Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 73 | 31 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 90% | 85 | 572 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 3 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 8 reviews sampled · 8 total reviews in window · weighted 8 up / 0 down · computed 8h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (37)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 60
“For someone that has never played the series before, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a nice package to have. It ports both titles to modern platforms, enhances their visuals and playability a bit, and stays true to the disc-swapping mechanic of the original with its own unique interpretation.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Both Monster Rancher games are fun throwbacks and this package is a tribute to a series that arguably never got the love it deserved, especially in Europe. Retro gamers and those who enjoy finding hidden gems should definitely consider picking up Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX for a taste of late-'90s non-Pokémon monster battling. Once you get your head around the unusual controls and the dated presentation, there's lots to like here - and it feels like nothing else released before or since. Go in expecting to make mistakes and stumble through some of the gameplay features and there is plenty of fun to be had.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“While some may find the graphics and sound too outdated to enjoy, players looking for a trip to the farm will find their plates very full.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX may retain issues from the past and have a thin story but it's enjoyable monster raising mechanics and unique summoning system remains a joy all these years later.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Ultimately, this is a solid introduction to Monster Rancher (definitely better than the short-lived TV show). At the very least, it's an enjoyable look back at a series that never quite hit the big time. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I forgot to feed my Golem, and you don't want to see what his tantrums look like.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Monster Rancher was a product of its time and it has aged better than some. For those wanting a Pokemon equivalent, this game is not for you. This is more aimed at hardcore simulation fans who carry a nostalgia from that era of gaming. It is cool to have these games available again, but without the CD functionality it feels like a hollow gesture. I wish we could have used QR codes or something to that effect, that is what made Monster Rancher unique, and now it is just a really deep simulation with a nostalgic wrapper.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Monster Rancher is easy to pick up, put down, and really starts to take off when you start experimenting with different ways to customize your monsters. If you have any nostalgia for the titles, or are looking for something a little more old-school, Monster Rancher will be sure to pique your curiosity.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“That’s what makes Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX so fascinating. You see, Monster Rancher makes more sense now than it did then.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a competent re-edition of the two original games that gives some of its elements a more modern flair while keeping the series' main characteristics intact. While it's inevitable to find that some of the elements feel outdated, this is still a fun and creative experience, and one that will make long-time fans of these cult classics very glad to have them on a Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“For fans of the series, or for players looking for a slightly more involved grind during their commute than the usual mobile fare, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX offer a heap of monster-rearing pleasure. However, this pair of titles is truly a product of its time: a lack of tutorials, janky graphics, and a set of opaque gameplay systems reliant on heavy grinding might prove too high a barrier for the average creature collector. Pick this up only if you’re prepared for a nostalgic romp through the highs and lows of late nineties game design.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The endless circle of gameplay with other companions has closed, but it has not brought any more. The collection lacks a strong campaign, a good dose of the story or motivation.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“I’m glad that Monster Rancher 1&2 DX came out because it gives curious players and myself a chance to check out a cult-classic monster series.”
read full review ↗
cublikefoot
Nintendo Life
RPGamer
Capsule Computers
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Chalgyr's Game Room
Siliconera
Starbit
Checkpoint Gaming
SECTOR.sk
MonsterVine…and 25 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Update Information Ver1.0.0.2(2022.1.24)Jan 24, 2022
- Update Information Ver1.0.0.1(2021.12.10)Dec 10, 2021