Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 41
  2. Negative: 1 out of 41
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  1. The battles themselves are chaotically free-for-all, allowing up to four monsters to grapple hand-to-hand and even rip up handy lampposts, buildings, and cars to bludgeon enemies.
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    It's incredibly satisfying, regardless of your gaming abilities [thanks to huge explosions], and it's so well designed that the control system becomes transparent after spending very little time with it. [Jan 2003, p.118]
  3. It’s been a long time since a title kept me up till 4 am and this one has done so on two separate occasions. Interesting characters, excellent graphics and addictive gameplay make this one a winner.
  4. The loud beats and high drama themes fill up your speakers with some great sound, especially if you have yourself some nice speakers set up. The soundtrack is simply perfect for the type of game.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    The must-see special effect in Monsters is unveiled in the multiplayer mode: When opponents are bashing it out close to each other, they share the same screen. But the screen automatically splits in two when either player flees... A massive improvement. [17 Jan 2003, p.86]
  6. 90
    A deliciously cheesy romp into the giant monster genre.
  7. This is a straight up monster brawler done right.
  8. It may not be the best value for your bucks unless you have a regular opponent to play with, but fans of the theme need not hesitate.
  9. GMR Magazine
    90
    Every stage looks utterly fantastic, with detailed architecture filling every corner of the screen... [and] the controls are simple enough to keep the action intense. [Feb 2003, p.62]
  10. Cheat Code Central
    90
    If you've got your PS2 hooked up to a good stereo you will be tempted to do the glass-of-water test from the movie Jurassic Park. So powerful are the pounding sounds that they're sure to leave ripples in your glass of water.
  11. 89
    If Incog could double the monster count, toss in four-player and online play, and add a couple more stages we could see the beginnings of the greatest party game ever made.
  12. 88
    Both visceral and visually astounding, WotM is a smashing good time.
  13. The controls are amazingly easy to navigate (though a bit slippy), and though the enemy A.I. is out for your blood (wow, just like TM:B), War is much more forgiving.
  14. netjak
    86
    What War of the Monsters lacks in story depth, it more than makes up for in presentation. One thing that the designers really took to heart was the B-movie atmosphere.
  15. It has a few problems, namely the advanced AI's preoccupation with power-ups, lack of a good storyline to go with the monsters, limited combos, and a lack of online play. However, the great environments and the sheer level of destruction that can be wrought will make this the favorite of a lot of gamers.
  16. While it may not have as much as depth as many other action titles, the solid graphics, fun two-player battles and schlocky humor should keep players coming back for more.
  17. What makes War of the Monsters unique is its effect combination of ranged and close-up attacks.
  18. Nearly everything in the game can be beaten down, picked up, thrown or in some way interacted with, and to see the effect this has on a sprawling downtown metropolis is simply breathtaking.
  19. Sure, this isn't the most realistic-looking game on earth, but it's definitely one of the coolest. I don't think I have ever seen destructive effects this good before!
  20. As dee-lish as all the camp and nostalgia is, it's also very reminiscent of the source material; pretty, stylish, but ultimately rather vapid when it comes to depth.
  21. 80
    Fans of classic horror and science fiction will enjoy it more than most, but the emphasis on action will win over gamers whose tastes are in tune with competitive games like "Twisted Metal" and lighter fighting game fare.
  22. The multiplayer is worryingly addictive too. Rounds last anything from minutes to hours depending on the quality of the players involved, and things can get very strategic.
  23. A really nice mix of "Powerstone" and "Rampage."
  24. PSM Magazine
    80
    It's rare that game arrives that looks this good, plays this well, and feels this fun and fresh. [Feb 2003, p.26]
  25. If this game were to have some sort of co-op mode of play or four-player multiplayer mode, it would have been great.
  26. 80
    Only two humans can play War at once and fight up to two CPU opponents. This is a distressing flaw—especially considering how repetitive the single-player adventure mode gets after a while.
  27. A great idea done just about well enough to warrant a close look, but with slightly over-complex controls for what it does. Top fun, though. [GamesMaster]
  28. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    77
    I defy anyone, whether they care about big monsters or not, to pick this game up and not experience two things. First, they'll develop rudimentary skills within about a minute or two of play, and second, they'll have an enormous amount of fun. [Feb 2003, p.142]
  29. To make things worse, War of the Monsters has probably some of the cheapest enemy A.I. I've seen in some time.
  30. GameNow
    75
    Lacks that essential feeling of impact. [Feb 2003, p.42]
  31. In any full 3D combat game, targeting can sometimes be a difficulty, and in War of the Monsters, that manifests as an irritating inability to switch cleanly between targets.

Awards & Rankings

56
35
#35 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
7
#7 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 84
  2. Negative: 5 out of 84
  1. Jul 1, 2022
    10
    Uma A very unusual fight and what drew the most attention was the destruction of the buildings in a very realistic way, only the size of theUma A very unusual fight and what drew the most attention was the destruction of the buildings in a very realistic way, only the size of the dolls left something to be desired because it was very small compared to the proposal of game Full Review »
  2. Jul 8, 2020
    10
    The best graphics ps2 had to offer! Everything is there for combat,story,multiplayer,secrets,aesthetics,minigames,all unlockable skins withoutThe best graphics ps2 had to offer! Everything is there for combat,story,multiplayer,secrets,aesthetics,minigames,all unlockable skins without paid dlc,nice bonus if you had twisted metal installed which back then was an unheard of genius mechanic using the save data of a different game for a reward bonus monsters to play the token mechanics is creative and the bosses are unique and something never been touched upon for bosses 10/10 best game imo. Full Review »
  3. Feb 23, 2018
    9
    War of the Monsters is an underrated PS2 gem it has great controls and great gameplay. Although it has its problems as if you decide to playWar of the Monsters is an underrated PS2 gem it has great controls and great gameplay. Although it has its problems as if you decide to play the adventure mode as any character it will be the exact same story and the split screen can be weird to get used to it. But if you can put up with that you will have a great time Full Review »