Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher

 Switch
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. NintendoWorldReport
    Nov 3, 2022
    70
    In spite of the numerous small tweaks to the Monster Rancher formula, it’s difficult to see this Ultra Kaiju entry as a breakthrough for the series. The inclusion of NFC technology is hobbled by the lack of amiibo support, and the Adventures continue to feel like a relic from the beginning of 3D gaming in the ‘90s. That said, seeing familiar kaiju–Gomora, Bemstar, and Sevinger (which was the first kaiju I raised)–and even Ultraman himself will definitely hit home for a certain audience. After playing around with the remastered first two Monster Rancher games, there wasn’t enough in this release to keep my attention, but its updated graphics and presentation could make it a decent place for newcomers to the franchise. Here’s hoping that the next time we see Monster Rancher on a Nintendo platform, it takes some kaiju-sized risks in order to offer a fresher experience overall.
  2. Siliconera
    Nov 2, 2022
    70
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher does a good job of infusing Ultraman essence into an established series, all without potentially putting people off of it. Things are handled well, and the kaiju are fun to collect and train even if you aren’t aware of their backstories.
  3. TouchArcade
    Nov 1, 2022
    70
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher sticks very close to the original Monster Rancher concept, perhaps too close. Adding in giant monsters and Ultraman appearances provides a bit of spice, but it would have been nice if there were more of an effect on the gameplay just to liven things up a bit for veterans. As is, it’s another Monster Rancher, albeit one with a little more charm than usual for fans of large rubber-suit creatures.
  5. GamersRD
    Oct 27, 2022
    70
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is a simple game to control that will keep us entertained raising a monster to put it to the test against other opponents. Its simple mechanics makes it an affordable game, unfortunately this combination is double-edged.
  6. CGMagazine
    Oct 26, 2022
    70
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher won't set the world on fire with its monster breath, but fans of the source material will surely appreciate their time taming giants.
  7. Nintendo Life
    Oct 24, 2022
    70
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is the quintessential Monster Rancher experience, just bigger, louder, and more polished looking. The mechanics of the combat and training cycle will be familiar to long-time fans while the new larger scale of the creatures lends itself to the scale of Ultraman and his monstrous foes. Scanning every electronic device in your house to see what monster pops out is satisfying even if the actual gameplay gets stale over time.
  8. COGconnected
    Oct 27, 2022
    55
    In conclusion, Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is only for Monster Rancher and Ultraman fans. If you’re not familiar with both, a lot of the humor will mean nothing. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a better starting point for the Monster Rancher series, despite the added online combat in Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher. But the other reason that I have a hard time recommending Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is that it’s almost a full-priced game. This is a shallow, repetitive game, and one that I’d imagine 95% of people who play it will only spend a small amount of time with. I would have an easier time suggesting the curious check it out if it was budget-priced. But as it stands, Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is only for people who want more Monster Rancher, or love 60s Ultraman.
  9. Cubed3
    Jun 12, 2023
    50
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is a very specific title that is going to appeal to a specific audience. What it does it does very well with heaps of charm, but that is counterbalanced by repetition and not a lot of challenge. Much of the dialogue eventually becomes superficial, training animations wear out their welcome rather quickly, making the 'fast forward' option a required feature, and there aren't quite enough monster variations or tournament types to keep it all from blending into the same thing. Despite this, it is still likable, and seems like it would be very much at home on mobile devices. Regardless, it's always going to be a kick to see Ultraman show up to keep a rampaging monster in check.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

User Reviews

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User Score
9.4

Universal acclaim- based on 282 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 263 out of 282
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 282
  3. Negative: 17 out of 282
  1. Urhrw
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    Wasn't expecting much but wow it's a totally engaging monster raising simulation game far above my expectations! The graphics, music, andWasn't expecting much but wow it's a totally engaging monster raising simulation game far above my expectations! The graphics, music, and gameplay are all too notch, I just couldn't put my controller down even after 20 hrs of nonstop playing!… Full Review »
  2. Newbieintra
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    Woah Kaiju Monster Rancher is amazingly addictive! It is so sweet and satisfying to raise your monster up to a certain level and see them growWoah Kaiju Monster Rancher is amazingly addictive! It is so sweet and satisfying to raise your monster up to a certain level and see them grow and grow. This game has the right amount of difficulty too to keep things challenging and fresh and fun. Try it out cuz it is soooooooooooo fun!… Full Review »
  3. QrjdjNmrtm
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    I wasn't sure about this game but turned out to be pleasantly surprised. Monster Rancher is legit! Watch the trailer and see how cute andI wasn't sure about this game but turned out to be pleasantly surprised. Monster Rancher is legit! Watch the trailer and see how cute and adorable it is. Man I love my monsters so much and gotta create more of them now.… Full Review »
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