1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

The Monster Rancher video game series was created by Tecmo as the first of its kind and still hasn't been duplicated. Gamers are given the option of using an in-game monster or creating a monster using the discs of other video games, Cd's or DVD's.
Monster Rancher 1 was terrific for what it was. It was new and innovative. The graphics weren't great and game-play was a bit boring. But, hey, we didn't realize what was in the future. I, myself, was mesmerized by this game that was probably meant for kids.

Monster Rancher 2 was awesome, a giant step up from the original. The story was better. New and improved monsters were available. Game-play was still a bit boring-doing the same things over and over again, but the story seemed to go on and on, plus there were several side stories, so when the credits ran, and you thought you were done, you had the option to keep going, so that you could pick up on all the side stories you missed. In my opinion, this was the best version of this game, the amount of monsters to choose from and work for being the highlight.
Monster Rancher 3 took on a more youthful approach. The graphics were more cartoon-like and the characters looked like they came right out of an episode of Speed Racer. The monsters weren't at all scary, even the infamous Joker. It didn't take long to finish this game either, confirming my suspicions that I was too old for it.
Monster Rancher 4, taking its cue from MR2, was also terrific. The old graphics were back and better than ever. You were now allowed to have five monsters instead of just one, you could run freely around the ranch, and you could go on adventures along with the battles that didn't change much since the beginning of the series. The monsters were more like monsters, some of them anyway, and you could interact with them. I loved Monster Rancher 4 so much that I waited at the edge of my seat for part 5 to be made.
Finally it did and I bought it. I sat in front of my television, watching the opening sequence, eager to be giddy over new graphics, new monsters, and a new story. I got a new story alright. I joined a circus and, instead of my monsters training to become stronger or smarter, they did tricks and put on shows. Instead of winning by being the better fighter, a win was decided by whether the audience applauded or booed. To top it off, the monsters were exactly the same as in MR4 with the exception of a new silly looking monster that wouldn't scare a bunny. The only part of this new game that I liked was the adventuring. Unlike in MR4, you and your monster are separate entities and your monsters are free to search for treasure on their own.
I'm still eagerly awaiting a sixth installment of Monster Rancher. I don't know if one is in the works or not, but I have high hopes that the trend will continue and the even numbered versions of this game are the best.

Learn more about this author, Darlene Prickett.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Video game reviews: The Monster Rancher series?
We want to hear your view. Write now!