Monster Tale

 DS
Monster Tale Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

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  • Summary: Monster Tale mixes platform game play on the top screen with a deep pet-raising game on the Touch Screen to create a dynamic adventure.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Nintendojo
    Mar 21, 2011
    91
    Despite some minor platforming quibbles, DreamRift's crafted a wonderful number that defies any generic description, and platformer/role-playing/adventure enthusiasts (hah) should definitely check it out.
  2. Worth Playing
    Apr 15, 2011
    90
    Unless your game library must be free of anything resembling a kids' title, you must have Monster Tale in your DS collection.
  3. Game Over Online
    Apr 20, 2011
    90
    Monster Tale is a must-have for anyone who loves either the 2D Mega Man, Metroid, and "MetroidVania" games.
  4. Destructoid
    Mar 23, 2011
    80
    One thing I did not like about Monster Tale was the backtracking. You'll revisit each area at least once, and Ellie's not exactly a speed demon. That's okay, though, because the fun of the game's partner mechanic and ease of play far outweigh the annoyance of having to retrace your steps a few times.
  5. Nintendo Gamer
    May 13, 2011
    80
    A solid mix of platforming and virtual-pet raising, but with a bit too much step-retracing. [May 2011, p.57]
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  6. GameSpot
    Apr 5, 2011
    80
    Monster Tale is a whimsical, colorful 2D adventure that's sure to please with its engaging combination of exploration, pet raising, and action.
  7. Edge Magazine
    May 8, 2011
    60
    With your monster ally at your side, it offers glimpses of something more intriguing, but its most interesting idea is the one that feels frustratingly underexplored. [June 2011, p.101]
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See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. WarioJo
    Mar 24, 2011
    10
    The more i play it, the more i find this game to be like a mix of ALL the BEST elements from Mega Man to Pokemon to Wonder Boy to Metroid toThe more i play it, the more i find this game to be like a mix of ALL the BEST elements from Mega Man to Pokemon to Wonder Boy to Metroid to Castlevania GBA-DS to Adventure Island 4 to Super Adventure Island II to beat'em up games like Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure. All fun i got from these games are combined in ONE. :D Makes me want to try Henry Hatsworth though i absolutely prefer RPG elements to puzzle elements. To me, this game is the PERFECT type of game to suit my gaming needs, visuals, gameplay, music, action, rpg elements. Very addicting!!… Expand
  2. Moony545
    Jan 7, 2020
    9
    Милейшая и крутая как геймплейно, так и всякими фишками игра в жанре "метроидвания".Милейшая и крутая как геймплейно, так и всякими фишками игра в жанре "метроидвания".
  4. joehi1
    Jan 18, 2018
    8
    Monster Tale creates a fun unique combination of Pokemon, Tamagotchi, and the Metroidvania genre. The game has smooth platforming and fluidMonster Tale creates a fun unique combination of Pokemon, Tamagotchi, and the Metroidvania genre. The game has smooth platforming and fluid combat switching between a short range blaster and a close-up melee option that just makes the game feel like such a joy to play. The fun colorful graphics really help in providing an immersive atmosphere to gamers, and the way in which your pets come out on the screen to help you is simple yet effective. The only problems of the game consist with its lack of fast travel and its mediocre soundtrack. Overall Monster Tale is a hidden gem in the DS library that any fan of platformers or Metroidvania style games you should definitely give it a try.

    Cons
    Lack of fast travel
    Mediocre soundtrack    … Expand
  5. LifeHistory
    May 10, 2017
    8
    Very cool and enjoyable game the whole way through. I love the concept of it too when you have a monster to take care of and evolve. Its likeVery cool and enjoyable game the whole way through. I love the concept of it too when you have a monster to take care of and evolve. Its like owning a pet but in a digital world. Cool gameplay and mechanics. Its odd that this game is not very known and did never get a sequel. Its a must play for every DS owner and an old school 2D platformer lover.… Expand
  6. b00lpr0p
    Jan 30, 2019
    8
    Years after retiring my old DS Lite and dedicate myself almost exclusively to 3DS and Switch, I have the pleasant surprise to try this game,Years after retiring my old DS Lite and dedicate myself almost exclusively to 3DS and Switch, I have the pleasant surprise to try this game, by indication of friends. The game is very good, colorful, fun, challenging, with good soundtrack and elements of Castlevania, Metroid, beat'em up, RPG and other genres, in a mixture that works very well.… Expand
  7. Neferon
    May 7, 2011
    8
    A simplified version of Metroid, Castlevania and Monster raising games. This game does manage to combine them well. The only flaw in the gameA simplified version of Metroid, Castlevania and Monster raising games. This game does manage to combine them well. The only flaw in the game is the lack of a quick way of travel. If you enjoy the action/adventure genre, give this one a try.… Expand
  8. SCCSakura
    Mar 25, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A really nice story, almost a metroid for kids, the difficult isnt soo hard for kids but no so easy for old players, a lot of Chomp Forms (You pet) just make any time you play be unique, i really love the upgrades and 30 is a really low number, but the mode Story can be done with 8 or 9 hours (i took 10 because i wanted to make a 100%)
    Sad to say, some evolutions NEED to be unlocked or you never will make a 100% game, all Chomps Forms can grown up to lvl 30, if it unlock any form and you dont have unlocked yet, well, try reset game and evolve after to lvl up...

    Straight from Peter Ong, lead designer and co-founder of DreamRift "Some of the most secret Chomp forms can only be unlocked while Chomp is still growing. If Chomp reaches the max level without being given what one of his derivative forms likes, he might never evolve into that form. There are hints about what each form likes in the fo...rm descriptions. Try to give Chomp what his derivative form likes while he is still growing and you'll be able to unlock even the most special forms!"

    Sorry buddy, but i tried since lvl 1 to evolve chomp and nothing, the evolve bar stopped with almost 1cm and cannot evolve more, results? 10 hours of playing game for never see 100% ending, this isnt a feature and a yes, a bug, hope monster tale 2 this dont happens, 9 of 10.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best DS Game of 2011
16
#16 Most Discussed DS Game of 2011
23
#23 Most Shared DS Game of 2011