from the overall experience.
“That brevity may in fact be this game's greatest gameplay strength.”
“Having said most of what I can say about the gameplay, I feel like special mention must be made of the creativity on display.”
“The type of gameplay on display here would not appeal to everybody; those looking for a strategy game of more substance - especially if one is after that elusive PC equivalent to a proper Fire Emblem game - would be soundly disappointed.”
“This is really a puzzle game using some mechanics from tactics-style games.”
“One mechanic I'd definitely recommend turning off is the one where when enemies attack your units, it pauses the game and you have to click for the attack to go through.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and serves primarily as a humorous backdrop, poking fun at traditional tactics-style narratives rather than providing deep characterization or a compelling plot. While some players found the lighthearted approach amusing, those seeking a rich storyline will likely be disappointed.
“Story: somewhat amusing story which I did not expect at all.”
“It's entertaining and I chuckled at several of them, but if you're looking for an engaging storyline with deep characterization, this isn't it.”
“The overarching narrative basically makes fun of tactics style games.”
“Unlike many strategy games, you won't find much of a story here.”
“There's an excuse plot for why these monsters and humans are fighting each other, and it's not taken seriously at all.”
“I don't mean an actual plot because there is barely a story, there aren't really characters, but the overarching narrative basically makes fun of tactics-style games.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, complementing the overall mood and enhancing the experience, though it can become distracting during fast-paced gameplay. Players appreciate the inclusion of a free soundtrack DLC and the humorous writing that accompanies the music, which adds to the game's charm. Overall, the audio elements are considered pleasant, though some users note that the graphics and audio settings are quite basic.
“An excellent tactical game with funny writing, pleasant graphics, and music (don't forget to grab the free soundtrack DLC).”
“Tl;dr it's pretty and has neat music; go give it a try if you want to unrustle your gray matter a little~”
“The music fits the general mood of the game quite well, and I absolutely love the writing on display at the start of every map - the sardonic narrator constantly going on about how these battles are ultimately the work of skygods in search of cheap entertainment, while gleefully trivializing the actual fight.”
“General graphics/audio: very barebones, you basically get to toggle fullscreen, lighting & shadows (I have no idea why in the hell anybody would turn off lighting and shadows unless they were trying to run this on a rig from 20 years ago), music and SFX.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their vibrant sprite-and-tile artwork, featuring bold colors and distinct designs that enhance the visual experience. While some users find the overall graphics and audio to be basic, the pleasant visuals and engaging aesthetic contribute positively to the gameplay.
“An excellent tactical game with funny writing, pleasant graphics, and music. Don't forget to grab the free soundtrack DLC, volume sliders, speed settings, zoom in/out, and plenty of challenges in achievement form if simply completing the 4 campaigns (20 levels each, plus 8 tutorial levels) on their own isn't enough.”
“The sprite-and-tile artwork of the game is fantastic, with a nice bold choice of color, sprites that don't just sink into the background, lush grass tiles, chilly ice tiles, and everything else in between.”
“General graphics/audio: very barebones, you basically get to toggle fullscreen, lighting & shadows. Music and sound effects are also included.”
“The graphics are very barebones; you only have the option to toggle fullscreen, lighting, and shadows. I can't understand why anyone would turn off lighting and shadows unless they're trying to run this on a rig from 20 years ago.”
“The visual quality is disappointing, lacking detail and polish. It feels like the developers didn't put much effort into the graphics.”
“Overall, the graphics are underwhelming and fail to meet modern standards, making the game feel outdated.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features witty writing that adds a humorous touch to its tactical gameplay, complemented by enjoyable graphics and music. Players appreciate the variety of challenges and customization options, enhancing the overall experience.
“An excellent tactical game with funny writing, pleasant graphics, and music. Don't forget to grab the free soundtrack DLC!”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, making even the toughest challenges enjoyable.”
“I love how the witty dialogue and funny scenarios keep me laughing while I strategize.”
