We've covered the popular "jumper" game MonsterUp previously on Windows Phone Central--published by Karios, the game features great music, bold, adorable graphics and interesting twists on an old concept. Though Doodle Jump gets the headlines, MonsterUp to us was always more creative. Now, Karios has returned with MonsterUp Adventures and we got a little sneak peek of the upcoming tile.
Instead of just a straight sequel i.e. yet-another-jumper, MonsterUp Adventures is more like a proper video game now. It features:
- Levels you need to complete
- Multiple "bosses"
- Gems, jewels and coins to collect to unlock new monsters
- A shop to purchase new monsters (who each have unique powers)
Whereas before the goal was to just jump as high as you can, now on each level you need to "jump to the end" to complete it. It takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes per level and yes, it's quite challenging at times (especially on the 2nd half of the island). The collecting of jewels to purchase new monsters is well done as it gives you motivation to try new combinations, plus it adds to the replay value. The bosses, while not very difficult, add a nice break to the jumping and the exquisitely drawn and unique backgrounds keep the visuals fresh.
Sadly, MonsterUp Adventures as submitted to be an Xbox LIVE game but was denied by Microsoft. Like Karios, we're not sure what the criteria is for making into that coveted camp but compared to the last few stinkers on Xbox LIVE, MonsterUp Adventures more than makes the cut in our mind.
The plus side is MonsterUp Adventures will get to your phones sooner than if it were on Xbox LIVE and Karios can deliver more updates, more frequently.
So our verdict? We really like this game. Jumpers are fun but they can get old fast. Karios Games have taken that concept to a new level with 'Adventures, breathing new life into the growing franchise. With fantastic graphics, a catchy tune and high re-playablity we're impressed.
Look for MonsterUp Adventures to arrive in the Marketplace very soon. Check out the promo vid after the break...
Reader comments
Sneak Peek: MonsterUp Adventures for Windows Phone (Video)
I am sad to see it not a live title. If a developer wants it to be a live they should be told what they need to do to make the cut. There are many games that are miles above other live titles.
Completely agree. ⅓ of these 'Live' games gave no business wearing that label.
Microsoft needs to start pushing the quality of these Live titles. Give a nice bug 'bonus / kickback' to those titles worthy of that label. And if there is no title worthy of it that week...so be it. While I would rather there be 2 or 3 Live titles a week; until they can get developers to present more quality stuff, I'd rather Microsoft put out no Live tiles for a week rather than giving away that label to the least worst of the crop at that time. Get EA and Activision in hear already. Games like Trials on XBOX 360 Arcade would be great ports that would work nicely on a mobile device, versus 10,000,000 similar word puzzle games.
Tons of typos... I know...my apologies
EA actually does make Windows Phone games, though they haven't thrown their full weight into it yet.
Nice phone though...
The game looks great, I loved the original MonsterUP and still play it often. My only wish for the game was for it to be zoomed out a little more, it seems too close at times to see where you are going and it makes it easy to die. Otherwise I loved the game, colors, style and art are all amazing.
I look forward to the game being released, but now I have no app card to buy it! :( I really, really hate ads too.
I also hope the game is not too short, or that there will be extra islands added later or something, I want some lasting value in the game and I like the idea of a story mode like the video shows.
Please, for the love of god, increase the resolution of the YouTube video in the WPC app. It was impossible to figure out what was going on :(
LOL dude, you do know you can change the quality right....