Summary
- Release Year: 2008
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation 3
- Developers: Immersion Games, Psyonix
- Publishers: SouthPeak Interactive
Monster Madness: Grave Danger: A Spooktacular Adventure for the PlayStation 3
Originally released in 2007 for the PlayStation 2, Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia was a unique and charming action-adventure game that combined elements of tower defense, third-person shooting, and light RPG mechanics. In 2008, developer Psyonix took the core gameplay of Battle for Suburbia and ported it to the PlayStation 3, adding a host of new features and improvements to create Monster Madness: Grave Danger.
Gameplay
Monster Madness: Grave Danger is a third-person shooter with a twist. Players control one of four characters, each with their own unique abilities and weapons, as they battle hordes of monsters that are invading a suburban neighborhood. The game’s objective is to defend the neighborhood by building towers and traps, and by directly engaging the monsters in combat.
The game’s tower defense elements are relatively simple. Players can build a variety of towers, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Towers can be upgraded to increase their range, damage, and other stats. Players must strategically place their towers in order to maximize their effectiveness and protect the neighborhood from the invading monsters.
The game’s shooting mechanics are also fairly straightforward. Players can use a variety of weapons to defeat monsters, including pistols, shotguns, and rocket launchers. Players can also use melee attacks to take down weaker monsters.
One of the things that sets Monster Madness: Grave Danger apart from other tower defense games is its focus on character progression. As players defeat monsters, they will earn experience points that can be used to level up their characters. Leveling up grants characters new abilities and stat bonuses, making them more powerful and effective in combat.
Story
The story of Monster Madness: Grave Danger is simple but effective. The game takes place in a suburban neighborhood that is being invaded by monsters. Players must take on the role of one of four neighborhood residents and defend their home from the invading hordes.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The cutscenes are well-animated and feature a cast of quirky and lovable characters. The in-game dialogue is also well-written and helps to flesh out the characters and their relationships.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Monster Madness: Grave Danger are colorful and cartoony, with a distinct Tim Burton-esque aesthetic. The game’s environments are detailed and varied, and the character models are expressive and well-animated.
The game’s sound design is also top-notch. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and the sound effects are well-done and add to the game’s overall ambiance.
Multiplayer
One of the biggest additions to Monster Madness: Grave Danger is the inclusion of 4-player online co-op for the adventure mode. This allows players to team up with friends or other players online to take on the game’s challenges together.
The co-op mode is a great way to experience the game with friends, and it adds a new level of challenge and excitement to the gameplay.
Conclusion
Monster Madness: Grave Danger is a fun, charming, and challenging action-adventure game that is perfect for fans of tower defense, third-person shooters, and Halloween-themed games. The game’s unique blend of genres, its quirky characters, and its polished presentation make it a must-play for PlayStation 3 owners.
Pros:
- Unique and charming blend of genres
- Quirky and lovable characters
- Polished presentation
- Fun and challenging gameplay
- 4-player online co-op
Cons:
- Can be repetitive at times
- Some of the later levels can be frustratingly difficult
Review Score
7.5/10