"It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart"

Monster Force stars three classic black and white movie monsters: Frankenstein, Dracula and Wolf Man. To cater for a younger audience they have been cutified into teenage variations, Frank, Drac and Wolfie. The game is based around the three characters' attempts to defeat the evil terror that has seized their land.

To start with you choose whom you'd like to play as in the game. Each character has certain strengths and weaknesses. Wolfie is fast but lacks the firepower of his partners. Frank is the opposite of Wolfie, so has the firepower but isn't too nimble on his feet. Drac doesn't excel at either characteristic but is average on both counts, which makes him a more rounded character. All these powers can be improved throughout the game as you earn atoms that can be used in Igor's shop to buy power-ups. Power-ups are limited to a maximum of 4 being held at any one time. Earn more and you have to select which ones to leave behind. Power-ups do a variety of tasks including shields, multi directional shoots and even shoots that bounce off walls. All have their uses at certain stages of the game.

The game itself consists of numerous levels that are stacked with mazes and puzzles. Your view is a top down one, which makes controlling and guiding your monster straightforward. Often by triggering a switch in one area you'll find that you've opened a door somewhere completely different. You also need to find keys to help open some doors and there are also teleporters to navigate, all while disposing of hordes of angry monsters. There are nine different monster zones, each of which has three levels. Igor the shopkeeper is also a friend who will give you advice and guidance along the way.

Atoms are released when virtually anything is attacked, but it is up to your chosen strategy whether or not you choose to destroy everything. All levels are on a timer, so early completion of the maze will earn you extra points anyway. Completion of the level earns you a medal, which is usually bronze or silver to start with. This helps the game's replay value, because the desire is there to go back through the game again in order to earn the Gold medals on all the stages.

Controlling your little monsters is very straightforward with just basic directional moves accompanied by some shooting using the B button. A variety of shot types are available depending on how long or often you hit the button. Igor is always on hand to give you some help when you first gain new powers.

Graphically the game is sound. The monsters are clearly defined and the eerie background scenes are ideal for the game, with cemeteries, deserted buildings and the like. A special mention is also required here for the intro movie, which is made to look like a pre-war newsreel, in black and white with a flickering screen and a soundtrack to match. It's very clever and effective, setting the scene for the game. The in-game sound is also pretty good and the music is suitably eerie throughout, with howling werewolves and other creepies adding to the tension. Thankfully this is another game that saves your progress to the cartridge battery backup.

Multiplayer is possible, but only if both players have a copy of the game. It's a real shame more games don't run multiplayer off a single cartridge. This aspect of the Game Boy Advance is often overlooked by developers, probably in an attempt to sell more copies.

So what's the verdict, is it a Thriller? Well, the gameplay is slick, although at times it can become a little repetitive. The concept is fairly original and the cuteness of the characters means it's probably being aimed at a younger market. If your idea of a good game is hunting keys, shooting obstacles to discover bonuses, killing monsters and exploring mazes, then you'll really enjoy this.

Reviewed by AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).