

Additionally, the map the player explores is at times overly full of trees, bushes, or other landmarks. It’s a severe dip in quality, and I found it hard to ignore. Some sprites look out-of-place compared to these great-looking monsters. However, character artwork can range in quality. Monster sprites look incredible! They’re reminiscent of mid-’90s monster design in titles like Monster Rancher. One of the least consistent elements of Monster Crown is its artwork. This is one of the better things about Monster Crown, and provides the player with a wealth of options to try. This choice will affect how quickly a monster egg will hatch. Additionally, there are two ways to breed your monster. There is a lot to do regarding this mechanic specifically, and it can result in a lot of really interesting-looking monsters. But this is definitely something those invested in Pokemon‘s breeding scheme will enjoy. I found the system a bit overly complex, to be sure. Chromosomes of monsters, which players can customize, determine those stats. Monster Crown factors in genes that will not only affect how the monster will appear (since breeding can result in hybrid monsters), but also their individual stats. I cannot begin to explain how complex this feature can become. Access to this feature opens up fairly early, and through story progression. Players can create monster hybrids through monster breeding. Especially as more complex features open up to the player in the form of monster breeding. This is arguably one of the most straightforward features in Monster Crown, which serves the game well. Monsters can, of course, be permanently evolved through the use of unique items. Additionally, an optional combat mechanic allows for temporary evolution of your monsters.

I never had any real issue with monsters refusing my contracts, but I was potentially lucky in that department. This is effectively how players “capture” monsters. Success will vary, depending on the type of pacts offered. Players can obtain new party members through offering pacts to wild monsters. If you don’t level up appropriately and spend a good amount of time grinding, you definitely won’t survive in later areas of the map. There is a pretty steep difficulty curve later in the game, too. However, using this option will cause monsters to level up at a slower rate, as experience points are being evenly distributed to the monsters through your party. Monster Crown includes a shared experience option for those that don’t want to grind individual monsters. NPC battles also appear, and both types of battles offer experience gains for your monsters. Players need to actively touch them to initiate a battle. Naturally, there are monsters players can battle in the wild, but these monsters roam the map. Monsters have their own type advantages and weaknesses. However, major glitches hold it back, along with an inconsistent art style and middling story.īattles are fairly standard turn-based affairs. This includes branching narrative paths and a robust breeding system that serves as the backbone for this ambitious monster-taming title.

It draws inspiration from the more obvious influences of Pokemon and Digimon, though does have its own unique mechanics that seek to set itself apart from these notable IPs. Monster Crown is an interesting amalgamation of games.
