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PixelJunk Monsters

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9.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 38 critic reviews
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Based on 34 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America

Developer: Q-Games

Genre(s): Real-Time Strategy

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: January 24, 2008

Summary

[Downloadable Game] Inspired by the popular and addictive "tower defense" genre, PixelJunk Monsters takes the simple real-time strategy concept of building, researching and base defending and presents it in a uniquely attractive style. With meticulously hand-drawn 2D art, PixelJunk Monsters recreates the look of a classic with crisp graphics designed for optimal viewing in Full 1080p HD. The player controls a defender-of-the-forest character in a lush 2D environment. The player's goal is to strategically defend the pathway to his homebase from an onslaught of various threatening monsters. In between waves of monster attacks, the player scrambles to reinforce his defenses by collecting gold coins and jewels from fallen enemies to finance new towers and research deadlier weapons. Eventually, the player can harness the elements throughout the 20 different stages to cast lightning storms across the forest. Gamers can enjoy PixelJunk Monsters with a friend in offline co-op mode, which requires careful strategy and communication. Additionally, PixelJunk™ Monsters will support online leaderboards for both 1p and 2p co-op. [SCEA]

Cheat Codes & Hints: 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...

100

Gaming Age

While the game is deceptively simple on the surface, there's much more to mastering each level as you progress further in.

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Play UK

The best game we've played this year. [Issue#163, p.92]

Console Monster

It is seriously hard not to recommend PjM to anyone, as it is just such a great tribute to the tower defence genre, and is easily one of the best titles available on the PlayStation Store.

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Gameplanet

PixelJunk Monsters is a quirky, fun tower defence game that will have you laughing, and crying, as you try to beat each level.

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TotalPlayStation

Above all else, though, it's the game's delightful sense of balance and ever-present progress carrot dangling just out of reach that kept me coming back.

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Play Magazine

The look is so sharp and appealing in HD, but you really have to appreciate PixelJunk Monsters even more for a style that feels so removed from the norm. [Apr 2008, p.63]

GotNext

Pixeljunk Monsters is the sworn enemy of a good night's rest, but who's got time to sleep when one more round is calling?

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1UP

It's a good-looking, sublimely clever game that sets out a host of expectations for future PixelJunk projects.

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GamePro

PixelJunk Monsters's only drawback is the throw-your-controller-against-the-wall frustration found on some of its more difficult levels. Still, considering everything it does right AND the fact that it supports PSP remote play, it's certainly worthy of a download.

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Thunderbolt

Admittedly, PixelJunk Monsters doesn’t offer too much different from many tower defense titles, but what it lacks in originality it more than makes up in polish.

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Gamers' Temple

It may have the word "junk" in its title, but this game is a monster of a good time.

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Cheat Code Central

It has a very complete-feeling RTS-based gameplay that makes the title well worth the price of the download. And while the game itself may be short in terms of a traditional RTS (you'll probably beat this one in 8-9 hours), it offers a whole bunch of fun.

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NZGamer

PixelJunk Monsters is the definition of a game “which takes five minutes to learn, but a lifetime to master.” Its level designs are spectacular, challenging and vibrant, while its easy going controller layout allows you to jump straight in to the action and try to wade through the twenty or so levels on offer.

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GamerNode

Not only is PixelJunk Monsters the best game available on the PSN, but it's easily the best tower defense game yet. If you loved Desktop Tower Defense, you'll absolutely love PixelJunk Monsters.

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IGN

A highly addictive game that's absolutely worth a download. If you enjoy casual games but prefer a more engaging experience, this is the title for you. As long as you're wary of the high level of challenge and trial-and-error based gameplay, you won't be disappointed.

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Gamer 2.0

While PixelJunk Monsters may not look like the most addictive game in the world, it’ll hit you in the face with its challenging depth and simple gameplay.

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games(TM)

A core mechanic that can be understood within minutes but refined and appreciated for hours. [Mar 2008, p.134]

Gamer.nl

PixelJunk Monsters used the popularity of the Tower Defence-concept quite handy. Too bad there isn't an online co-op or a level creator though. It doesn't take away the fact that this is currently one of the best games available at the Playstation Store. So if you are looking for fun, challenge and addictiveness, then run like hell to your Playstation 3 to download the game on your harddisk for only 4,99 euro!

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Gamervision

With a huge amount of customization when it comes to which towers to buy and where to put them, you could find yourself playing through it over and over again. The lack of online co-op is deplorable, but the game is solid.

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PALGN

Pixeljunk Monsters is a brilliant game that's perfectly suited to the PlayStation Network. With several levels and some incredibly easy to pick up gameplay, Pixeljunk Monsters is a title that's definitely worth picking up.

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Gamestyle

The pacing of PixelJunk Monsters is almost perfect with enough life in the experience to confirm that this is one of the wisest purchases currently available on the PlayStation Store Network.

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Hardcore Gamer Magazine

Pixeljunk Monsters is a constant struggle to properly allocate gold, gems, firepower, and time as the horde advances single file, with each level being more addictive than the last. [Spring 2008, p.61]

TheSixthAxis

Thankfully then there's a two-player co-op mode, which although requires both players to be on the same machine (no online play, yet) is a welcome addition and although money is divided up into who collects the coins, gems are shared between the two players.

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VideoGamer

On one hand you've got a fiendishly hard single-player game that taxes the mind as much as the reflexes, and on the other there's a more considered two-player game with a slower pace and more tactical play. Either way PixelJunk Monsters is another fine addition to the PSN line-up.

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Eurogamer

20 levels might not sound like a lot, but this is one that will keep you going for ages, and with a highly entertaining co-op mode thrown in and online high-score tables, it's yet another PSN title worth checking out.

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Boomtown

It is a lot of game for your money, especially if you have the patience to slog your way through it all, much like more classic video games that we remember fondly, but it does bear more than a passing resemblance to ‘Desktop Tower Defence’ (Google it) in its gameplay choice.

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Gameplayer

It’s a simple pick-up-and-play style of game, but there are 20 deceptively involving stages to draw out the experience. The hand-drawn graphics are charming, and the management of your economy and overlapping fields of fire is engrossingly complex. You can lose yourself in this world for hours.

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GameZone

Simple, easy to use and entirely effective. The frantic pace of the game and all-out blitz to get as many gold coins as possible makes for an exciting game.

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PSM3 Magazine UK

It's the tightly balanced levels that make it so addictive and, despite its simplicity, the few choices you have are vital. [Mar 2008, p.80]

AceGamez

Monsters is a winsome game at heart and an enjoyable addition to your library if you're looking for something that's strategic and a little different to the norm.

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Gaming Nexus

A cute little “tower defense” game all spiffed up for the PS3. There’s nothing spectacular here, but this time-killer has its charm nonetheless.

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DailyGame

A high degree of patience is required to battle the PixelJunk Monsters, a bit more so than the developers should have allowed. Otherwise, PixelJunk Monsters is a solid, albeit safe entry in the timeless "tower defense" genre.

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GameSpot

PixelJunk Monsters may not look like much, but you'll quickly get hooked on its simple, strategic gameplay.

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Game Chronicles

A surprisingly addictive and enjoyable game that starts off rather slow, and then quickly sucks the gamer in with its high-intensity tower defense gameplay.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

PixelJunk Monsters has a deceptively lo-fi vibe, but its cartoon creatures and setting look crisp and sensuous on a high-definition screen. The shimmering, ambient soundtrack is lovely as well.

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PTGamers

PixelJunk Monsters is fun. At least... initially. Here is a compelling game for fans of uncomplicated strategy, knowing that diversity and complexity are mostly absent.

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Playstation Official Magazine UK

Lemmings in reverse. [Mar 2008, p.108]

Edge Magazine

Having moved up an entire notch from inaugural title "Racers," the PixelJunk brand is becoming one of PSN's most promising and confident niches. [Mar 2008, p.101]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 34 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Timothy D gave it a10:
This game was deceptively much better then I ever imagined.I loved the music and effects too. It goes to show, that I ended putting down Metal Gear 4, to play this game and I love Metal Gear 4. I would recommend this game to anyone with a soft spot for fun games. This is a FUN game. You will thoroughly enjoyed it. Cheers!

Dan H gave it a9:
PixelJunk Monsters is a monstrously addictive, charming and elegant little strategy game. Very easy to get into but its deceptively deep and really rewarding. You start playing and before you know it it's three hours later and everyones gone to bed. Then after you shut it down for the night you spend the next hour lying there thinking up new strategies to try...really the most addictive game I've played in years.

M K. gave it a10:
Great Game, Even better playing co-op with the girlfriend.. But watch out cause she'll love it even more than you do... even if she doesn't usually like playing games.

mark gave it a10:
This game is *so* addictive.. I keep going back to it in between other games.. Definitely a good value.

Viktor V. gave it a10:
Very simple concept but amazingly addictive, the HD graphics are just so cute and clean, control is top class but is the gameplay that will keep you there, for hours and hours of joy, the game is not perfect (music is quite nice but very repetitive too) but at the incredible price of 4,99 Euro it deserve a total "10" as a score, so much fun for the price, really.

Bryan S. gave it a9:
Simple and FUN.

Dan gave it a9:
Great value game. Very addictive.

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PixelJunk Monsters

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