Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Sandlot
- Publishers: Agetec, D3Publisher
Monster Attack (2003): The Earth’s Last Stand Against Giant Bugs, Robots, and Aliens
Introduction
Monster Attack is a third-person action shooter and the first game in the Chikyuu Boueigun / Earth Defense Force series. The player takes the role of an EDF (Earth Defence Force) infantry man to single-handedly battle hordes of giant bugs, robots, and alien ships that have invaded Earth, across 30 missions. The game eludes to other EDF forces, but they are never seen.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Monster Attack is simple but addictive. Players choose two weapons for each mission from dozens of various missile launchers, machine guns, flamethrowers, and more unique weapons. Some weapons are faster, more powerful, or better suited to the mission at hand than others. All weapons have infinite ammo (though the weapons must still be reloaded after each clip is used up) and are set loose in one of several (usually city-based) fully destructible environments. Players can also mount a variety of vehicles, such as an air bike, a tank, and a helicopter.
As the player defeats enemies, they will drop power-ups that can be picked up to recover and increase the player’s maximum health and armor, and to unlock new weapons. The game also features 2-player split-screen cooperative multiplayer.
Setting
Monster Attack is set on Earth in the near future. The game’s story begins with a massive invasion of Earth by giant bugs, robots, and alien ships. The EDF is the only force that stands between the invaders and the complete destruction of humanity.
The game’s environments are varied and destructible, ranging from cities to forests to deserts. Players will have to use their wits and all of the resources at their disposal to survive and defeat the invaders.
Characters
The player character in Monster Attack is a nameless and faceless EDF infantryman. The game does not provide any backstory or character development for the player character, but this allows the player to insert themselves into the role and become the hero of the story.
In addition to the player character, there are a few other EDF characters who appear in the game. These characters provide support and情報を提供する to the player, but they are not playable.
Enemies
The enemies in Monster Attack are varied and deadly. The player will face off against giant bugs, robots, and alien ships, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The most common enemy type in the game is the giant bug. These creatures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small, skittering insects to massive, towering behemoths. Giant bugs are typically weak to gunfire, but they can be very difficult to kill if they get too close.
Robots are another common enemy type in Monster Attack. These machines are typically more durable than giant bugs, and they can be armed with a variety of weapons. Robots are often weak to explosives, but they can be very dangerous if they get too close.
Alien ships are the rarest enemy type in Monster Attack, but they are also the most powerful. These ships are heavily armed and armored, and they can be very difficult to destroy. Alien ships are often weak to anti-air weapons, but they can be very dangerous if they get too close.
Weapons
There are dozens of different weapons to choose from in Monster Attack. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so players will need to choose the right weapons for each mission.
Some of the most popular weapons in the game include:
- The AR-104 Assault Rifle: A well-rounded weapon that is effective against most enemy types.
- The M-249 SAW: A heavy machine gun that is very effective against groups of enemies.
- The RPG-7 Rocket Launcher: A powerful explosive weapon that is very effective against vehicles and buildings.
- The FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank Missile: A guided missile that is very effective against tanks and other armored vehicles.
- The XM25 Airburst Grenade Launcher: A unique weapon that fires grenades that explode in mid-air, making them very effective against enemies in cover.
Vehicles
In addition to weapons, players can also use a variety of vehicles in Monster Attack. These vehicles can be used to transport the player around the map, to attack enemies, and to provide cover.
Some of the most popular vehicles in the game include:
- The EDF Air Bike: A fast and maneuverable vehicle that is perfect for getting around the map quickly.
- The EDF Tank: A heavily armored vehicle that is very effective against enemy vehicles and buildings.
- The EDF Helicopter: A versatile vehicle that can be used to transport troops, attack enemies, and provide cover.
Multiplayer
Monster Attack features 2-player split-screen cooperative multiplayer. In multiplayer mode, two players can team up to take on the alien invasion together.
Multiplayer mode is a great way to experience Monster Attack with a friend. It is also a great way to learn the game and to try out different weapons and vehicles.
Conclusion
Monster Attack is a fun and challenging action shooter that is perfect for fans of the genre. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, varied environments, and deadly enemies will keep players entertained for hours on end.
Whether you are playing solo or with a friend, Monster Attack is a great game to pick up and play. So what are you waiting for? Join the EDF and help save the Earth from the alien invasion!
Review Score
8/10
