| Introduction
No, you didn't read incorrectly! This is Planet Monsters,
one of many original titles from French software developer
Planet Interactive. To add to the confusion, the tag
line on the box reads "Gotta kill 'em all",
which is incredibly close to Nintendo's best seller,
although the word "kill" and "Pokemon"
couldn't really be further apart. Suffice to say, this
isn't a Pokemon clone, but a rather unique title which
it itself is a rarity considering the numerous "ben
there, done that" titles that's constantly popping
up on the GBA. Question is... is it uniquely good?
GamePlay
All your battles take place in an arena which visually
represents the world you're currently in and the objective
of the game is simple - you must stay alive, you've
'gotta kill 'em all'! There are unfortunately three
other players who have the same idea and a whole host
of regenerating nasties who are happy to destroy anything
in front of them. There are two ways to dispose of the
other three monsters or anything else for that matter.
The first is to push a block into them which isn't as
easy as it sounds as they're trying to do the same to
you leaving little time to think. The second is to collect
one of the many special weapons lying around which also
requires timing but an important point to remember here
is that these things can destroy you too.
Every world is split into five different battle arenas
and a sixth level where you must beat the end of level
boss. These are obviously far more difficult to destroy
and you may need a few tries before discovering its
weak spot. As the levels progress they also get more
complicated so you'll encounter walls that are solid
and cannot be used as weapons, arenas split into different
islands and teleporter systems that allow quicker travel.
Fortunately you're also equipped with a radar so locating
the other players is never that difficult though you
should always remember that they're also after you and
some of them can be very calculating.
In addition there's a multiplayer mode which is incredible
as this type of game is always better with 'real' opponents.
You will unfortunately need another copy of the game
but it is worth it. The password system is also a joy
to use and the very user friendly four digit code should
really be a standard. Anything else should be battery
back up.
Controls
The control system couldn't be simpler which is very
important in a game of this type and even more so when
time is running out and everything is flying around
the arena at great speed. Everything is very responsive
so you can fire special weapons and push blocks with
split second timing which you'll quickly realize is
the key to success.
Graphics
The graphics are wonderful and every one of the eight
areas appears suitably different from the previous one.
The various menu systems are very user friendly and
some other developers would do well to see just how
this title has been expertly constructed. The highlight
though is the character design and animation. Any death
or celebration is accompanied with Tex Avery style,
over the top, visuals. The end of level bosses are excellent
and a lot larger than you so disposing of them is always
very satisfying.
Sound & Music
You'd initially be forgiven for thinking that this
title contains no music or sound effects at all as nothing
kicks in until you get to the main title screen. As
soon as you get here though you're treated to the kind
of comical cartoon soundtrack that you'd expect from
a game of this type. On the sound effects side everything
is high quality and the sound of any of your opponents
being squashed by a sliding block is very entertaining.
Final Comments
Original titles don't really come around often and
quality ones are even rarer. I'm pleased to say that
nearly every aspect in Planet Monsters has been thoughtfully
created - from sound and graphics to the multiplayer
element and most importantly, playability - Indeed,
it's hard to find anything that disappoints. Planet
Monsters is, in short, a first rate (not to mention
addictive) 1 to 4 player game which any GBA arcade fan
would be happy to add to their collection.
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