Game Review: Monster Prom

Monster Prom is a visual novel set in a world where humans are the fictional characters and monsters are the playable characters. In this game, you choose from one of the four characters and play as them, while aiming for the objective. The objective is to be able to ask one of your classmates to the prom and have them accept you as their date. This game embodies the magic circle. The concept of being fully immersed in the world building of the game, along with the character and the lore. In Monster Prom you must interact with classmates and gain favor by answering questions that will earn you points or take away points for the one the player wants to go to prom with. However, the world building in the game is extremely intense. For example, in the world of Monster Prom, there is a game called Pokéman’s Go. A clear parody of Pokémon Go and the spin off of Pocket humans, where they collect humans with obscure jobs to fight each other. Besides the fun quirks of the game that brings it to life, there is also the full development of the characters. With each location you choose, and item you buy, it gives you new interactions between characters and strings for later outcomes. The world of Monster Prom is a unique adventure that pulls you into it and exposes you to a whole new world.

In Monster Prom the game also plays with the idea of player types. The game caters to all four player types: Achievers, Explorers, Socializers and Killers, presented by Bartle. Achievers are the player type those who want to achieve more in the game, by unlocking all the achievements and have their work recognized. In Monster Prom, connected to steam there are many achievements to be unlocked for those who want to 100% the game. Explorers are the players who want to find out all the little quirks about the game and how it works, in Monster Prom the game has many items to buy in the shop and with each item it explores new outcomes and can even unlock secret endings for the game. Socializers are the players who are interested in people and want to connect with the community. For Monster Prom, the fan community is quite large, so large the indie team decided to have a kick starter for a moding tool (a program that allows you to modify the game), an expansion for new characters, a sequel game. Which has caused the fan base to petition for a television show using the iconic and beloved characters from the game. Lastly there are the killers, those who are always looking for more aggressive tactics. Monster Prom is a competitive dating sim, so there are decisions players can make which can handicap other players such as the places in the school you decide to go and the lunch table you decide to sit at.

Monster Prom also happens to embody specific states of subjectivity such as emotions and choice. Every action in Monster Prom is important and every decision you make with where you go, where you sit and how you answer are very important to how you get the outcomes you want. For example, at the very beginning of the game, you are posed with a teen magazine, where you have to answer questions and the answers give help shape the players character.

While also helping or harming their chances to be with their desired monster peer. Besides emotions and choice, there is the concept of ‘controlling vs being your avatar’. In Monster Prom, after playing the same character for a while you almost feel as if you are that character, though there are no customization elements, the character designs are so unique and after renaming them to your desire. There is something about playing as the character that feels grounded within you. Where their goals and achievements become yours, and you can no longer take them apart until you have put the game away. This game also draws emotion from the player itself, by watching each event, playing as smart as possible and wanting your character to be happy. While seeing the special ending and prom photo. Overall, my experience with Monster Prom has been a fascinating and fun one.