Monster Sanctuary

 Switch
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. The Digital Fix
    Dec 8, 2020
    100
    While clearly inspired by other similar titles, Monster Sanctuary takes that inspiration and runs with it, carving out its own spot in the gaming world. I can't wait to see how things flourish in the future!
  2. GameGrin
    Dec 17, 2020
    90
    A great mix of a platformer, RPG and monster catching game Monster Sanctuary has so much depth and content to keep you busy for a long time. Feels like a great RPG from the 16-bit era, a ton of cool monsters to hatch, to aid you on your quest.
  3. MGG Spain
    Dec 8, 2020
    88
    An interesting mix of well-known details that manages to offer a familiar taste and yet be extremely fun. As you can imagine Monster Sanctuary doesn't have anything particularly new to offer, but it's a fun metroidvania with all kinds of pocket monsters that's also pretty deep.
  5. Vooks
    Dec 9, 2020
    80
    Monster Sanctuary is a clever entry in the Monster Catcher genre, it naturally combines a deep battle system with Metroidvania elements with the lore of the game to create quite a special 2D pixel art indie title.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. FantajiFan
    Dec 20, 2020
    5
    Overrated. If we don't grade this game on a curve for being an indie, the story is barebones and not particularly engaging.

    The entire    Overrated. If we don't grade this game on a curve for being an indie, the story is barebones and not particularly engaging.

    The entire overworld mechanic of using monsters to unlock and move through different areas is overstated. It's only a mild annoyance and a way to wall off areas instead of being integrated into a platforming challenge.

    The real meat of the game and what draws people in is the gameplay. While it's interesting at first to build different teams to try for 5 staring fight, it eventually gets stale. Instead of scaling everything and properly balancing the game, the metroidvania mechanics have you cake walking through old areas with no good way to track what is where.

    Monster Sanctuary has the beginnings of some good ideas but doesn't blend any of them together particularly well. The only interesting fights you'll find are in new areas, and usually only champion fights. New fights can be longer but really they're more tedious than challenging.

    It's definitely a different flavor of game than pokemon or some other monster collectors, but different isn't always fun or good.    … Full Review »
  2. Lemontree
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Amazing game. Amazingly deep and so fun. What I wish Pokémon was more like. Controls great, the battle system is amazing and the explorationAmazing game. Amazingly deep and so fun. What I wish Pokémon was more like. Controls great, the battle system is amazing and the exploration is fun as well. Pixel art looks fantastic as well.… Full Review »
  3. Rhokin
    Jan 4, 2021
    10
    Phenomenal game. It has lots of great RPG elements like unique skill trees for each monster, a very diverse cast of monsters, lots ofPhenomenal game. It has lots of great RPG elements like unique skill trees for each monster, a very diverse cast of monsters, lots of different items to equip etc. The story is well written. The areas are fun to explore. The battles are awesome. This game does not disappoint. Amazing value for the price.… Full Review »
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