Coming to us from Japanese developer Odencat is a JRPG with a twist. Meg’s Monster will pull at your heartstrings and make you ask, who is the real monster?
Meg’s Monster is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Today we’ll be looking at the Switch version, which comes in at £12.79/$14.99
Not All Heroes Wear Capes, Some Are Huge Indestructible Monsters Named Roy.
Meg’s Monster centres around a little girl named Meg, who falls into the Underworld, a place filled with monsters. While the premise may sound similar to Undertale, Meg’s Monster offers a fresh take on the formula, with unique gameplay mechanics and a heartwarming storyline.
The game starts with Meg stumbling upon two monsters, Golan and Roy. Golan, initially planning to eat Meg, realises that she is a Harbinger of Ruin, and her crying could bring about the end of the world. Golan calms her down, and she runs to Roy. From here, the player takes control of Roy, a virtually indestructible monster whose job is to protect Meg from harm and return her to her Mother.
Gameplay
The game’s combat system is a unique take on the classic JRPG turn-based formula. While the fights are generally straightforward and easy, the game’s primary challenge lies in managing Meg’s emotional state. If Meg sees Roy get hurt, it upsets her and she gets closer to crying. The player must ensure that Meg doesn’t cry while dispatching enemies. Throughout the game, the player collects toys that can be given to Meg during battle to cheer her up, as well as give her and Roy buffs.
While the game’s mechanics are unique, they can also be somewhat simplistic. The scripted nature of the battles may make the game feel somewhat repetitive for players looking for a more challenging experience. However, the game’s focus on Meg’s emotional state adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. I just wish they had added in some random encounters to mix things up a bit, giving you the ability to train up Meg’s mental fortitude.
Let Me Tell You A Tale
What truly stands out is its characters and story. The game’s short length does not detract from the depth of character development and emotional impact of the narrative. The relationship between Roy and Meg is heartwarming, and seeing Roy develop into someone who truly cares about Meg is touching. Despite its relatively brief runtime, Meg’s Monster manages to tell a compelling and emotionally resonant story that will stick with players long after the credits roll.
But Meg and Roy aren’t the only characters you’ll become attached to during your time with Meg’s Monster. Whether it’s Gustav, the powerful leader of the Underworld council who’ll do whatever he can to protect his citizens. Golan, whose motives throughout will keep you questioning where his allegiances lie. Paul, the resident human of the Underworld, who’ll help Meg in any way he can. Or Sebastian the Elder of the council who’s a lot wiser than he might initially let on. Each character has their own flaws, motivations and personalities that will make you care deeply about their story.
Graphics & Audio
Meg’s Monster pixel art is incredible. It’s visually stunning. Every detail, from the vibrant colour palettes to the intricate character designs, has been expertly crafted to create a truly stunning visual experience. The set pieces are equally impressive, with each location expertly designed to be immersive and atmospheric, drawing players into the game’s world and story. Whether you’re exploring a dark, foreboding dungeon or a lush, luminescent meadow, the game’s environments are always a joy to behold. And the ethereal soundtrack only adds to the game’s ambience. Harking back to JRPGs of old, the soundtrack immerses players even further into the game’s world and creates an unforgettable gaming experience.
Longevity
As mentioned, the game isn’t a long one at all. Meg’s Monster should only take you around 5 or so hours to complete. It features a small map with a handful of sidequests that you can and should complete. It’s also very linear, so there isn’t much in the way of replayability. The game will be exactly the same the next time you play it. This isn’t a bad thing though. It’s a tightly crafted experience.
Final Thoughts
Meg’s Monster is a unique and heartfelt little game that manages to stand out from its peers. While its gameplay mechanics could benefit from more variety, its characters and story make it a worthwhile experience for players who enjoy games with strong emotional themes. The game’s short length won’t disappoint, and more than makes up for it with a heartfelt and memorable gaming experience. I would love to see Odencat build on the formula in a future title. Meg’s Monster is worth every penny and definitely worth checking out.
Meg’s Monster earns itself a Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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