Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX Reviews
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a remaster of two classic games that I am very glad to see in 2021, it just kills me that Koei Tecmo waited so long to bring this series to international audiences. The UI needs some work, but the games play really well on PC. In terms of remaster quality, these remastered games check all the right boxes for adding game mechanics that we take for granted in present-day games in older games that weren't so lucky to have these features. While Monster Rancher 1 deserved additional graphical and audio updates, playing the remastered Monster Rancher 2 is nothing short of fun. The new music-lookup monster creation system is a much needed modernization for the series, the FF Mode is a great way to quickly grind out your monster's stats, but I fear that multiplayer may be a letdown. I sincerely hope that these remasters pave the way for a modern Monster Rancher installment, because if these remasters are any indication, Koei Tecmo are on the right track.
I find myself conflicted when it comes to Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX. It still remains the same great game I enjoyed as a youth in many ways, but perhaps it hasn’t stood the test of time in others. The second title is certainly the better of the two, and I’d happily recommend that. It could still be improved, but it’s better. As a package though, perhaps it’s worth waiting.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a great re-release of two great games. Even with some signs of age, it's worth every minute, and every penny, that you spend on it.
Both Monster Rancher games are fun throwbacks and this package is a tribute to a series that arguably never got the love it deserved, especially in Europe. Retro gamers and those who enjoy finding hidden gems should definitely consider picking up Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX for a taste of late-'90s non-Pokémon monster battling. Once you get your head around the unusual controls and the dated presentation, there's lots to like here - and it feels like nothing else released before or since. Go in expecting to make mistakes and stumble through some of the gameplay features and there is plenty of fun to be had.
Do you remember Tamagotchi, a keychain-sized virtual pet simulation game? That’s what both Monster Rancher games remind me of. Not all players will enjoy both these games, especially players who aren’t into retro games. But for those that like the retro look-and-feel while playing games and want a trip down memory lane then you will find that in Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX. If you’re into virtual pets and battles, this is one of the best games to play to get your fix.
Ultimately, this is a solid introduction to Monster Rancher (definitely better than the short-lived TV show). At the very least, it's an enjoyable look back at a series that never quite hit the big time. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I forgot to feed my Golem, and you don't want to see what his tantrums look like.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX stays faithful to the originals by mostly adding quality of life fixes to enhance the game. While not everything was modernised, there is enough here for players to have a great time.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is mainly aimed at the fans of the franchise. Don't expect a remaster, though: the only difference with the originals is the new monster generating system, now based on an in-game database.
Review in Italian | Read full review
I don't know what I expected from Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX. Never playing a game in the series but wanting to try it out might have set my expectations too high. Monster Rancher is a unique take on a game, it also takes someone who wants to play a unique kind of game to get the maximum enjoyment from it. I don't think that was me, but I can appreciate two well made games, even if they're not my perfect cup of tea. The Nintendo Switch might be the best place for this type of slower paced, menu based game. Overall I enjoyed my time with the games, but not as much as I hoped to.
Monster Rancher 1&2 DX is a blast from the past, letting fans re-experience a classic while introducing new players to the franchise.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX modernizes these classic games’ gameplay and makes them more accessible and enticing than they’ve ever been before! Lovers of Pokémon or other monster-collecting games would be remiss to skip this collection.
The core fundamentals of Monster Rancher are delightful, and while this collection has its issues, there aren't all that many modern equivalents to what it offers, so they hold their value well. Whether this is some kind of elaborate market research with Koei canvassing interest for a potential new Monster Rancher, or a simple acknowledgement that the series still has fans and they'll buy anything Monster Rancher-related, I don't know. I almost hope they don't make a new Monster Rancher, because the appeal of these games is in their simple charm. Simplicity that modern game development can't get away with. In that context, I actually believe that Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX will be the best of this series. Putting aside the inability to summon monsters via CD, both games have aged like the finest of wines, and remain some of the best examples of design from their era.
The bug fixes and minor improvements to the overall experience are extremely welcome, and Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX proves itself to be an excellent way to play the games on PC without needing to bother with the hassle of configuring emulators.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is undeniably engrossing and though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a modern game, it manages to hold its own due to its sheer charm and enjoyable gameplay. Even if you’re not completely biased because of childhood nostalgia like me, if you love collecting, raising, and battling with monsters, you’ll be hooked from your very first shrine summon.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX retains all the features and content that made them such unique titles when first released. However, after the long wait, I feel this revival is slightly half-hearted as it still features dated graphics, dated audio and the lack of aspect ratio options is a big miss. It's great that they have been revitalised after so long, but I feel this one is solely for the fans as there is too much choice within the monster tamer genre for this to stand out.
That’s what makes Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX so fascinating. You see, Monster Rancher makes more sense now than it did then.
Monster Rancher 1&2 DX is a game that you will enjoy if you're a big fan of the franchise. The bundle has new features, but is a remaster without any technical improvements.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
While some may find the graphics and sound too outdated to enjoy, players looking for a trip to the farm will find their plates very full.
For fans of the series, or for players looking for a slightly more involved grind during their commute than the usual mobile fare, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX offer a heap of monster-rearing pleasure. However, this pair of titles is truly a product of its time: a lack of tutorials, janky graphics, and a set of opaque gameplay systems reliant on heavy grinding might prove too high a barrier for the average creature collector. Pick this up only if you’re prepared for a nostalgic romp through the highs and lows of late nineties game design.