Battle Monkeys, online multiplayer action for Windows Phone 8

Battle Monkeys is a new Windows Phone 8 game that has had it's fair share of success over on iOS and Android. It's a 3D combat game that can be played in single player fashion or an online, multiplayer mode.

With Battle Monkeys already being established on other platforms, you shouldn't have any problem finding opponents to battle.

Battle Monkeys has challenging game play, nice graphics and whether you're battling others or the computer it comes across as an entertaining game for our Windows Phone 8 devices.

Battle Monkeys' main menu presents you with options to play a single player game (you vs. three computer controlled monkeys) or tackle an online multiplayer game. The multiplayer game is managed through GameNet (registration required) and supports four players. Games have three levels of difficulty (easy, medium and hard).

You game board/battle arena is a 5 x 13 grid which is filled with random symbols. Each representing an attack or defensive move. For example, the meteor symbol allows your monkey to hurl a meteorite at one of your opponents. The first-aid cross heals your monkey or the mace symbol gives you a mace that can be used if you land adjacent to another player.

With each turn, you jump your monkey on to a square in the grid. Your range is highlighted in orange and you only have a few seconds to decide where your monkey is going to jump. After you jump, the symbols will shift and whatever your monkey lands on is your action for that turn.  Gaming tip... the symbols shift one square down after you jump so target the square just beneath the symbol you are wanting to use.

Repeat the process until all your opponents are taken out.

Speaking of the monkey's health, a health meter hovers over your monkey and theres a large billboard just above the game board showing everyone's health.

If you survive the battle you are rewarded with coins and gems that can be used in the game's store to unlock additional monkeys, upgrade your monkey and pick out a few new costumes for him/her to wear. You can get a jump on things by purchasing coins/gems via in-app purchases.

In just playing Battle Monkeys for a short period, it comes across as a fun little game. I did run into a few stability issues with the game crashing but not frequent enough to drive you bananas. Overall, Battle Monkeys makes a good first impression and is well worth a try if you are in the market for a unique approach to combat gaming.

Battle Monkeys is a free game that you can pick up here in the Windows Phone Store.