This game is another under the radar gem, this is another licensed game from one of my favorite companies Konami and it's another good one from them.
This game is based on a toy line from the 90's by "Matchbox", I remember playing with these figures (shame I didn't collect more of them) these toys were a lot of fun as they were basically what the Micro Machines were to cars, this is to the horror genre. Each set of them were always different colors and different kinds of monsters, some you recognize from the classic horror films, Greek mythology, etc. However, for me the highlight were monsters that weren't even on the list, that were completely made up which I love because it showed the toy line being creative and thinking outside the box.
This game is not just for any one that played with the toy line, but it's also almost a horror fan's dream come true. It's pretty much your usual platform actioner but nothing wrong with that as look as the execution is correct. I really like the presentation of the game which is on the nose. Each of the levels contain giant backgrounds, from a kitchen, sewer, stairs, desk, and other everyday settings that in our eyes are nothing special but in the perspective of the Pocket Monsters it's a gigantic world. It makes sense since the toys were mite sized and we just about played with them everywhere, making those everyday environments their world. Playing this game as a kid it really made me feel like I was playing with the toys, playing this game as now as an adult really made me feel like being a kid again.
I really love the character designs each of the monsters are unique and there is a great variety of them. You have some of the standard monsters your familiar with like zombies, werewolves, dragons, cyclops. But as I said before it's the ones that are not standard that stand out and steel the show, like sugar cube headed monsters, green mutant dogs, purple two headed vultures or harpies, hunchbacked skeleton zombies, the grocery list of monsters goes on, I won't reveal them all the best thing about the toy line is discovering them yourself.
Boss battles are decent, they're on the easy side but at least each monster you fight is different. And the music is good or decent, there are that many memorable tunes nor are they the kind of tunes I'd download and listen to on my iPod, but the tunes are enjoyable as there is a frantic tune that fits the nature of the game, like the first level tune I don't mind listening to sometimes.
Though as much fun as I have with this game it's not perfect there are a few short comings. One thing I which this game had more weapons to use, other than a random key to throw. But my main problems are the game is kind of short and easy by my standards, yet despite the ride being short it's a sweet ride all the same.
It would be cool if this game got a sequel, have more monsters in the roster to select from and have them each have different abilities this time, and you'd be able to select them at any time depending on the level. Like get Dracula to glide, a Mummy use some Egyptian magic or his bandages as bullwhips, the Creature from the Black Lagoon can shoot out acid and swim faster. Get even more environments and have more fun with them like an underwater level, a shopping mall. Have more weapons to use and different uses of them, like a toothpick you throw like javelins, a stapler that can be used as a trap you jump down when the evil monsters are in the right position.
Though sadly this will never happen unless the toy line is revamped (which it should be) and if that happens then an updated remake/revision of this game would have to be made. Though are thoughts to consider at least.
Overall, if you remember the toy line, or are into vintage licensed games or even the horror genre this game is worth a try, this is a pocket gem worth scooping out.
Rating: 3 stars
