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Monster Monpiece is a card strategy game for the Vita. It has an upcoming release on Steam. Man Eater (all versions) Thunderbird (all versions) Fear, AKA Fia (PS 3 and 4) Undine (PS 2. Monster Monpiece getting a Western Release. Sexy girl-rubbing game getting localized. Monster Monpiece getting a Western Release. When Does Resident Evil 3 Remake Release On Steam? Inazuma Eleven: Great Road of Heroes Delayed To 2021. Animal Crossing New Horizons April Bug and Fish Guide.
Monster Monpiece | |
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Japanese box art, featuring (from left to right) Elza, May, Fia and Karen | |
Developer(s) | Compile Heart |
Publisher(s) | |
Artist(s) | Fukahire |
Series | Genkai Tokki |
Platform(s) | PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows |
Release | PlayStation Vita
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Genre(s) | Card battle |
Mode(s) | Single-player Multiplayer(Vita only) |
Monster Monpiece (Japanese: 限界凸騎 モンスターモンピース, Hepburn: Genkai Tokki Monsutā Monpīsu, lit. 'Unlikely Knight: Monster Monpiece') is a card battle video game developed by Compile Heart for the PlayStation Vita. The game re-imagines mythological creatures and monsters, such as unicorns and minotaurs, as girls and women[3][5] created by more than 50 different artists.[3] The game allows multiplayer card battles online for 2 players.[6] The game is based around battling with four types of cards, not all of which are monsters.[7]Monster Monpiece was released on January 24, 2013 in Japan,[6] and an English localization was released by Idea Factory International in May 2014.[8][9][10]
A port for Microsoft Windows, originally announced for a 2016 Steam release, will include all original uncensored artwork, however will not support multiplayer gameplay.[11] The game was officially released on Steam on March 14, 2017.[4] It is the first in Compile Heart's Genkai Tokki series of video games, followed by Moe Chronicle, Moero Crystal, and Genkai Tokki: Seven Pirates.[12] A direct sequel, titled Monster Monpiece Naked for iOS and Android devices, will also be released in 2016.[13]
Gameplay[edit]
The 'extreme rub' system requires players to stroke both sides of the PlayStation Vita in order to seal the card and remove the clothing from the character in the card.
Monster Monpiece is a card battle game where users collect virtual cards and use them to battle foes. Battles are turn-based and take place on a 7x3 grid in which cards can be placed.[14] During a player's turn, he or she can drag and drop monster girl cards onto the grid field to activate them.[14] The game contains over 100 different cards[15] divided into four types, and not all of them are 'monsters'.[7] The four types are melee, ranged, healer, and booster.[14] Melee cards have strong attacks, can survive many attacks, and are good for close-ranged combat.[14] Ranged cards do not have as strong of attacks, but they can attack enemy cards from a distance.[14] Healer cards can heal the wounds of other friendly cards in play.[14] Booster cards support other cards in play by increasing the strength of their attacks or increasing the healer's abilities.[14] Neptune from Hyperdimension Neptunia receives a cameo appearance if the player reserves the game.[7]
The game utilizes an 'extreme rub' system (known officially as the 'First Crush ❤ Rub' mode)[16] to seal cards:[17] 'Poking, rubbing, and touching' the Vita's screen removes the character's clothing in stages, 'from thick clothes to lightly dressed to skimpy bathing suit.'[7][18] The sealing system is split into two parts: one requires the player to poke or tap on the female character's private parts and the other requires the player to stroke the entire screen on both sides of the system (pictured).[19] Touching the monster girls also causes their chest and thighs to jiggle in response.[15]
Plot[edit]
In the world of Yafanir (ヤファニール) in which two enormous pillars known as the Hammers of God penetrate the Earth, a race known as the monster girls have come to coexist with humans.[15] May, Elza, and Karen are best friends at the Academy of Kunaguvu (クナグヴァ) where they learn to become Masters of the monster girls, but a mysterious person curses Elza and she becomes Lost.[15][20] Trying to learn what master plan has been unleashed, May follows Elza, gathering treasure scattered across the world, and using the monster girls' Magus Quartz crystals to help on the way.[15]
Development[edit]
The game is developed for the PlayStation Vita by Compile Heart, the creators of Hyperdimension Neptunia.[21] Originally slated for release in spring 2013, in November 2012 it was announced that the release would be moved up to January 24, 2013.[3] The game includes artwork of legendary creatures re-imagined as girls from more than 50 different artists.[3] An English localization for Monster Monpiece was announced by Compile Heart on January 21, 2014.[22] On January 23, 2014, Idea Factory sent out a formal press release to address the issue of censorship in Monster Monpiece.[23][24] The release dates for the localization was initially announced on May 9, with the game planned to be released on May 27 in North America and May 28 in Europe,[25] however, the European release date was later pushed back to June 4; this was done in order to allow the game to be available in Germany, Russia, and Switzerland, where it was originally unavailable.[26] Unlike the original Japanese version, the English localization is a digital-only title.[16]
Ratings[edit]
The English localization features all gameplay features and complete storyline, however several card images were cut from the North American and European versions of the game, citing concerns regarding the sexual nature of the imagery.[9] Following the cut, PEGI has given the game a rating of 12+,[27] compared to the CERO D (17+) rating of the original Japanese version. Imagery for the high level evolution forms of the Vampire, Kraken, Goblin, Cockatrice, Kobold, Skeleton, Titania, Bahamut, Fia, Brownie, Pegasus, Mandragora, Mau Sibau, Rafflesia, Death Scorpion, Phantom, and Tengu cards have been removed.[28] While the PEGI rating in Europe was lighter, the game received an ESRB rating of M in the United States at the request of Idea Factory International, who opted for a stronger rating citing the sexual nature of the game.[29]
Reception and sales[edit]
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Monster Monpiece currently holds a score of 68% at GameRankings,[30] and 67/100 at Metacritic.[31] Four Famitsu reviewers scored the game 8, 9, 8 and 8 out of 10, for a total score of 33/40.[32] The method of sealing cards in which the user rubs and strokes the female characters in the game has been criticized as inappropriate by Western commentators.[19][21]The game reportedly sold through the majority of its initial 27,000 copy shipment, prompting Compile Heart to issue an apology for the lack of stock.[38] The game sold 25,000 physical retail copies in its first week, in addition to 5,000 digital download copies via the PlayStation Network;[39] and has sold more than 50,000 copies as of February 9, 2013.[40] The game ranked as the ninth most purchased digital Vita game on the Japanese PlayStation Network in 2013.[41]
Hardcore Gamer scored Monster Monpiece 3.5/5, praising all aspects of the game save for the 'extreme rub' system, saying 'Without the silly rubbing gimmick, Monpiece features deep, rewarding nuances, a bevy of customization options, fantastic production values and the ability to take one’s poured over deck online to square off against folks from around the world. In plain terms, it didn't need the gimmick to catch people’s attention — it could have easily relied upon its actual gameplay, and that would have sufficed.'[34]Tech-Gaming found the First Crush Rub mechanic 'silly and unapologetically sophomoric', whilst praising the game's lore and single-player campaign, and taking issue with the design decision to limit the card augmentation until players unlocked a key through ad-hoc or network play. They also praised the game's visual delivery noting that developer Compile Heart's previous console efforts have been decidedly mixed, giving Monster Monpiece a final rating of 84/100.[35]Gamestyle regards the gameplay mechanics as a strong aspect of the game, however notes that there is a large cultural difference that pushes many boundaries in Western countries, where it may feel inappropriate for players to rub characters in a sexual manner. No final score was given.[42]
Colin Moriarty of IGN reviewed Monster Monpiece negatively, scoring the game a 4.9/10, criticizing the story, characters, upgrading system and environments. However, the game's card battling system was praised; the review summarising 'Whether it's its humdrum cast of characters, tedious dialogue, desolate environments, or questionable upgrade systems, Monster Monpiece's core has a hard — almost impossible — time emerging from the crap that surrounds it.'[33] RPG Site, however, was much more positive about Monster Monpiece, rewarding it a 8/10 score and praising story voice acting and gameplay, saying 'Replayability is very high as there are hundreds of different types of cards to collect that can all be modified to help create the perfect deck for you, providing a highly valuable experience that many people would be able to enjoy. Monster Monpiece comes well recommended. Just don't overthink the 'rubbing' system, and you'll be fine.[36]Gaming Age rated Monster Monpiece B+, finding the gameplay and characters to be fleshed out and enjoyable, but also that the game's rubbing system makes it 'hard to embrace' fully.[37]
References[edit]
- ^ ab'Monster Monpiece'. IGN. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^''Monster Monpiece' Heads to North America and Europe This Spring'. Crunchyroll. January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
- ^ abcdeSpencer. 'Monster Monpiece Shuffles From Spring To January 24, 2013'. SiliconEra. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ ab'Monster Monpiece on Steam'. Steam. March 14, 2017.
- ^Spencer. 'Meet The 'Monsters' In Monster Monpiece'. SiliconEra. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ abSpencer. 'First Look At Compile Heart's Card Game Monster Monpiece'. SiliconEra. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ abcdSpencer. 'Huh, So Monster Monpiece Is Actually A Card Game'. SiliconEra. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^2014-01-13, English Monster Monpiece screenshots surface on Idea Factory International website, Gematsu
- ^ ab2014-01-20, Colin Moriarty, Introducing Vita’s New Card-Battling JRPG: Monster Monpiece, IGN
- ^'Idea Factory to Release Monster Monpiece Game in N. America, Europe'. Anime News Network. January 21, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
- ^'Monster Monpiece, Hyperdimension Neptunia U, and Hyperdevotion Noire coming to Steam in 2016'. Gematsu. December 4, 2015.
- ^Spencer. 'All About Idea Factory International And Why They Are Publishing Monster Monpiece'. Siliconera. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^'Monster Monpiece Naked Revealed For Smartphone'. Siliconera. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ abcdefg'Extensive Introduction to Monster Monpiece's Cards and Gameplay'. Dengeki Online. ASCII Media Works. December 4, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ abcde'Official Monster Monpiece Website is Exposed. Unleash Magic by Rubbing the Moe Anthropomorphic Monster Girls'. 4Gamer. October 29, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ ab'Monster Monpiece will be digital-only in the west'. Gematsu. Retrieved 2014-06-13.
- ^Yip, Spencer (November 21, 2012). 'Well, Monster Monpiece Is From Compile Heart…'. Siliconera. Game Revolution. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
- ^Romano, Sal. 'Monster Monpiece is a monster girl card battle game'. gematsu. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ abNorth, Dale. 'Monster Monpiece has you stroking your Vita longways'. Destructoid. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^'Cards Compiled'. RPGamer. November 5, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ abAshcraft, Brian. 'This Is the Most Inappropriate PS Vita Game Yet'. Kotaku. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^'Monster Monpiece Coming To U.S. And Europe With Some Changes'. Siliconera. 2014-01-21. Retrieved 2014-06-13.
- ^'Idea Factory Discusses Censoring in Western Monster Monpiece'. Anime News Network. January 23, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
- ^'Idea Factory Formally Addresses 'Monster Monpiece' Censorship'. Crunchyroll. January 24, 2014. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
- ^'Monster Monpiece Reaches North America And Europe Later This Month'. Siliconera. 2014-05-09. Retrieved 2014-06-13.
- ^'Monster Monpiece Delayed In Europe By A Week'. Siliconera. 2014-05-20. Retrieved 2014-06-13.
- ^2014-01-14, Monster Monpiece rated 12 by PEGI, Gematsu
- ^Disclaimer for the North American and European versions of Monster Monpiece, Idea Factory International
- ^2014-01-22, Why Monster Monpiece Is Rated 'M' In The U.S. And '12' In Europe, Siliconera
- ^ ab'Monster Monpiece'. GameRankings. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ ab'Monster Monpiece'. Metacritic. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ ab'Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1257'. Gematsu. Retrieved 2014-06-09.
- ^ abColin Moriarty (2014-06-05). 'Monster Monpiece Review'. IGN. Retrieved 2014-06-09.
- ^ ab'Review: Monster Monpiece'. Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ ab'Review: Monster Monpiece Review'. Tech-Gaming. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ ab'Monster Monpiece Review'. RPG Site. Retrieved 2014-06-09.
- ^ abPollesel, Matthew (2014-06-03). 'Monster Monpiece review for PS Vita'. Gaming Age. Retrieved 2014-06-09.
- ^Ishaan (January 28, 2013). 'Monster Monpiece Doing Well; Compile Heart Apologize For Shortages'. SiliconEra. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^2013-01-30, Media Create Sales: 1/21/13 – 1/27/13, Gematsu
- ^Ishaan. 'Monster Monpiece Crosses 50,000 In Japan'. SiliconEra. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^2013年にPS Storeで販売されたゲームの人気ランキングを各部門ごとに発表します!, PlayStation Japan
- ^27 May 2014, Monster Monpiece Review, Gamestyle
External links[edit]
![Monster monpiece fiasco Monster monpiece fiasco](http://proximonivel.pt/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/0126118001402790820.jpg)
- Official website(in Japanese)
- Monster Monpiece Naked official website(in Japanese)
- Official website(in English)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monster_Monpiece&oldid=937349569'
Monster Monpiece is going to be known and subsequently remembered as the game that makes players stroke their Vita up and down vigorously so that it appears as if they are masturbating. Yep, that actually happens. It’s a shame, then, that beneath that horrid gimmick, and the heavy emphasis on gratuitous amounts of fan-service, exists a really solid card game. Because of this, the question becomes: are the mechanics at play strong enough to make players look past all of the incredibly bizarre, very-Japanese conventions?Monster Monpiece‘s tale is one that is devoid of anything overtly offensive, despite those alluded to gameplay trappings; it’s your typical good-vs-evil narrative, but one that is delivered in a coherent, and at times even compelling, way. This has a lot to do with the fairly decent localization, which seems to know how to balance humor and gravity well, but it’s also thanks in part to an interesting cast of characters. Essentially the story in Monpiece is as such: a race of monster girls is living side-by-side humans in a world known as Yafanir. These gals derive meaning from their name simply by the fact that they can harness allied monsters’ powers in the form of cards.
The ladies at the forefront of our story are four darlings, Mei, Fia, Elsa and Karen, whom of which are studying to become elite monster girl masters. Unfortunately, it would seem that fate is a cruel mistress, and our heroines’ plans derail after Elsa becomes cursed by a mysterious affliction, leaving Mei in charge of finding a way to save her friend. From there, our lass is taken on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, and plenty of card-battles in-between.See, Mei doesn’t settle scores with fisticuffs; no, she takes to resolving conflict through different means — opening packs of playing cards, organizing them into strategic decks and then throwing down in a digital tabletop battle-off, the kind of which would make even the most devout Magic: The Gathering player sit up and take notice. So, as one can see, the game doesn’t take itself too seriously. However, that’s its appeal — the story feels whimsical and lighthearted, though not entirely lacking any kind of big emotional crescendo, and plays to these narrative devices with sharp writing and a healthy dose of wit. In fact, the story is so innocently delivered, that the juxtaposition of it and the exorbitant fan-service, makes the whole thing perplexingly charming. Mostly weird.Nevertheless, Monster Monpiece is a game that clearly isn’t about its story.
It’s the gameplay that remains its prime focus at nearly all times. In that regard, the game truly is delightful. For starters, players navigate a world map to find their opponents. Once they have arrived at the intended destination, there’s a bit of flavor dialogue, and then a fight breaks out.
This is ultimately where the core of Monpiece‘s experience resides. To this end, MM is setup like a traditional card game. Players build decks out of cards obtained, highlighting certain cards around which to build said deck, and then test out their creations in combat. Where the formula strays from tradition, however, is in how these cards are actually played. They aren’t merely plopped down as they would be in something like Yu-Gi-Oh!
No, players have to take their strategy to the next level by summoning cards into tactical positions on a 3-by-7 map. Once they are placed, the monster girls transform into the specific card/power/attack and march across the playfield toward their enemy with the objective being to reduce their opponent’s base points. It’s a simple system, really, but one that grows exponentially deeper with time and with learning how to play cards off of each other to dish out serious hurt. Like any quality TCG, the real enjoyment in Monster Monpiece is found in reading and knowing cards’ abilities so as to put together a behemoth of an arsenal. Card diversity fortunately is in full effect here, with Compile Hearts giving players a plethora of options and ways to dispatch foes. For instance, there are eight monster types, each of which can be fused with another to improve combat prowess. Take this into consideration along with the fact that each card individually has strengths, weaknesses, skills of their own and ideal situations in which they can be played, and suddenly a seemingly shallow experience has expanded in a big way.
There’s also auras that need to be factored in to each situation, as a monster, that possesses the same colored aura as their summoning monster girl, can take advantage of special bonuses. And truthfully, this is just a small buckshot of the types of combinations and customization options available to the player; digging in and really exploring what there is to offer opens up so many more doors than we could possibly cover in this single review.Thankfully, with all of these ways to take out enemies, the AI is no push-over. While computer-rivals will always pale in comparison to human opponents, in Monster Monpiece they do well enough holding their own, so as to keep folks on their toes. We did notice a few times when they would perform some kind of silly, or illogical move, but generally speaking they offered up some memorable scenarios. Fortunately there is an online multiplayer component to boot, so when players are tired of whooping up on the CPU, they can test their mettle against real people. From our few sessions, battles online ran smoothly and were easy to setup. Trying out new decks against other players’ decks is always an exciting part of the trading card game; hence, it’s nice to see that same type of enjoyment preserved here in Monster Monpiece.Thus far, we have spoken highly of Compile Heart’s card battler But that’s because we haven’t gotten to the crux of what will probably be every critics one glaring problem — the gimmick of rubbing cards to enhance their abilities.
On the surface, it all sounds innocent enough; rub certain cards by way of touching the Vita in a rubbing motion, and cards essentially level up. If it were left at just that, then we wouldn’t have any issue with it. Sadly, though, the developers seem to be having a little fun at the player’s expense by forcing them into using this embarrassing system to derive the full experience.
Let’s break it down further, though, so that everyone is well aware of what we’re talking about, and also what they’re getting themselves into here.Firstly, Monster Monpiece is a fan-service game. By that I mean, some (read: most, if not all) of the cards are represented by scantily clad monsters, who just so happen to be girls. These gals are in such skimpy clothing, and at times drawn in compromising, seductive positions, that roughly 40 cards have been censored from the game for the North American and European releases. Now, I’m not here to debate whether we should or shouldn’t have censorship in games — that’s an argument that each gamer, on their own, must figure out where they stand — but, given the fact that much of the game is centered around young girls in erotic poses with very little clothing on, means that for some, Monster Monpiece will undoubtedly feel, well, creepy.
![Monster Monpiece Fia Monster Monpiece Fia](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126335660/370487057.jpg)
The very distinct cultural differences between Japan and the US on this matter are on full display here; so figuring out if you’re okay with this style will be an important part of the purchasing process. That being said, whether this is your thing or not, one cannot deny that the art itself is spectacular.
In fact, MM has pulled together some of the most renown Japanese artists in the biz, and as a result, is home to some fantastic card art throughout.Okay, you made it past the art — you’re okay with that. Onto part two: in order to level up cards in the game, they must be stroked.
This is done by turning the Vita vertically, touching the front and back of it at the same time, and then stroking up and down rapidly. As one might be able to picture in their mind’s eye, such movement strikingly resembles the act of — yep, you guessed it — masturbation. Alright, so, yeah, there you have it; you’re stroking your Vita as if said Vita is an appendage on a male’s body, while the image of a barely clothed girl is on-screen.
Take from that what you will.The problem with this, isn’t necessarily the fact that performing such an action looks like some kind of self-pleasuring activity, but it’s the fact that such a controversial design decision/obscure way to play the game is forced upon the player and mandated for play. So, if you are in the slightest bit uncomfortable with jerking your Vita around others, or if you’re just generally not okay with looking like you’re committing an act of public indecency, it means that Monster Monpiece — a game on a mobile system, ideally meant for on-the-go situations and traveling, which usually occurs in a public place and/or around other human beings — cannot be completely or fully enjoyed. Ultimately, making this feature non-optional feels like a massively short-sighted, obtuse and misguided decision that could have been easily dealt with by the inclusion of a simple “on-off” toggle in the settings menu. If nothing else, as a developer, forcing players down this route both limits your audience and limits how someone can play and subsequently enjoy the game; and any feature put into place, knowing full well that the aforementioned result is likely, is a shining example of bad game design philosophy.
Of course, this can be rebuked seeing as Monpiece was designed with a very specific demographic in mind; but it still calls into question why the devs just didn’t play it safe, and not strong-arm players into using the feature.Closing Comments:Monster Monpiece is a wonderful card game that is sullied only by the developer’s desire to point and laugh at what they’ve forced players to do. Without the silly rubbing gimmick, Monpiece features deep, rewarding nuances, a bevy of customization options, fantastic production values and the ability to take one’s poured over deck online to square off against folks from around the world. In plain terms, it didn’t need the gimmick to catch people’s attention — it could have easily relied upon its actual gameplay, and that would have sufficed. However, with the rubbing gimmick in place, Compile Hearts has single-handedly taken a great experience, and needlessly watered it down to something less than what it should be.
It’s like when we all found out that Skyward Sword forced motion controls on its players; sure, the game was still good, but not as good as it could have been. Regardless, if you can get past the inherent creepiness that permeates Monster Monpiece on a number of levels, then there’s no denying that this is an intelligent, fulfilling card game.Platform: PS Vita.
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