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Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4 • 2019

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Quick resume

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Beautiful hand-drawn graphics and animations
  • Engaging metroidvania gameplay with multiple forms
  • Excellent soundtrack by renowned composers
  • Large interconnected world with many secrets
  • Well-balanced difficulty and progression

Cons

  • Some difficulty spikes and frustrating puzzles
  • Story is simple and minimal
  • Combat can feel limited or clunky
  • Some bugs and minor technical issues reported
  • Price considered high by some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can freely choose and switch between multiple animal forms with unique abilities to solve puzzles and progress, showing high player control and decision-making."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game offers a moderate to high challenge with platforming, puzzles, and boss fights that require skill and learning, though some early parts are easier."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual exploration and progression without competitive or ranked multiplayer elements."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long play sessions, extensive exploration, and motivation to complete 100% of the game, indicating strong attachment and habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual gameplay without cooperative multiplayer or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players creatively use different animal forms and equipment to solve puzzles and explore, with many secrets and customization options."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is personal and non-competitive."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The nostalgic, colorful world and engaging gameplay provide a strong escape from real life, evoking childhood memories."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "The game encourages trying new forms and abilities to overcome challenges and discover secrets, supporting exploration and experimentation."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Large interconnected world with many secrets, collectibles, and backtracking for discovery, strongly supporting exploration."

  • Expression
    3

    "Players customize equipment and choose forms, expressing playstyle preferences, though no deep avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "The game features anthropomorphic animals, magic, and a whimsical fantasy world, emphasizing imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Experience is solitary with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn puzzles, and improve through gameplay progression and equipment upgrades."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gaming experience with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement due to platforming challenges and puzzles."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social relationships or emotional sharing; single-player experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely individual gameplay."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on collecting items, upgrading equipment, unlocking new forms, and completing achievements."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Generally enjoyable and satisfying gameplay with some frustration from difficulty spikes and challenging puzzles."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Vibrant visuals, smooth animations, and a memorable soundtrack provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal achievement."

  • Story
    1

    "Story is simple and serves mainly as a backdrop; narrative immersion is limited but present."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players must plan form usage, equipment, and puzzle solving strategies, requiring mental challenge and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in platforming and boss fights, but overall controlled and fair challenge without excessive tension."

  • Value
    3

    "Players find good value in the game's length, quality, and content despite some complaints about price and difficulty spikes."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Combat exists but is not emphasized as violent or destructive; gameplay focuses more on exploration and puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must manage health and avoid hazards, but the game is not primarily about survival under threat."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026