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Monstrum

Sadly, Monstrum on the Xbox One is a poor attempt at an interesting concept. The abandoned ship isn’t the most unique setting for a horror game but being pursued by a bloodthirsty monster should provide at least some tension. Instead it is a laborious plod through samey corridors where sometimes being caught by the monster is preferable than having to perform the same objectives over and over again just to escape. It is an unscary horror game and a pretty repetitive procedurally generated game, neither of which you really want in any title.
Monstrum Game Cover
85%Game Brain Score
atmosphere, gameplay
stability, optimization
88% User Score Based on 1,542 reviews
Critic Score 79%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

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Monstrum Game Cover

About

Monstrum is a single player survival action adventure game with a horror theme. It was developed by Team Junkfish and was released on May 20, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Monstrum is a permadeath survival horror game set on a procedurally generated cargo ship. You must evade one predator from a set of three, each with unique abilities, as you search for an escape route. Every playthrough offers a new, terrifying experience with different environments and monster strategies, ensuring that survival requires constant adaptation and quick thinking.

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Monstrum screenshot
Monstrum screenshot
Monstrum screenshot
Monstrum screenshot
Monstrum screenshot
Monstrum screenshot
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88%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,542 reviews
atmosphere87 positive mentions
stability31 negative mentions
  • The game creates a genuinely terrifying atmosphere with its sound design and monster mechanics.
  • Each playthrough is unique due to the randomly generated ship layout and item placements, enhancing replayability.
  • The three different monsters each have unique behaviors and require different strategies to escape, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • The game lacks a save feature, meaning players must complete runs in one sitting, which can be frustrating.
  • Some players experience bugs, such as monsters getting stuck or teleporting unfairly, which can disrupt gameplay.
  • The game can become repetitive after multiple playthroughs, as players may find themselves searching for the same items in similar locations.
  • atmosphere
    150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its eerie and immersive qualities, effectively creating a sense of dread and tension throughout the gameplay. Players appreciate the unique monster designs, excellent sound and audio design, and the claustrophobic setting of an abandoned cargo ship, which all contribute to a consistently terrifying experience. However, some reviews note that the level design can become repetitive over time, slightly detracting from the overall atmospheric impact.

    • “The atmosphere is amazing, and giving the player three entirely different ways to escape the boat makes it feel so much more free.”
    • “The atmosphere and audio design do a pretty good job of keeping the tension high.”
    • “The atmosphere, setting, and premise are fantastic, and the use of procedurally generated interiors constrained within a static structure with some consistent features works very well in Monstrum.”
    • “With cold and narrow corridors of steel on a rusty ship that lacks any trace of life except yourself and the thing that is with you, Monstrum definitely managed to set quite the unsettling atmosphere for a horror game and it still holds up to this day.”
    • “The atmosphere and tension hold you in an icy grip as you explore the ship looking for ways to escape while at the same time you're trembling because you don't know where or when danger will strike.”
    • “The atmosphere is unsettling; the developers really made the game look like you are on an old abandoned boat.”
  • gameplay
    148 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Monstrum is characterized by a mix of tension-filled exploration and survival mechanics, where players must navigate a procedurally generated environment while avoiding monsters. While some players appreciate the game's replayability and unique mechanics, others criticize the repetitive nature of item hunting and the clunky controls, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite its flaws, the game effectively creates a suspenseful atmosphere, making it a decent choice for horror enthusiasts looking for a quick, adrenaline-pumping session.

    • “The gameplay is really easy to understand and the graphics are actually really good!”
    • “The hunt for items, whilst simultaneously being hunted is a really nice concept that adds a certain depth to the gameplay and compels the player to strategize and consciously make decisions about how to play.”
    • “The gameplay makes you forget about the above mentioned problems, it is that good.”
    • “The map was enormous, absolutely giant, but it was basically a copy-paste of the same rooms and corridors. Half of the rooms are empty, and most of that 1 hour of gameplay was me running in circles because everything looks identical and there's no way to tell what is what.”
    • “The biggest downside to this game is that you will spend a lot of time looking for items early on when you are still learning the game's mechanics. I imagine that makes a good number of players lose interest as 'key hunting' isn't really the funnest thing in horror games.”
    • “And the gameplay is really boring: you just search room after room for useful items, floor after floor, and sometimes the monster detects you, then you run away till it loses you, then you continue searching, etc.”
  • story
    120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in this game is largely considered minimal and lacks depth, primarily conveyed through scattered notes and audio logs that provide vague context about the ship and its crew. Many players feel that the narrative is underdeveloped, serving more as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a compelling plot, leading to a repetitive experience focused on survival rather than storytelling. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements and the potential for lore, the consensus is that the game would benefit from a more engaging and structured narrative.

    • “Monstrum has a brilliant atmosphere and the roguelike mechanics and slow-burning story which you pick up through notes and tapes along the way make this game very replayable.”
    • “The collectible system within the game brings about some aspects as to what is actually going on within the ship that the game takes place and adds a nice layer of backstory to the experience.”
    • “I really enjoyed playing this game, great horror experience with beautifully made monsters and very nice chase soundtrack, also the story (notes) are an interesting thing.”
    • “The story in this game was lacking, and the audio logs had poor audio that was too loud.”
    • “There really isn't much of a story beyond some environmental storytelling and a collection of notes and audio logs you can find throughout the ship that provide some vague context for what is going on, and it feels pretty barebones.”
    • “The story you discover is weak and doesn't motivate you to keep playing like the story in a game should.”
  • graphics
    109 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Monstrum receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the atmospheric design and unique monster visuals, particularly for an indie title. While some describe the graphics as decent or serviceable, others note that they can feel dated or clunky, with occasional glitches. Overall, the game's visuals contribute effectively to its horror experience, even if they don't reach the standards of AAA titles.

    • “The graphics are incredible and the gameplay is flawless.”
    • “The ship is just the right size for the game, the procedural generation is good, the backstory is interesting, the graphics are great for an indie horror, the monsters all have fantastic designs and are very different from each other.”
    • “The creepy ambiance and music add to the excellent visuals.”
    • “Forgettable graphics, non-existent music, gameplay that might be okay for ten minutes or so... just don't waste your time.”
    • “The visuals are bad: grungy low-res textures, bland lighting and colors, a first-person view of your hand that looks like you may be a monster too.”
    • “The graphics are pretty bad and the controls are really bad.”
  • replayability
    81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers high replayability due to its procedurally generated levels, multiple monster types, and various escape routes, ensuring that each playthrough feels unique. While many players appreciate the randomness and challenge it brings, some note that the experience can become repetitive after several runs. Overall, it is regarded as a solid choice for those seeking a horror game with significant replay value.

    • “It has the perfect mix of scary horror and fun action, and has very high replayability - with three different monsters, three different escape routes, and randomly generated room & item layouts.”
    • “Monstrum elevates itself above the rest by using procedurally generated levels and three different monsters with their own AI systems and special abilities, which makes the game replayable and less frustrating than other horror games I have played.”
    • “The randomness of this game makes it so replayable.”
    • “Furthermore, the game doesn't have much replayability once you've seen it all and beat it all.”
    • “Not much replayability at all, and one playthrough is pretty short.”
    • “It's really the main reason why I can't recommend this game because it kills the game's replayability and incentive to actually play.”
  • music
    70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is a polarizing aspect, with many praising its ability to enhance the horror experience through intense chase themes and atmospheric sound design that heightens tension. While some players find the music effective in creating panic and immersion, others criticize it for being overly loud and distracting during gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its quality and ability to evoke fear, though its implementation can lead to frustration for some players.

    • “The music and sound design are expertly done and greatly contribute to the eerie atmosphere and unsettling environment.”
    • “The soundtrack is excellent; the chase music for the hunter is probably the most gut-wrenching music I've ever heard in a horror game.”
    • “Great sound and music design, the music for when a monster is chasing you really makes you feel like you're in danger and the ambient sounds help set the atmosphere perfectly.”
    • “The music is bare bones and really only happens when a chase is occurring.”
    • “Not only do they have the least counterplay and the least fun player engagement, they are so insanely loud I found myself muting the game eventually during their music and kill animations.”
    • “The game's soundtrack helps make you feel scared and panicked but sometimes it just gets so annoying when seen by the monsters that you aren't terrified anymore and just angry.”
  • stability
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is frequently described as "buggy," with numerous glitches affecting gameplay, such as unreliable audio, erratic monster behavior, and issues with door interactions. While some players find these bugs entertaining or manageable, others report significant frustrations, particularly with game-breaking glitches and performance issues on newer hardware. Overall, the stability of the game is a notable concern, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable experience.

    • “While it costs a fairly high amount of cash and is not completely bug-free, it's completely worth a try despite suffering from poor performance in a few situations.”
    • “After the game leaves early access bug-free, it may be pushed up to a nice 9/10.”
    • “Runs great, with jump scares all over, but as usual, the Steam performance can be the most aggravating.”
    • “Super buggy, feels unfinished.”
    • “The directional audio is completely unreliable, trying to interact with doors/lockers/cabinets takes forever and frequently glitches causing you to open and then close again in your face (completely screws you in a chase).”
    • “In its current state it's obviously very buggy and full of errors but I'll be damned if the concept isn't really appealing.”
  • humor
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players finding the combination of horror and comedic elements to be both entertaining and amusing. Many reviews mention laughing at the absurdity of the monsters and the situations they encounter, often describing moments of unexpected hilarity during tense gameplay. Overall, the game successfully blends fear with humor, creating a unique experience that leaves players chuckling even in the face of danger.

    • “I love this game; it's scary as f**k and it's actually funny to die over and over.”
    • “The number of times I snickered as the beast slowly crept by my locker door or paced by the bed I was cowering under, still chuckling once I assumed I had achieved victory, only to have my sentence and happy time interrupted by the sounds of my screams as I am dragged out from under the bed like a parent preparing their child for a spanking.”
    • “So then I walk out of the desk and it's still walking in the desk, so I was like 'ummmm... the monster is stuck in the desk.' I laughed so hard; it was so funny.”
  • optimization
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and good frame rates on newer systems, others experience stuttering and frame drops, particularly in CPU-intensive scenarios. The game is generally well-optimized for its age, but improvements in DirectX 11 optimization and performance consistency are needed, especially for those with older hardware. Despite these issues, many players still find it enjoyable and commend its performance relative to its budget development.

    • “Good game and well optimized for an old game.”
    • “It perfectly gives the feel of an abandoned marine vehicle while maximizing performance.”
    • “Oh and by the way, the game is sick and really scary; it's well optimized, and the graphics are great.”
    • “However, regardless of PC specs, there's a slight stuttering.”
    • “Graphically, it isn't the prettiest game, and I do notice performance issues from time to time (I'm running an i5 4690k with a GTX 760, Evo840 SSD), especially when there is a monster close by.”
    • “I have a high-end PC and I get stuttering in game (FPS) drops!”
  • grinding
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unenjoyable, often exacerbated by buggy mechanics and repetitive item hunting. While some appreciate the randomness and challenge that can make it engaging for short sessions, many agree that the experience becomes monotonous and overly punishing, particularly due to permadeath and the lack of variety in environments.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Permadeath doesn't add anything to this game, it just makes it more tedious and unfun as at any second your run ends instantly.”
    • “Overall a tedious and unenjoyable game that is overly punishing.”
    • “It becomes a very tedious, boring item hunting game where monsters are annoying.”
  • emotional
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players report a strong emotional impact from the game, highlighting its ability to evoke fear and sadness through mechanics like permadeath and effective jump scares. Many express that the game has left them feeling scared and emotionally affected, with some even mentioning tears and sleepless nights as a result of their experiences. Overall, it successfully creates a tense atmosphere that resonates deeply with players.

    • “Really, this game, with so few hours played and having won only one game, has made me feel so many things that it is without a doubt in my top favorite games.”
    • “Very unique horror game that uses a scary mechanic called permadeath, which means if you die, you have to start all over again. This can be heartbreaking, but it keeps the game scary and makes you feel like you are really on the ship with only one chance to escape with your life.”
    • “I think I can't sleep tonight; this game also made me cry.”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development is highlighted by impressive and memorable character design that continues to engage players long after the initial excitement has faded. The chilling aesthetics of the creatures, particularly in close-up views, contribute significantly to the overall appeal and lasting impact of the game.

    • “Even so, the character design alone keeps me coming back to this years later after the hype died down.”
    • “Not only that, but the character design for these creatures is truly bone-chilling, especially upon close-up viewing.”
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79%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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8h Median play time
27h Average play time
4-16h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 15 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Monstrum is a survival action adventure game with horror theme.

Monstrum is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 27 hours playing Monstrum.

Monstrum was released on May 20, 2015.

Monstrum was developed by Team Junkfish.

Monstrum has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its atmosphere but disliked it for its stability.

Monstrum is a single player game.

Similar games include PARANOIA PLACE, Visage, Labyrinthine, Slender: The Arrival, Darkwood and others.