.: UK Release Date - 18/04/03
.: Developer - Incog INC
.: Players - 1 or 2
.: Official Site - www.warofthemonsters.com

.: B-Movie monsters unite in this unique swing on beat-em up games out now on the Playstation 2. As an avid gamer myself I suddenly raised an eyebrow when this little gem appeared on a demo off a magazine.

.: The musical score for the game is a touch of class in it's synthesis of the original 50's SF flavour, it's mood is programmed to change in sync with the onscreen events whilst you rip apart city blocks to hurl at your opponent.

.: For those that remember the age-old arcade classic, Rampage, this is it's tarted up next-generation cousin. The battle-modes have been intelligently approached to allow a split-screen free roam whilst picking up power ups and missiles - which then dissolves to full screen when you engage in combat, like traditional 3D beaters.

.: The characters are spawned from classics like King Kong, Godzilla and Them, also there are some refreshing new monsters like Kinecticlops who has an eyeball for a head supported by a body formed by electricity. What is instantly likeable about this game is the interactivity with the environment which consists of grabbing passing helicopters, cars, radio masts and various other parts of the surroundings which can then be used as weapons. Destruction is given immense detail, even down to the tiny fleeing citizens, often left as trashed as the arenas which become absolute tatters after a good scrap. This recapture of the 50's SF epic has stayed loyal to the genre whilst producing a charming little game which offers a new perspective on beat-em ups. This sure to attrack the eye of SF fanatics young and old.

Unfortunatley I have only thus far played the demo version, but have seen enough to realise it's potential - If anyone has played this game and would like to commment, then do send in your review here.