In the PS Vita version, you are getting all of the content released on the PSP version. It has the original content with a plethora of levels included plus the encore mode that adds even more challenging levels. If you are the type of player that loves tower defense games, PixelJunk Monsters will be the one that will hook you. If at some point you reach a level where it seems impossible to finish, take a deep breath and simply think through the types of tower you want to build. Don’t worry, when you get frustrated, you will be urged to play more rather than stopping.
Okay, I know the game can be quite challenging and if you feel that, you can ask a buddy or look up for a partner online. PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD comprises of both online and ad-hoc multiplayer portion where you can easily finish levels with friends. There’s one catch though, if you play with friends, the progress that you make will not carry over on the single-player campaign.
Touch Screen Controls
Another feature exclusive to the PS Vita version of PixelJunk Monsters are the touch screen controls. If you prefer to simply touch and not use the control pad, you are free to do so. In my opinion, playing it with the touch screen works better than the control pad. You can just touch the trees you want to build the tower from, and swipe the wheel to access the towers you want to build. The control scheme works best and I will not be surprised if this game will be ported later on iOS devices, since it’s like the game was made for touch screen devices.
NOT
This is PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe
Fans who have spent countless of hours with Deluxe on the PSP several years ago, you will find this game something you will not care about. Ultimate HD is simply a straight port of the hit PixelJunk Monsters: Deluxe on the PSP. Don’t expect any brand new content at all on this version. If you don’t care about the touch screen controls and the revamp PS3-like graphics, it’s best to skip the game and save that $15.
Can be very challenging
Assuming you are new to the game and can’t tolerate a random spike of difficulty, there will be times you will be frustrated. As I mentioned above, PixelJunk Monsters is not an easy game and the more levels you clear, the more challenging it gets. Sure, the difficulty might get really high to a point you will throw your PS Vita but trust me, give the game some time to suck in and I guarantee new comers will learn to love the game, instead of despising them due to its difficulty.
VERDICT
Fans of the PixelJunk: Monsters who have spent countless of hours on the PSP will find the HD version somewhat disappointing as it doesn’t offer anything new, except its unique Vita controls and HD visuals. However, those who are just new to the game and looking forward for a tower defense game that is guaranteed to get them hooked and addictive, getting PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD will be a wise choice. Yes, it’s the same exact content that everyone loved on the PSP, and if they loved them, there’s no doubt you will not.
[Editor’s Note: PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD was reviewed on the PS Vita platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]