Monster Sanctuary merges a complex turn-based combat RPG we are used to see in big JRPG productions with metroidvania-style exploration and succeeds in both genres. Pixel perfect jumps alternate with tactical battles down to the last hitpoint, and we’ll need the help of our monsters to overcome difficult areas and solve puzzles. Meanwhile, an interesting storyline compels us as we catch enemy eggs, Pokémon style. So many genres mixed in one game, and such a pretty one to boot! Highly recommended.

When you then add in the cute pixel art style, and the astoundingly good chiptune soundtrack, Monster Sanctuary not only blurs the lines between genres, but also between modern and old-school games. The story is a little light, but the gameplay is almost perfect, and this is an excellent monster-taming adventure and Metroidvania game all rolled into one.

Monster Sanctuary doesn’t tread much new ground when it comes to either platforming or monster training. At the same time, it perfectly combines both concepts together to create an experience that is not only fun, but creative. Players can create monster teams however they like without worrying that they are making a terrible mistake, and can come up with their own strategies. While everything else is normal, it’s a good sign that the game sticks to the fundamentals of what makes a game enjoyable.

Monster Sanctuary might not look like any monster-collecting RPG you’ve seen before, but its blend of genres creates a fun and exciting adventure for hours. The more you put into the game, the more you’ll find to love about it. I do wish there were easier ways to track navigation and some additional options to speed up the battles, but this is a genuinely fun game that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Monster Sanctuary is a Pokémon game smashed together with pixel-art, JRPGs, and Metroidvanias. If that's not a recipe for an indie game hit, then I don't know what is.

Fun and innovative fusion of Metroidvania and monster taming genre with the fast and surprisingly complex turn-based combat system. Coupled with a huge roster of acquirable monsters and over 20h of gameplay, it is well worth its asking price of only 20$.