Monster Kingdom Jewel Summoner review

Not quite a diamond in the rough, but good enough

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Enjoyable characters and voice acting

  • +

    A fantastic art direction

  • +

    Great music

Cons

  • -

    Repeated dungeon backtracking

  • -

    Plot is a bit generic

  • -

    Story and gameplay aren't balanced

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If you're interested in this game, then you've done your homework. Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner isn't getting much hype or publicity, and it isn't quite a diamond in the rough, but Monster Kingdom is still a welcome morsel for the RPG-starved PSP.

Monster Kingdom obviously relies on Pokemon -style monster gathering and the battles that accompany the hobby everywhere in the universe. With a possible nine monsters in stack for each battle, there's enough opportunity to vary your elements and form tactics against bosses. Level-grinding isn't too bad here, actually, and the advantageous creatures are thankfully in the right spots at the right times. As is common with RPGs, battles pop up a tad too frequently, and the combat system is slightly unbalanced - once you form a good monster party, you can almost assure yourself victory.

More info

GenreRole Playing
DescriptionMonster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner has a mild case of style over substance - but what style it is. Thanks to a beautiful art direction, great score, and overall colorful characters, it's easier to ignore some of its gameplay hiccups.
PlatformPSP
US censor ratingTeen
Release date14 February 2007 (US), 14 February 2007 (UK)
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