Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Publishers: Cryo Interactive
Universal Studios Monsters: Monsterville (2002)
Overview
Universal Studios Monsters: Monsterville is a management/action/real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Reflexive Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games. The game was released for Microsoft Windows in 2002.
The game features a cast of classic Universal Studios monsters, including Dracula, the Monster of Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Werewolf, and Quasimodo. Players control one of the monsters and must use their unique abilities to hypnotize the townspeople of Monsterville and convert them to their cause. The first player to convert 50% of the townspeople wins the game.
Gameplay
Monsterville is played on a 3D map of a medieval town. The town is divided into several districts, each of which contains a number of buildings. Players can move their monster around the map and interact with the buildings and townspeople.
To hypnotize a townsperson, a player must first approach them and then use their monster’s special ability. Each monster has a unique ability that can be used to hypnotize townspeople. For example, Dracula can use his charm ability to hypnotize female townspeople, while the Wolfman can use his howl ability to hypnotize male townspeople.
Once a townsperson has been hypnotized, they will follow the player’s monster around and attack any enemy monsters that come near. Players can also use their monsters to build new buildings, such as houses and churches. These buildings can be used to generate income, store resources, or provide other benefits to the player.
Characters
There are six playable monsters in Monsterville:
- Dracula: The classic vampire with the ability to fly and charm female townspeople.
- Frankenstein’s Monster: The lumbering monster with the ability to throw objects and crush enemies.
- The Bride of Frankenstein: Frankenstein’s female companion with the ability to heal other monsters and hypnotize male townspeople.
- The Wolfman: The werewolf with the ability to howl and hypnotize male townspeople.
- Quasimodo: The hunchback of Notre Dame with the ability to climb walls and hypnotize female townspeople.
- The Mummy: The ancient Egyptian mummy with the ability to summon sandstorms and hypnotize male townspeople.
Each monster has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider which monster to use in each situation.
Reception
Monsterville received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s unique blend of genres and its humorous tone, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. The game was a commercial failure, selling only around 100,000 copies worldwide.
Despite its mixed reception, Monsterville remains a cult classic among fans of strategy games and Universal Studios monsters. The game’s unique blend of genres and its humorous tone make it a fun and entertaining experience for players of all ages.
Tips for Playing Monsterville
Here are a few tips for playing Monsterville:
- Use your monster’s special abilities to your advantage. Each monster has a unique ability that can be used to hypnotize townspeople or attack enemy monsters.
- Build new buildings to generate income, store resources, or provide other benefits.
- Be careful not to overextend yourself. It’s important to focus on converting one district at a time.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to win Monsterville. Try different strategies and see what works best for you.
Conclusion
Universal Studios Monsters: Monsterville is a unique and entertaining blend of genres that’s sure to appeal to fans of strategy games and Universal Studios monsters. The game’s humorous tone and cast of classic characters make it a fun and enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
Review Score
6.5/10