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Story
Monster Attack, known as The Chikyuu Boueigun in Japan, is a thrilling action-packed shooter that places players in the role of a soldier in the Earth Defense Force (EDF). The game is set in a near-future Earth that faces an unprecedented invasion by giant alien creatures. As a member of the elite EDF, players are tasked with defending the planet from these monstrous invaders, which include mammoth ants, towering robots, and colossal flying saucers.
The narrative begins with the sudden appearance of these alien forces, which quickly wreak havoc across the globe. The EDF is humanity’s last hope, and players must rise through the ranks, battling through various missions to push back the alien threat. Each mission reveals more about the alien origins and their plans for Earth, providing a sense of urgency and purpose to the player’s actions. The story, while straightforward, is driven by the relentless action and the player’s growing role as a hero in humanity’s fight for survival.
Gameplay
Monster Attack is renowned for its intense and fast-paced gameplay. As a third-person shooter, it offers players a variety of missions that require strategic thinking and quick reflexes. Players can choose from a wide range of weapons, each with unique characteristics, including assault rifles, rocket launchers, and grenades. The game encourages experimentation with different weapons to find the most effective combinations for each mission scenario.
The gameplay is structured around missions, each with specific objectives such as eliminating all enemies, rescuing civilians, or destroying alien nests. The environments are diverse, ranging from urban landscapes to rural areas, each offering strategic advantages and challenges. The destructible environments add an extra layer of strategy, as players can use the terrain to their advantage or, conversely, find themselves trapped by falling debris.
One of the standout features of Monster Attack is its cooperative multiplayer mode. Players can team up with friends to tackle missions together, enhancing the game’s replayability and providing a shared experience of the chaotic battles. The difficulty scales with the number of players, ensuring that the challenge remains intense regardless of the team size.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Monster Attack delivered impressive visuals that captured the scale and chaos of its battles. The game’s graphics, though not cutting-edge by today’s standards, effectively portray the massive size of the alien invaders and the destruction they cause. The environments are detailed and immersive, with a variety of settings that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
The sound design in Monster Attack complements the on-screen action perfectly. The roars of alien creatures, the explosive sounds of gunfire, and the crumbling of buildings create an intense audio experience that draws players into the heart of the battle. The music, while not overly memorable, serves to heighten the tension and urgency of each mission, driving players to fight harder against overwhelming odds.
Legacy and Reception
Monster Attack was initially released on the PlayStation 2 in 2003 and has since gained a cult following among fans of the shooter genre. It is often praised for its straightforward yet engaging gameplay and the sheer scale of the battles it offers. The game laid the foundation for the Earth Defense Force series, which has continued to expand and build upon the concepts introduced in Monster Attack.
Critics have lauded Monster Attack for its cooperative play and the satisfaction of battling against waves of giant enemies. However, some have noted its repetitive mission structure and simplistic story as areas that could have been developed further. Despite these criticisms, the game is fondly remembered for its pure action and the thrill of facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
Over the years, Monster Attack has influenced numerous other games in the genre, inspiring developers to create experiences that capture the excitement and chaos of battling against overwhelming enemy forces. Its legacy is evident in the continued popularity of the Earth Defense Force series, which has expanded to include numerous sequels and spin-offs, each building on the core mechanics introduced in this classic title.
Conclusion
Monster Attack remains a beloved title for many gamers who experienced its intense action and cooperative gameplay on the PlayStation 2. Its impact on the shooter genre is undeniable, paving the way for future games that emphasize scale, strategy, and camaraderie in the face of alien invasions. As a foundational entry in the Earth Defense Force series, Monster Attack continues to be celebrated for its thrilling battles and enduring appeal, securing its place in the annals of gaming history.