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In my infinite search for new roguelike games, I found a very recently released one that I’m finding to be quite enjoyable. That game is called Monster Panic and is currently on the Nintendo Switch & Playstation. Mixing familiar mechanics with some nice quirks, this offers a fun experience for new and veteran auto shooters alike.
(Update as of October: I’ve actually written a review for this, and also discussed my favorite weapons & accessories)
The Same Formula
If you’ve played an auto shooter before, you’ll know what to expect more or less. Try to survive the level as long as possible with each level up offering the chance to level a weapon or accessory you already have or get a new one. This is the same for this game, but one bit that is different is that you can actually refresh your choices each time you level. In some games, you can only do this a set number of times the entire round, but not in this game.
The time of each round has been consistent too, only clocking in at 13 minutes, which I find to be both unique and decent. On top of all this, each level of each stage has some type of gimmick behind it. For example, one level made the game’s speed increase, while another only allowed me 3 weapons and accessories versus the usual 6.
Stages
I’m still in the first area, but each stage has so many levels to them. So completing one level unlocks the next and then completing 5 of them, from my understanding, unlocks a whole new area. At the current time of writing, there are only two areas total.
Characters and Classes
This has to be the part of the game I really haven’t seen much of. I’ve unlocked two characters, which is done via getting coins each run depending on how you do. You also have to keep in mind that you have upgrades too, so your coins will be spread out. Most of mine have gone towards upgrades to various skills.
The game mentions you can switch classes, but I can’t say I understand that yet. It may also just be referring to each character having a different class themselves, but I haven’t played enough to say.
Goals
There’s other ways to make money, such as completing different tasks. These range from killing X amount of enemies to getting a weapon to the max level, which is 10. Completing stages for the first time also acts as a goal, and then you have the hardest part, which is completing all stages with all characters on all levels.
Pricing
Monster Panic’s original price is $11.99, but it is currently on sale until April 18th for $9.59. It’s a bit more than most auto-shooters I’ve played, but I can’t knock on it either. The game seems to be full of content, and a nice amount of replayability.
Systems
The only release for Monster Panic I’ve seen so far has been for the Nintendo Switch. That isn’t to say there won’t be another release later on though, as Steam doesn’t even have it yet.
As an update, the game is now on Playstation.
First Impressions
I’ve spent around 2 hours with Monster Panic, and so far, I’m really invested. Sure, it’s a lot like Vampire Survivors and Army of Ruin, but that’s exactly what I expected it to be. What really hooks me about these games is just how much time you can sink into them without even realizing it, while still having a ton of fun doing so.
The price might be a bit steep in comparison, but the game left a good impression, and I hope it continues to carry that out for my time with it. This is in no way a review. This is just my initial thoughts after playing for a couple of hours. Though, give me a couple weeks or so and I’m sure I’ll be writing one soon enough. Until then, game on folks.
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