Monster Rancher 4

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2003
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. GameSpot
    74
    The series is definitely starting to show its age, at this point, and only a fan could overlook some of the game's shortcomings. In the end, however, the formula still works.
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    Although it boasts a host of innovations that are supposed to set it a breed apart from its predecessor, Monster Rancher 4 never captured me in the way MR3 did.
  3. GMR Magazine
    70
    By upping the number of creatures in a stable, Tecmo has dramatically quickened the game's pace, with only a minimal trade-off in terms of the number of menus a trainer must plod through. [Jan 2004, p.60]
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  5. eToychest
    70
    A great game that is held back by a few problems, and a training system that will push your average gamer.
  6. GamerFeed
    70
    It grew on me! MR4's an addictive battle monster game that's amazingly deep and a lot of fun.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    63
    It's still Monster Rancher, though, and it's still great for fans like me, but it's not the step forward I was craving. [Jan 2004, p.142]
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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best PS2 Game of 2003
83
#83 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27
  1. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  2. shootingstars99
    Aug 29, 2019
    10
    This is the best monster collection series, bar none, and has been for years. It's way better than Digimon, Pokemon, Neopets or the demonThis is the best monster collection series, bar none, and has been for years. It's way better than Digimon, Pokemon, Neopets or the demon collecting in the Shin Megami Tensei series of games. This game is an absolute blast! Being able to raise multiple monsters can be somewhat of a challenge at first, but the game is all about finding the balance between raising a strong monster, and raising the strength of your bond with said monsters.

    The battle system is creative, and learning which attack range is your monster's strong suit and maintaining distance and staying out of your opponent's optimal range is something akin to a fighting game. The tournament aspect of the game is really fun, and keeps the game from being just a pet raising simulator. The adventure mode is also a blast, it nets you new skills and traits, and also feels like a cool RPG dungeon crawler.

    Also, the disk reading system for creating new monsters to this day still blows my mind. Going through your CD and game catalog to see what monsters you end up with is super fun and a welcomed system to the game (If you own any other Tecmo games, you will probably find some sweet easter eggs if you pop them in)!

    This game does a bunch of different styles, and does them all just right, this a game you can come back to for years upon years and it still feels fresh.    … Full Review »
  3. JoeK.
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    Great Game! I love how in boss battles there are team moves and i love riding the monsters I also really like how the the combinations Great Game! I love how in boss battles there are team moves and i love riding the monsters I also really like how the the combinations (Naga/Plant) have more varying features I suggest buying this game.… Full Review »
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