Monster Force for the GBA is a Gauntlet-esque puzzle/action game that has been in the works for quite some time.  In fact, it was originally intended to be released on the PSX but was delayed and retooled because the original iteration, well, sucked.  Not to say that the GBA version is devoid of faults though, a little more time in the refining process might have been a good idea since there are still play-control and design issues present.  But even with its problems it manages to be an entertaining title that will keep you playing for quite some time despite its shortcomings.

Right from the onset of the game you’ll have access to three playable characters, each an infamous monster.  You got Frankie (Frankenstein), Wolfie (Werewolf),  and Drac (Dracula).  These three characters are all unique in their own right and you’ll have the option to control them through a myriad of stages.  To wit, there are a total of no less than 35 out of the ordinary levels in which to conduct your monster funk.  The two-player simultaneous support doesn’t hurt matters much either.  Taking out enemies with your default Monster Force blaster is only one facet of the game, you’ll also need to collect Atoms which can be used in between levels to upgrade your attributes.  By holding down the B-button you’ll charge up your blaster and the more enemies or pumpkins, as it were, that you destroy with one blast the more Atoms you will receive in return. 

Traversing through the maze-like stages in the game will also require some puzzle-solving skills as activating switches, finding keys and using teleportation devices will be necessary to make your way to the end of the stage.  Not every level is the same however, some insist that you obtain a certain amount of Atoms or complete the stage within a set time-limit in order to progress.  On the whole, though, Monster Force is essentially based off the same dynamics that made Gauntlet so popular: progressing through stages in an isometric perspective and destroying enemies is the base foundation of the game.  The control method is somewhat irritating however; specifically the problem lays in the mechanics of running.  Holding A down you can run instead of walking but coming in contact with a wall or object will not only make you come to a complete standstill but forces you to wait a second before you can start moving again.  This is particularly jarring in stages where time is of the essence. 

The animation in Monster Force is excellent (especially the boss fight with the shadow creature) and the film-grain filter used on the cut-scenes look great.  Your characters move around smoothly, enemies are diverse and react differently depending on circumstance, and the environments are appropriately dark and spooky.  The level design from stage to stage tends to look a little too similar to each other but since the mechanics of completing them are always so different you’ll hardly notice.  Sound-wise there isn’t much to speak of but the music fits the overall theme of the game nicely.  The sound effects however are a tad bland and easily forgettable.

Overall, Monster Force offers up some good times that hearken back to the days of yore but the awkward gameplay elements get in the way far too often.  While this game is certainly inspired by Gauntlet it doesn’t manage to purport the same methodic intrigue and amusement as the timeless classic on which it is based.  The two-player deathmatch mode successfully prolongs the longevity of the title but four-player would be better.  To sum it up, Great concept, middle-of-the-road execution.

Gameplay: 7.1
Controlling your character is quite simple but the cumbersome running mechanics and irregular camera angle hamper what could have been a solid and entertaining title.  The Atom collecting and enemy destroying is plenty fun though and after half-a-minute you’ll be more than prepared to deal with the hordes of baddies that Monster Force offers up.

Graphics: 7.9
Digital Eclipse did a great job with the visuals on this game, the sinister, spooky presentation is great fun.  Animation is exceptional with the exception of the somewhat bland level design.  Overall though, this game has quite obviously been refined and tweaked to a shiny polish and looks way above average when compared to other GBA titles.

Sound: 6.2
The soundtrack is fittingly spooky and conveys a suitable sense of creepy audibility.  Sound effects are pretty weak though.  It doesn’t hurt the overall enjoyment of the game very much but a more varied sound catalog could have helped alleviate the notice of control issues in the game.

Difficulty: Easy
It’s pretty darn easy to get through the game’s 35 levels in one sitting if you set aside a few hours, some stages might need to be replayed a few times but it’s nothing that will stump a seasoned gamer.  Most of the puzzles are straightforward and require little brainpower to overcome, dealing with enemies is simple and even the bosses pose little threat.

Concept: 6.8 
Lets see, the goal of the game is to rescue Dr. Frankenstein using one of three infamous monsters.  It doesn’t exactly take the Wachowski brothers to concoct that concept, but the Gauntlet-esque mechanics and ability to choose from three unique characters is pretty cool.

Multiplayer: 2 players via link-cable 7.1

You need two cartridges and a link-cable, and there is no co-op play to speak of but Monster Force does feature a dueling deathmatch mode and deathmatch is always fun.  It is doubtful that a friend will have another copy of this game though, and a single two-player mode is hardly reason enough to purchase two copies of the game.

Overall: 6.9

Overall, Monster Force is fun for a short time but it would be difficult to recommend this game for purchase.  Rent it or borrow it from a friend if you can.  The limited life-span and confounded level layout relegates this title to mediocrity.