[handofg0d]

Here's a game that I was originally rolling my eyes at, but as I found out more, have become highly interested in.

It's called Monster Lab, and is in development by Backbone Entertainment (Death Jr.) - who I know has kind of a shoddy track record. It's a Wii exclusive title, and it's an original IP, not some movie tie-in or anything like that. The main game is a story-driven action-rpg.

You play as 1 of 3 mad scientists each with their own field of specialty in monster creation (mechanical, biological, and chemical) and but of course, build your own custom monsters from over 150 body parts (head, legs, arms, etc.) based on recipes you collect/find with over 100 million variations possible.
The battle system is a bit like a pokemon game, in that it's turn-based and certain elements are strong/weak against others. The thing that sets it apart is that body parts are destructable (you can lose arms, legs, etc.) which adds a layer of depth over your standard pokemon type vs. type weakness strategies. Remember you can mix-n-match parts when making your monster, so your left arm might be effective against their head, but weak against their right arm.

Monsters are assembled via minigames, such as welding on an arm, and their overall stats is based on how well you performed (affects HP, attack, defense, and energy points). Parts themselves also have stats including strength and "madness". My guess is that the "madder" your creature is, the better, and also that mad here, means insane.

It will also make use of WiFi allowing players to both battle against each other, as well as trade parts/monsters.

It has been in development since November 2006 with a target release date June 08

Adam Beechen (writer for DC Comics, worked a lot on the Robin series) is handling the script - Crispin Hands (Founder of Lionshead, previous work includes sound design on Metroid Prime) is hadnling the music.


Screenshots:




<--welding minigame




On a personal level - I think this looks like it has some great potential. Definitely keeping my eye on it. It has minigames, sure, but is also a full fledged single player game with a story and everything. Plus WiFi compatibility to battle and trade - finally looks like people are taking advantage of the Wii. It's also nice to see new IP's coming from western developers.

[TheRedEye]

Wow, look, interesting character design! Don't see that very often anymore.

[The_bag_of_sand]

Doesn't look bad. Didn't back bone do the Symphony of the Night XBLA port?

[dddddd]

dont know why but this game makes me think of monster maker

[Wonderbutt]