PixelJunk Monsters

Last updated

PixelJunk Monsters
Psn pixeljunk monsters icon.png
PlayStation Store icon
Developer(s) Q-Games [a]
Double Eleven (Ultimate HD, Wii U)
Publisher(s)
Series PixelJunk
Platform(s) PlayStation 3
PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Vita
Microsoft Windows
Mac OS X
Linux
Wii U
Release
December 6, 2007
  • PlayStation 3
    • JP: December 6, 2007
    • WW: January 24, 2008
    Encore
    • JP: April 24, 2008
    • NA: May 8, 2008
    • EU: May 15, 2008
    PSP
    • EU: October 1, 2009
    • JP: November 1, 2009
    • NA: April 27, 2010
    Ultimate HD
    PlayStation Vita
    • NA: July 30, 2013
    • PAL: July 31, 2013
    • JP: November 26, 2013
    Microsoft Windows
    August 26, 2013
    Mac OS X & Linux
    October 1, 2013
    Wii U
    May 19, 2016
Genre(s) Tower defense
Mode(s) Single-player; Two player co-op (local)

PixelJunk Monsters is a tower defense video game developed by Q-Games for the PlayStation 3. The second game in the PixelJunk series, it was originally released in Japan on December 6, 2007 and worldwide by Sony Computer Entertainment on the PlayStation Store on January 24, 2008. [1] The game was released for the PlayStation Portable under the title PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe.

Contents

PixelJunk Monsters Encore, an expansion pack for the game, was released on April 24, 2008 in Japan;[ citation needed ] May 8, 2008 in North America; and May 15, 2008 in Europe. [2]

In 2013, an enhanced version developed by Double Eleven titled PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD was released in 2013 for the PlayStation Vita, Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. In May 2016, a port of the original game also developed by Double Eleven was released for the Wii U. [3]

In 2018, PixelJunk Monsters 2 was released, incorporating 3D graphics and new features.

Gameplay

A screenshot of gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters Encore PixelJunk Monsters screen01.jpg
A screenshot of gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters Encore

Gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters has similarities to various tower defense titles. The objective is to build defense towers along the enemies' path to keep them from reaching a hut, or base. Several small creatures dwell at the base. For each enemy that survives the defense towers and reaches the hut, one offspring is killed. If all offspring are wiped out, the level is failed.

Towers have distinct attributes, such as rapid fire, long range, air-focused, etc. Destroyed enemies usually drop coins and occasionally give gems, which then can be used to upgrade and research new towers.

There are a total of 21 different levels (36 with the expansion pack) at 3 stages of difficulty. There are also 3 special stages that unlock unique abilities for the player character. Several "Trophy Challenges" were also added to the game after a patch.

Unlike more traditional tower defense games, the player controls a character around the screen, collecting coins and building towers. This replaces the standard cursor controls. A second player can also join in and assist in building towers.

Encore

The PixelJunk Monsters Encore expansion pack includes an additional 15 levels, including layouts inspired by classic arcade games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders . There are also small tweaks to gameplay; for instance, the ice tower is unlocked at the beginning of every level and the Tesla tower is less expensive to purchase.

Deluxe

A new version of PixelJunk Monsters was available for the PlayStation Portable. Titled PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe, it has been described by Dylan Cuthbert as the "ultimate version" of the game. It contains all of the level content from the original game and its Encore expansion pack, as well as new levels, enemies, and towers. Additional music, videos, concept art, and other special features are also included. [4]

Soundtrack

Dive into PixelJunk Monsters
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 22, 2008
Length40:53

The music for the game was developed by Otograph. On May 22, 2008, a soundtrack album for the game titled Dive into PixelJunk Monsters was released via the PlayStation Store. It is the first audio album to be released through PSN.

Reception

The PlayStation 3 version of PixelJunk Monsters, Encore, Deluxe, and the Vita version of Ultimate received "favorable" reviews, while the PC version of Ultimate and the Wii U version of PixelJunk Monsters received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

Notes

  1. Additional work by Santa Monica Studio

Related Research Articles

<i>NBA 07</i> 2006 basketball video game

NBA 07 is a basketball video game which was released on September 26, 2006. It was developed by San Diego Studio for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable versions and by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games for the PlayStation 2 version. It is the second installment of the NBA series by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the first one for the PlayStation 3. It was one of three PlayStation 3 titles released at launch that supported the 1080p high definition video output. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers served as the cover athlete.

<i>The Bigs</i> 2007 video game

The Bigs is an arcade-style baseball video game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PlayStation Portable. It was released in June 2007 in North America, and in October in the PAL region. A sequel, The Bigs 2, was released on July 7, 2009.

<i>Everyday Shooter</i> 2006 video game

Everyday Shooter is a multidirectional shooter video game developed and published by Queasy Games for Windows.

<i>PixelJunk Racers</i> 2007 video game

PixelJunk Racers is a racing video game developed and published by Q-Games for the PlayStation 3. It was released on the PlayStation Store in 2007 as the first title in the PixelJunk series, a collaboration between Q-Games and Sony Computer Entertainment, who released the game outside Japan. An updated version, PixelJunk Racers: 2nd Lap, was released in 2010.

<i>Top Spin 3</i> 2008 video game

Top Spin 3 is the third title in the Top Spin series of video games. The game was developed by PAM Development and published by 2K. New game elements include real-time weather effects, more options of professional tennis players, an in-depth character creation tool and new unparalleled gameplay mechanics. It also features impressive advancements in an audio/visual sense with improved Dolby Digital surround sound and "Evolutionary" visuals. Top Spin 4 was released as a sequel about three years later.

<i>NBA 08</i> 2007 basketball video game

NBA 08 is an NBA basketball video game developed by San Diego Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was released on September 26, 2007, for PlayStation 3 and October 12, 2007, for PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game were developed by San Diego Studio, and the PlayStation 2 version of the game was developed by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games.

<i>PixelJunk Eden</i> 2008 video game

PixelJunk Eden is a video game developed and published by Q-Games for the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows. The third game in the PixelJunk series, it was released on the PlayStation Store on July 31, 2008 worldwide by Sony Computer Entertainment. A demo of the game was released on July 25, 2008. The game features the work of Baiyon, an independent artist from Kyoto who was invited by the studio founder Dylan Cuthbert to design the graphics and soundtrack.

<i>UEFA Euro 2008</i> (video game) 2008 video game

UEFA Euro 2008 is the official video game of the Euro 2008 football tournament, published by EA Sports. It was developed collaboratively by EA Canada and HB Studios and was released in Europe and North America on 18 April 2008 and 19 May 2008 respectively. The commentary was provided by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.

<i>NCAA Basketball 09</i> 2008 video game

NCAA Basketball 09 is the 2008 installment in the NCAA Basketball series. It was released on November 17, 2008 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. Miami Heat player Kevin Love is featured on the cover. A special edition called NCAA Basketball 09: March Madness Edition was released only for Xbox 360 on March 11, 2009.

<i>NBA 09: The Inside</i> 2008 basketball video game

NBA 09: The Inside is a basketball simulation game developed by San Diego Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was released on October 7, 2008, for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game were developed by San Diego Studio, and the PlayStation 2 version of the game was developed by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games. The game includes all 30 NBA teams along with 14 of the 16 NBDL teams.

<i>The Bigs 2</i> 2009 video game

The Bigs 2 is a baseball sports video game developed by Blue Castle Games and published by 2K for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, and PlayStation Portable. The game serves as the direct sequel to The Bigs. The first trailer for the game revealed players like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roberto Clemente, and Reggie Jackson and a number of other Hall of Famers. Milwaukee Brewers All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder is the cover athlete chosen by 2K Sports. For the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii editions of the game, the English play-by-play announcer is Damon Bruce while the Japanese announcer is Kasey Ryne Mazak. It was released in 2009.

<i>PixelJunk Shooter</i> 2009 video game

PixelJunk Shooter is a shooter video game developed and published by Q-Games for the PlayStation 3. It is the fourth game in the PixelJunk series. It was released on the PlayStation Store by Sony Computer Entertainment in December 2009, and for Windows on November 11, 2013. A remastered version of the game, PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate, was released by Double Eleven for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in June 2014, and for Microsoft Windows on October 21, 2015.

<i>Dead Nation</i> 2010 video game

Dead Nation is a 2010 shoot 'em up video game developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. Dead Nation takes place in a world afflicted by a zombie apocalypse. The player can choose between a male or female character and battle different types of zombies. Dead Nation was part of Sony's "Welcome Back" package, created to resolve the initial PlayStation Network outage. In February 2014 a PlayStation 4 version of the game titled the Apocalypse Edition was announced along with the PlayStation Vita version. The original Road of Devastation downloadable content was included for the PS3 and Vita versions, and the PS4 version was free for PlayStation Plus subscribers in March 2014.

<i>PixelJunk Shooter 2</i> 2011 video game

PixelJunk Shooter 2 is a 2011multidirectional shooter video game developed by Q-Games for the PlayStation 3. It is the sequel to PixelJunk Shooter and was released on the PlayStation Store worldwide by Sony Computer Entertainment in March 2011. PixelJunk Shooter 2 was formally announced by Q-Games on 18 May 2010. The title is the first sequel to any PixelJunk game. A spin-off based on a bonus stage, PixelJunk SideScroller, was released the same year,

<i>UFC Personal Trainer</i> 2011 video game

UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System is a fighting and fitness video game created by THQ, based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The game requires the Kinect accessory for the Xbox 360 version and the PlayStation Move and PlayStation Eye Camera for the PlayStation 3 version. The Wii version does not require any additional accessories to play.

<i>Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3</i> 2011 video game

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a 2011 crossover fighting game developed by Capcom in collaboration with Eighting. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. The game features characters from both Capcom's video game franchises and comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It was originally released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November 2011, then as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, and later re-released on PlayStation 4, Windows and Xbox One.

<i>Dungeon Hunter: Alliance</i> 2011 video game

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance is a hack and slash action role-playing video game developed and published by Gameloft in 2011. The game is a remake of the 2009 iPhone game Dungeon Hunter, with the addition of a multiplayer mode and support for the PlayStation Move controller.

<i>PixelJunk SideScroller</i> 2011 video game

PixelJunk SideScroller is a 2011 scrolling shooter video game developed by Q-Games for the PlayStation 3. It is part of the PixelJunk series and was released internationally by Sony Computer Entertainment. The visuals are intended to resemble arcade video games with a vector monitor. It is based on the "Road to Dawn" bonus stage in PixelJunk Shooter 2.

God of War is an action-adventure video game series, the first era of which was loosely based on Greek mythology. Debuting in 2005, the series became a flagship title for the PlayStation brand and the character Kratos is one of its most popular characters. The series consists of nine games across multiple platforms; the first seven make up the Greek era of the series. Five of the Greek era games have been re-released through three separate compilations for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) platform: God of War Collection (2009), God of War: Origins Collection (2011), and God of War Saga (2012). With the exception of God of War III in the God of War Saga, each collection features remastered ports of the games that were not originally released on the PS3. God of War III was later remastered as God of War III Remastered and released on PlayStation 4 (PS4) in July 2015. God of War: Betrayal, God of War: Ascension, God of War (2018), and God of War Ragnarök are the only installments that have not been remastered for a newer platform or included in a collection.

<i>One Piece: Unlimited World Red</i> 2013 action-adventure game

One Piece: Unlimited World Red is an action-adventure video game based on the famous One Piece manga and anime. This is the thirty-sixth video game based on the series, and the fifth title in the Unlimited sub-series. It was released for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan on November 21, 2013, and released for additional platforms and in more regions the following year. On March 12, 2014, the game was confirmed to be releasing in North America, Europe, and Japan in 2014 on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and Wii U. The Wii U version does not have a physical retail release in North America and Australia. Whilst other versions were released by July 8, 2014, in North America, the PlayStation Vita version was released in the region on July 14, 2014, and its limited retail release was sold exclusively via GameStop stores.

References

  1. Cuthbert, Dylan (January 16, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters Set to Launch Next Week". PlayStation Blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  2. Mars, Deborah (April 29, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters Encore details + interview". PlayStation Blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 8, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  3. McMinn, Kevin (May 18, 2016). "Double Eleven Talks Tiki in PixelJunk Monsters on Wii U". Nintendo News. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  4. Cuthbert, Dylan (April 29, 2009). "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe - The Biggest Version Yet is Portable". PlayStation Blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 1, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  5. 1 2 "PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate for PC Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 16, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  6. 1 2 "PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD for PlayStation Vita Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 10, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  7. 1 2 "PixelJunk Monsters for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 4, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  8. 1 2 "PixelJunk Monsters Encore for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 4, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  9. 1 2 "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe for PSP Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 14, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  10. 1 2 "PixelJunk Monsters for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 13, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  11. Suttner, Nick (February 1, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters". 1UP.com . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  12. Liang, Alice (October 6, 2009). "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Review". 1UP.com. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  13. North, Dale (October 6, 2009). "Review: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe". Destructoid . Enthusiast Gaming. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  14. Edge staff (March 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters (PS3)". Edge . No. 186. Future plc. p. 101.
  15. Reed, Kristan (January 25, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters (PlayStation 3)". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  16. Herring, Will (May 28, 2008). "Review: PixelJunk Monsters (PS3)". GamePro Arcade . IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 6, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  17. VanOrd, Kevin (January 30, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters Review (PS3)". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  18. VanOrd, Kevin (June 20, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters Encore Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  19. Walton, Mark (October 13, 2009). "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  20. David, Mike (February 7, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters - PS3 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on February 10, 2008. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  21. Platt, Dylan (October 21, 2009). "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe - PSP - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 27, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  22. Miller, Greg (July 30, 2013). "PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD Review (Vita)". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  23. Clements, Ryan (January 29, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters Review (PS3)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  24. Clements, Ryan (May 12, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters Encore Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  25. Miller, Greg (October 1, 2009). "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  26. Chambers, Evan (June 14, 2016). "PixelJunk Monsters Review". Nintendo Life . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  27. Iwaniuk, Phil (September 6, 2013). "Pixeljunk Monsters Ultimate HD PS Vita review – Vita guardian adds to the cannon". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK . Future plc. Archived from the original on September 8, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  28. "PixelJunk Monsters". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK. Future plc. March 2008. p. 108.
  29. "PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK. Future plc. February 2010. p. 111.
  30. Mastrapa, Gus (February 18, 2008). "PixelJunk Monsters (PS3)". The A.V. Club . The Onion. Archived from the original on January 13, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2019.