Monster Lab

 Wii
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. IGN
    79
    It's got a few problems in the area of unnecessary repetition, some flow-breaking load screens, some pointless mini-games and some over-baked dialog, but overall the presentation is a cut above most Wii games, the monster-building mechanic incredibly deep and the turn-based battle system enjoyable.
  2. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    79
    A great turn-based game for younger players who may get confused and bogged down with more serious RPGs. [Jan 2009, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Worth Playing
    79
    It has a linear story, turn-based fights, collecting and creating, and heaps of mini-games that will challenge and amuse. It's not perfect, though. For me, some of the fights were completely static and unbalanced, as I found what I considered to be a perfect collection of monster parts that would end most fights in two hits.
  5. GameZone
    78
    Monster Lab is a good game that will stay in your Nintendo Wii for a long time. Hopefully Eidos Interactive will create a sequel to this game that fixes its shortcomings as they have a potential blockbuster in their hands.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    76
    Collecting and combining ingredients to make better monster parts is not only essential to progression, it is also fun and incredibly addictive.
  7. Nintendojo
    74
    Monster Lab is a surprisingly deep game in regards to the creation aspects and battling system.
  8. GamingXP
    73
    Because there are not so many new RPGs for the Wii, some of the genre-fans will be fond of Monster Lab! The combination of mini games, combats and the creating of monster-parts are able to fascinate gamers!
  9. Gamervision
    70
    It might be a jack of all trades and master of none, but that’s better than sucking.
  10. Nintendo Power
    65
    Maybe a must-own for Tim Burton fans, but definitely a rental for everyone else. [Holiday 2008, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. GameSpot
    65
    Monster Lab has a ton of monster-making potential, but poor controls ruin this experiment.
  12. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    Though an amicable attempt, Monster Lab is plagued by a number of issues. Monster creation falls flat, not feeling truly creative or interesting. Mini-games are excessive and as one would expect, entirely Wii Remote feature-based. Battling is unfulfilling as well because getting into a fight does nothing but net creation parts that are neither unique nor hard to come by.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best Wii Game of 2008
98
#98 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
50
#50 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. David_the_Wolf
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    Oh my Jesus this game is HUGELY underrated. A great game with a fantastic character freedom element and great humor. This game should beOh my Jesus this game is HUGELY underrated. A great game with a fantastic character freedom element and great humor. This game should be played much more… Full Review »
  2. AJCk19
    Aug 2, 2023
    5
    The ds version is better, especially seeing you can take it on the go.

    This is a turned based wrpg where you create your monster similar to    The ds version is better, especially seeing you can take it on the go.

    This is a turned based wrpg where you create your monster similar to Armored Core style, except with not as many parts, but you combine items to make them. Every single time you do this, you will have to play a mini game. Which is where the ds control scheme comes much more in handy than the wii and ps2. These mini games can effect the stats of your final product. As a heads up, you can't really draw or color your parts, they are just as is.    … Full Review »
  3. smiller2395
    Nov 7, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The nostalgia is getting to me. Also, there is a secret lore to the game, if you're willing to jump down into the rabbit hole. Who was the Baron? Was he really forced out of the alliance, or did he leave for another reason? What was with the unnecessary AD cut scene? Why would the Baron want to steal the blueprints if he already had the best monster already? Why did you really "inherent" the castle at the end? Was the Baron really that bad of a guy? Why can't you make some of the body parts of boss monsters, but the Baron can? Also, Professor Fuseless never mentioned which field of science the Baron took apart in, why? Was the Baron the leader of the Alliance?… Full Review »
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