Publisher: Sony
Ages: nine and up.
Parental
Advisory:
Bloodless violence
Inspired by those cheesy 1950s and 1960s monsters movies, Sony's War of the Monsters lets players battle as 100-foot tall creatures. In theme, the title is almost like a fun update of the old, eighties-era Rampage that features destructible 3D environments, captivating and entertaining monsters and battles, and great graphics.
The premise is simple. Players get to choose a monster and beat the others into submission while causing untold damage in a city or other environment. There are ten monsters that are equipped with short and long range attacks. Monsters include Congar, a super gorilla with a sonic roar; Ultra V, a giant robot with an energy sword; Preytor, a flying mutant mantis with piercing appendages; and more. The game's monsters initially look like descendants, even copycats, of those in old Japanese monster films-Godzilla and the like-but move a lot faster.
There are 13 destructible and interactive environments that include cities, an airfield, and a volcanic island resort. In addition to executing uppercuts, grappling moves, and combos, players can climb buildings and use objects such as steel girders, army tanks and radio antennas as weapons.
Gamers can battle with up to three opponents at once, either against three CPU-controlled monsters in single-player mode, or challenge a friend and two CPU-controlled opponents in a two-player mode. The innovative two-player split screen merges into one when opponents fight at close range. A bit of a disappointment, a four-player mode would have been fun.
The game also features monster "costumes," mini-games such as dodge ball and multiple gameplay modes that include free-for-all, elimination and endurance. The graphics are first rate and along with the excellent audio effects, effectively bring this virtual world to life. While the game features lots of violence of the hitting, striking and shooting variety, there's no blood or gore.
War of the Monsters is an entertaining action title that's sure to satisfy a wide variety of gamers. While it's based on old movies, it's fresh and fun.
3/17/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
