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I am not a Monster: First Contact

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2018

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Quick resume

Retro sci-fi tactical turn-based strategy with an exciting storyline. The Albatross space liner is overrun by lizard-like monsters that can infect humans and turn them into their own kind. Save the passengers and defeat the hostile creatures.

Global score

77/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Adventure, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique blend of turn-based tactics and social deduction
    • Engaging and lengthy single-player campaign
    • Strong retro sci-fi aesthetic and story
    • Deep tactical gameplay with weapon-item combinations
    • Challenging and rewarding difficulty curve

    Cons

    • Small multiplayer playerbase and matchmaking issues
    • Limited maps and game modes
    • Steep learning curve and minimal tutorial support
    • Save system can be frustrating with limited checkpoints
    • Some ui and control clunkiness reported

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Fantasy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Domination.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have control over tactical decisions, equipment loadouts, and strategic planning in turn-based combat."

    • Competence
      4

      "The game offers challenging tactical gameplay with a steep learning curve and rewards skillful planning and execution."

    • Competition
      3

      "Multiplayer involves deception and outsmarting others, but playerbase is small and multiplayer is less emphasized than single-player."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report long campaigns and engaging gameplay that encourages repeated attempts and extended play sessions."

    • Cooperation
      2

      "Multiplayer mode involves teamwork and social deduction, but many players focus on solo campaign or small friend groups."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players combine weapons and items to create unique abilities, encouraging experimentation with loadouts and tactics."

    • Domination
      -2

      "Multiplayer emphasizes deception and social deduction rather than outright domination or power over others."

    • Escapism
      4

      "The retro sci-fi setting and immersive story provide a strong escape from reality and stress relief."

    • Expectation
      -3

      "Players engage out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment rather than obligation; some frustration noted but overall voluntary play."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Game encourages trying new tactics, weapon-item combos, and adapting strategies to unique mission challenges."

    • Exploration
      1

      "Limited maps and modes but missions introduce new twists and environments within the ship setting."

    • Expression
      2

      "Players can customize characters with skins and unlock cosmetic upgrades, though core gameplay is fixed."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Strongly themed around imaginative 1950s sci-fi, pulp fiction, and alien invasion fantasy."

    • Fellowship
      2

      "Community interaction occurs mainly in multiplayer with friends; some social features but limited by playerbase."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop tactical skills and knowledge of game mechanics through challenging missions and trial-and-error."

    • Health
      -4

      "Primarily a sedentary, screen-based game with no physical activity elements."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and planning; not suited for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      1

      "Some social interaction and teamwork in multiplayer, but limited emotional sharing or close relationships."

    • Leadership
      1

      "Some multiplayer roles may involve guiding or influencing others, but no strong emphasis on leadership."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players accumulate weapons, items, and unlock cosmetic upgrades; campaign progression unlocks new challenges."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Game can be tense and challenging, but also provides flow and immersion for players who enjoy tactical puzzles."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Enjoyable retro visuals, music, and sound design provide sensory pleasure and thematic immersion."

    • Status
      0

      "No strong emphasis on social recognition or leaderboards; cosmetic unlocks provide some visibility."

    • Story
      4

      "Narrative-driven single-player campaign with engaging characters, plot twists, and retro sci-fi storytelling."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Core gameplay revolves around deep tactical planning, problem solving, and simultaneous turn execution."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Tense social deduction and combat moments create suspense and excitement."

    • Value
      3

      "Players find good value in the long campaign and unique gameplay for the price, especially on sale."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and defeating monsters are central mechanics, with tactical shooting and melee attacks."

    • Survival
      4

      "Gameplay focuses on avoiding failure, managing resources, and protecting team members from infection."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026