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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Monster Rancher 3
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 21 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Tecmo
Genre(s): Strategy, Other
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: September 25, 2001
Summary
The latest installment in the series lets players breed, train and fight with the monsters they control. New monsters are bred by pairing two existing ones or spawned from music CDs, movie DVDs or game discs. Players train and care for their monsters, much like a virtual pet. Later, they enroll their monsters into tournaments, where they battle for prizes and fame. [Tecmo]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Monster Rancher Monster Rancher 2 Monster Rancher 4
Cheat Codes & Hints: Adrenaline Vault Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Game Informer
Everything about this title makes the previous installments seem archaic in comparison. [Nov 2001, p.100]
Gamezilla!
Monster Rancher 3 rocks. That’s all that needs to be said. However, just to clarify, this game has really satisfying gameplay that should please even the most jaded gamer.
Read Full Review >XGP Gaming
The strength of this game is in its replay value. You can lose hours upon hours of your life simply checking your CD/DVD collection for monsters to add to your encyclopedia.
Read Full Review >Core Magazine
Whether you're new to the series, thoroughly sick of it, or can't wait to get back to raising monsters, this game has the capability to surprise, amaze and enthrall you.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
I can't stop playing the game. I'm hopelessly addicted. [Nov 2001, p.155]
IGN
Delivers where it counts, with the deep breeding simulation that fans of the series have grown to love.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
The fact that it sticks so closely to the formula of its predecessors is both its greatest strength and biggest weakness.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
The combat’s more fun and involving than anything in Pokemon Stadium. But the rest of the game hasn’t changed much. [Nov 2001, p.210]
Gaming Age
Any fan of Monster Rancher will be in absolute heaven with this new entry, and its more kid-friendly graphics are sure to attract more of the younger crowed to its decidedly simple, incredibly addictive gameplay.
Read Full Review >Next Generation Magazine
Hews so closely to the now four-year-old formula, it’s disappointing. [Dec 2001, p.108]
PSX Nation
It's very beautiful and easy to control, but there's nothing much that's new or improved here.
Read Full Review >Adrenaline Vault
Unfortunately, the sad truth is that Pokemon manages to provide more depth and complexity than Monster Rancher 3.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 21 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Cas S. gave it a 10:
i fell for this game when i got it, its a great game.
Stephen D. gave it a 10:
This game is so awesome!! I got so addicted to this game!!!
vIPER gave it a 9:
Addictive sh.t!!! time waster!!! this game is the reason why i dont get enough sleep.
Mike K. gave it a 10:
I just started, but i must say this is one cool game. nice graphics too. no more schools, but there are 5 worlds to train in. much more addictin than MR2. and what amuses me the most is putting all my dvds and games in to get monsters. well gotta admit its tough but you get used to it. cant wait till MR4 comes out.
Trent T. gave it a 10:
The game was really great a little hard but, it was still really fun!
Paul D. gave it a 5:
It's in there but needs way better graphics so keep trying because this is not good enough.
The Anal Retentive Gamer gave it a 5:
I Have Never Wasted 45$ On Such a DAMNED CUTE game! I liked the first Monster Rancher for playstation 1. Innovative and refreshing, it hosted the now infamous to the series CD-breeding system. Consequently this is the most addictive part of the game; rummaging through every CD or DVD you own to simply make a new monster. However, after putting in a Slipknot CD and getting a wonderfully cute three-bodied monster smiling me right in the face with $$$ written all over the telelvision screen, I decided to save it for when my neighbors come home from vacation so I can give it to thier daughter. Five-year old girls will love it, and probably Pokemon addicts. If you're anywhere in your teens...stay away. I need a shotgun to blow these little fu-
