Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX

 Switch
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX Image
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 70 Ratings

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  • Summary: Welcome to the magical world of Monster Rancher! The beloved series makes its triumphant return with Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX, bringing together the wildly popular simulation games – Monster Rancher and Monster Rancher 2 – all in one amazing collection. Raise your own monsters and train themWelcome to the magical world of Monster Rancher! The beloved series makes its triumphant return with Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX, bringing together the wildly popular simulation games – Monster Rancher and Monster Rancher 2 – all in one amazing collection. Raise your own monsters and train them to compete against other eccentric creatures in combat and tournaments. With hundreds of different monster types, each with their own skills and abilities, every Rancher will be able to raise and train a monster that's a perfect fit for their personality and play style. Returning fans and newcomers alike can enjoy the timeless monster training and battling experience in Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX!… Expand

Critic Reviews

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. 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.
  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.
  4. Nintendo Life
    Dec 8, 2021
    70
    Both Monster Rancher games are fun throwbacks and this package is a tribute to a series that arguably never got the love it deserved, especially in Europe. Retro gamers and those who enjoy finding hidden gems should definitely consider picking up Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX for a taste of late-'90s non-Pokémon monster battling. Once you get your head around the unusual controls and the dated presentation, there's lots to like here — and it feels like nothing else released before or since. Go in expecting to make mistakes and stumble through some of the gameplay features and there is plenty of fun to be had.
  5. SpazioGames
    Dec 12, 2021
    70
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX will be a joy for more nostalgic players, but it's unlikely that it will manage to captivate a wider audience.
  6. SECTOR.sk
    Feb 1, 2022
    65
    The endless circle of gameplay with other companions has closed, but it has not brought any more. The collection lacks a strong campaign, a good dose of the story or motivation.
  7. Switch Player
    Jan 3, 2022
    40
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a disappointing package made worse by its presence on the Switch. The main gimmick has lost all its wonder and both games feel like the exact same experience, roughly slapped together by uninteresting and sparse gameplay.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 3 out of 6
  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.… Expand
  2. WarzoneIsAwful
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Brilliant game with an absolutely massive amount of replayability. Highly recommended!
  4. 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!    … Expand
  5. Nintendist
    Jun 30, 2022
    0
    the game has a big lack of content. the graphics are terrible, please fix that
  6. GRAFAIAI
    Sep 1, 2022
    0
    this is a very bad game with a gameplay so terrible, i really dont recommend
  7. lucinhagamer
    Aug 25, 2022
    0
    this game is so bad. the story is easy and the gameplay is so boring, bad and the menus are ugly