Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX Reviews
The endless circle of gameplay with other companions has closed, but it has not brought any more. The collection lacks a strong campaign, a good dose of the story or motivation.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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.
The combination of rumor, magazine publication, and CD trading is what made the Monster Rancher games special. It’s hard to recreate that kind of feeling today. But, Koei Tecmo did it very well. The only problem is that there’s not much content in the game, and without multiplayer capabilities, mileage doesn’t go very far. If I have any advice for anyone attempting to play this game, it’s to share this nostalgic story of how the game worked, and don’t just look up the stats of the best monsters on the internet. Play with some friends, use your favorite albums, and see what you get, because that is what makes Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX unique. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is an effective nostalgic novelty, but as a monster raising sim, it’s pretty meh.
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.
Overall, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is ok. If you're a fan of the series, or if you just want a game you can play in the background while doing something else, it may be a good choice for you. With plenty of monsters to generate and decent QoL improvements, you'll certainly get your money's worth at only $29.99. But if you're expecting an in-depth monster breeding simulator with lots to do...well, it'd be best to look elsewhere.
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.
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.
Nothing comes easy in Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX. These are fairly poor ports of two pretty good games, with the best part of them stripped out. I still had fun revisiting these games after so many years, and players able to overlook the poor interface and lack of guidance can still definitely find a good time here, but you’ll need to work for it.
I’m glad that Monster Rancher 1&2 DX came out because it gives curious players and myself a chance to check out a cult-classic monster series.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a competent re-edition of the two original games that gives some of its elements a more modern flair while keeping the series' main characteristics intact. While it's inevitable to find that some of the elements feel outdated, this is still a fun and creative experience, and one that will make long-time fans of these cult classics very glad to have them on a Nintendo Switch.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If you’re looking for some childhood nostalgia, look no further than Monster Rancher 1 + 2 DX. If you have never played these games before, this will probably do absolutely nothing for you because, to be honest, these games are much more sluggish than they ever felt back around release. Welcome to the joys of the evolution of gaming. Some games can withstand the test of time, others can not. Monster Rancher is unfortunately a game that should be returned to solely for nostalgia’s sake.
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.
It’s a faithful remaster that will send old school fans on a serious nostalgia high without tainting your memories of it, and that’s fantastic. Newcomers might not be swept off their feet and its gift of pleasant memories may only work out for fans of the classics. But that’s okay, we’ve been waiting a really long time.
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
Dated gameplay mechanics, presentational inconsistencies, and a lack of graphical updates make it hard to recommend this to anyone who isn't already a fan of the franchise.