Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX

 Switch
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Dec 8, 2021
    90
    The core fundamentals of Monster Rancher are delightful, and while this collection has its issues, there aren't all that many modern equivalents to what it offers, so they hold their value well. Whether this is some kind of elaborate market research with Koei canvassing interest for a potential new Monster Rancher, or a simple acknowledgement that the series still has fans and they'll buy anything Monster Rancher-related, I don't know. I almost hope they don't make a new Monster Rancher, because the appeal of these games is in their simple charm. Simplicity that modern game development can't get away with. In that context, I actually believe that Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX will be the best of this series. Putting aside the inability to summon monsters via CD, both games have aged like the finest of wines, and remain some of the best examples of design from their era.
  2. RPG Fan
    Dec 8, 2021
    84
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX polishes and modernizes two classic RPGs that are somehow more fun and engaging now than they were 20-odd years ago. Monster Rancher 2 is this collection’s crown jewel, but both games’ core gameplay loops of monster raising and collecting hold up remarkably well today and make up for some mediocre combat. Fans of Pokémon or other monster-collecting games: don’t sleep on Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX! It offers you dozens of hours of heartwarming entertainment that’ll leave you mourning the premature death of this cult-classic series.
  3. Shindig
    Dec 12, 2021
    80
    Between the monster-raising simulation reminiscent of handheld virtual pets, the relatively untouched PlayStation aesthetic, and the crucial role that CDs hold in both game design and narrative, Monster Rancher is about as quintessentially ‘90s as a game can get. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX does a fine job of carrying these two PS1 classics into today’s age, both preserving the originals’ charm, and reworking that core, CD-driven system for an age of digital media. And with the social media potential of the latter—the endlessly shareable fun of seeing what monsters your favourite albums create—maybe Monster Rancher is a quintessentially 2020s game, too.
  5. Nintenderos
    Dec 9, 2021
    80
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is the awaited return of two classic games. A remaster that comes with a lot of improvements and sets up the franchise for a bright future.
  6. Pocket Tactics
    Dec 9, 2021
    80
    A thoughtful remaster of two much-loved classics, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX on Switch is a welcome walk down memory lane. Truly a diamond in the rough, these clunky little gems offer surprisingly deep gameplay mechanics and heaps of possibilities to explore.
  7. Siliconera
    Dec 8, 2021
    80
    If you’re looking for a fresh take on the formula, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX ain’t it! It’s very much the game it once was, just with some handy quality-of-life upgrades. But that in itself has a lot of merit these days.
  8. TheGamer
    Dec 8, 2021
    80
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is undeniably engrossing and though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a modern game, it manages to hold its own due to its sheer charm and enjoyable gameplay. Even if you’re not completely biased because of childhood nostalgia like me, if you love collecting, raising, and battling with monsters, you’ll be hooked from your very first shrine summon.
  9. GameCritics
    Dec 22, 2021
    75
    While I found some frustration on my ranch, there’s no doubt that these Monster Rancher games offer a unique experience that I’ve never seen replicated anywhere else, and this DX release is clearly the definitive way to experience these forgotten classics.
  10. The Games Machine
    Dec 8, 2021
    75
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is mainly aimed at the fans of the franchise. Don’t expect a remaster, though: the only difference with the originals is the new monster generating system, now based on an in-game database.
  11. Noisy Pixel
    Dec 8, 2021
    75
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a very fun game that requires some patience to discover everything it has to offer. However, these systems are timeless and exceptionally balanced to provide nearly endless enjoyment. There are plenty of ways to spend your time playing with no wrong way to enjoy raising your monsters and proving your skills in tournaments. Nostalgia might play a role here, but I think these games are a blast.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 70
  3. Negative: 6 out of 70
  1. psan
    Apr 27, 2022
    10
    For only $20 Monster Rancher is a steal. You just feel so pumped when you have a time limit to grow your monster and getting so attached toFor only $20 Monster Rancher is a steal. You just feel so pumped when you have a time limit to grow your monster and getting so attached to it, hoping they become the best fighter they can be. I already missed them so much this game made me cry.… Full Review »
  2. RgdhfEG
    May 12, 2022
    10
    Highly recommended as this is a wonderful collection of 2 fantastic games at a cheap price.

    Basically spent 100+ of hrs playing these    Highly recommended as this is a wonderful collection of 2 fantastic games at a cheap price.

    Basically spent 100+ of hrs playing these nonstop and never get old. Still super fun!    … Full Review »
  3. GRAFAIAI
    Sep 1, 2022
    0
    this is a very bad game with a gameplay so terrible, i really dont recommend
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