
Monstrum is an indie horror gem that throws you into the shoes – or rather, the bloodied sneakers – of a hapless soul trapped aboard a monstrously derelict cargo ship. Developed by Team Junkfish and released in 2018, Monstrum isn’t your typical jump-scare fest. It’s a game that thrives on tension, atmosphere, and the ever-present dread of the unknown lurking within the ship’s metallic bowels.
The premise is deceptively simple: You awaken in a dimly lit cabin, disoriented and alone. A disembodied voice instructs you to escape the ship before it sinks, but it doesn’t offer any details about how or why you ended up there in the first place.
Adding another layer of complexity is the fact that Monstrum boasts procedurally generated levels. This means every playthrough is unique, ensuring that you never quite know what horrors await around the corner. The ship’s layout, enemy spawn points, and even the location of crucial items like keys, maps, and batteries are randomized, forcing you to adapt on the fly.
This unpredictable nature keeps Monstrum feeling fresh and terrifyingly replayable.
Escaping the Maw: Your Objective and the Horrors Within
Your primary goal in Monstrum is survival. You must navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the ship, locate an escape pod, and launch yourself into the hopefully-less-murderous embrace of the open sea.
But the journey isn’t for the faint of heart. The ship is infested with grotesque monsters – each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and hunting styles:
- The Brute: A hulking monstrosity that relies on brute force to smash you into oblivion.
- The Hunter: A cunning stalker who stalks its prey through the shadows. It’s best avoided unless you’re armed with a hefty dose of bravery (and maybe a flashlight).
- The Specter: This ethereal being can phase through walls, making it difficult to track and even harder to escape.
These are just a few examples, and remember: Monstrum’s procedurally generated nature means the specific monsters you encounter may vary from playthrough to playthrough.
Tools of the Trade: How You Fight Back
While Monstrum is primarily focused on stealth and evasion, it does offer some rudimentary combat options.
You can find various items scattered throughout the ship that might provide a fleeting moment of respite:
Item | Description |
---|---|
Flashlight | Illuminates dark areas but attracts unwanted attention |
Flare Gun | Emits a blinding flash, momentarily stunning monsters |
Wooden Plank | A crude weapon that can be used to bash enemies |
Batteries | Used to power your flashlight and other electronic devices |
But don’t get too cocky! These items are scarce and often require you to make tough choices.
The Soundtrack of Terror: Sound Design That Gets Under Your Skin
Monstrum’s sound design is masterful. It expertly uses silence, distant groans, and the unnerving drip of water to build tension and create an atmosphere of constant unease. When a monster draws near, the soundtrack shifts dramatically – a guttural growl or a piercing screech that sends shivers down your spine and triggers your fight-or-flight response.
It’s this masterful sound design that truly elevates Monstrum from a good horror game to a genuinely terrifying experience.
Is Monstrum Worth Playing? A Definitive Yes!
Monstrum is a must-play for fans of the horror genre who crave a unique and challenging experience. Its procedurally generated levels, unpredictable monster encounters, and unnerving sound design will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. While its gameplay mechanics are relatively simple, they’re perfectly suited to the game’s focus on stealth and tension.
Monstrum is a testament to the fact that sometimes less is truly more when it comes to horror games.