Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX (2021)

Developer: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Genres: RPG, Simulation
Rating: 4.5 of 5, 1,130 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 22 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

You raise and train quirky monster companions, balancing care, battles, and a gentle sense of progression that feels like a slow, methodical hobby.

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What players say

Players praise the remaster for its quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes, though some find the fast-forward mode applies during fights and the screen size cannot be adjusted. Multiple reviewers note the game runs on nostalgia and may not click for new players.

Screenshots

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More by Koei Tecmo Games Co.

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.