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PixelJunk Monsters ps3 Game Reviews
PixelJunk Monsters
Critic Score
Metascore: 83 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.5 out of 10
based on 34 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 24 votes
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Rate this game

[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]

PUBLISHER: Sony Computer Entertainment America
DEVELOPER: Q-Games
GENRE(S): Real-Time Strategy
PLAYERS: 2
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: January 24, 2008

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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94
Play UK
The best game we've played this year. [Issue#163, p.92]
93
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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90
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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90
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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90
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]
90
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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90
1UP
It's a good-looking, sublimely clever game that sets out a host of expectations for future PixelJunk projects.
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88
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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88
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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88
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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85
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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85
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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83
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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80
games(TM)
A core mechanic that can be understood within minutes but refined and appreciated for hours. [Mar 2008, p.134]
80
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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80
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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80
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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80
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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80
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]
80
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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80
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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80
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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80
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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80
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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80
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]
79
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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78
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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75
GameSpot
PixelJunk Monsters may not look like much, but you'll quickly get hooked on its simple, strategic gameplay.
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75
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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75
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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70
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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70
Playstation Official Magazine UK
Lemmings in reverse. [Mar 2008, p.108]
70
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

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 24 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

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.

John M gave it a10:
I loved this game. It is a tremendous value especially for me because of the replay value. I have put more hours into this game already than Lair and Time Crisis 4 combined.

Andy D. gave it a10:
Endlessly entertaining, extremely addictive gameplay with a great art style and soundtrack. Even better, it's only ten bucks!

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