Monster House (PS2) Review
Posted by David Wilcox on 08.24.2006
Not monstrously fun, but fun for a monster...house.
Graphics
As a tie-in to a computer-animated film, the Monster House video game should be expected to more or less match its source material graphically. Indeed it does, as characters D.J., Jenny and Chowder all appear uncannily similar to their cinematic counterparts. The action is clean and fluid, and the game's animators really dazzle the eye inside the house, where a range of lighting effects enhances the atmosphere of childhood terror tenfold.
Gameplay
From the outset of Monster House, the gamer will be thrust into the role of D.J. from a standard third-person perspective. The camera is situated more behind than above the child crusader, however, and an almost skewed perspective results. Though at first a bit unsettling, this view actually makes sense within the logic of the game. It enables us to experience the fright and bewilderment each character feels within the looming walls of the monster house. This phenomenon is comparable to visiting your high school as an adult - we are surprised at how small the hallways seem, because we swear we can remember them being much bigger when we were suffering the mighty pains of adolescence within their walls.
The action inside the monster house unfortunately proves much more pedestrian. Each character is equipped with up to three attacks - a squirt-gun shot, a physical blow and a third attack unique to each child - to deal with the many menaces inside the domicile. While the action never quite reaches the point of redundancy, it rarely engages the player and only a few exciting puzzle-solving tasks come to the rescue.
Sound
In addition to the usual score of standard horror soundscapes, Monster House features a small selection of lo-fi '50s ditties on the radios inside the house. In addition to punctuating the house's age, these highlights of the soundtrack infuse the game with a welcome dose of nostalgia for the days of early science fiction cinema.
Lasting Appeal
With its rather linear gameplay and dull action, this monster house doesn't beckon you for a second visit.
Fun Factor
The fun of playing through Monster House is similar to the fun of using the game's signature weapon, the squirt-gun. After taking a few seconds to soak someone, you just can't get them any wetter and you've hit a wall of sorts. Same thing for this game.
The 411
Mildly impressive graphics and passable gameplay make for a fleetingly fun romp through this monster house.
Graphics
7.0
Solid lighting and strong character resemblances to the feature film of the same name.
Gameplay
6.0
Fun in short bursts but anemic on the whole.
Sound
7.0
Standard horror movie fare with a few nice surprises.
Lasting Appeal
6.0
No need - or fun - in taming the monster a second time.
Fun Factor
6.0
As fun as a squirt-gun, which is a lot, but not for too long.
