Gaming Nexus writes: "I'm not sure how I feel about Master of the Monster Lair. On one hand it's cute and charming and plays great in short bursts. But on the flip side it's not a very meaty adventure like say Etrian Odyssey, which demands your utmost attention and map-making skills to succeed. MotML (seriously, Atlus, you guys love long titles) is a great first experience for anyone looking to try out an RPG. It lets you play at your own pace which I found to be quite enjoyable considering I run a rather hectic schedule. It also allows you to play things your own way, you create the dungeons, you decide where the monsters go, and you grow in areas where you think you are lacking. This free-form approach to gaming seems like a successful plan, in the case of Master of Monster Lair, it just needs a little more fleshing out."
Atlus has delivered another quirky, very Japanese game with Master of the Monster Lair. Part RPG and part Dungeon Tycoon, it has its charms but the slow pace and repetitive nature will be a turnoff to many. The most likely audience will be younger gamers (who don't mind repetition so much) and fiends for wacky Japanese stuff. Just be prepared for the grind.
Presentation - 7.5
Graphics - 5.5
Sound - 5.5
Gameplay - 6.5
Lasting Appeal - 6.0
Overall -
Master of the Monster Lair makes for a moderately enjoyable blend of old school RPG mechanics and Harvest Moon-type gameplay. Depending on personality, players will either grow tired of the unchanging formula after a few hours of gameplay, or identify with the sometimes tedious tasks and become addicted. In either case, the game is an interesting diversion from the typical RPG fare and makes for a fun experience at least for a little while.
Pros:
* Dungeon design is fun
* Relaxed pacing
Cons:
* Can grow repetitive and boring
GI.net: "For several months now, I have been wishing monsters were real. That way, I could run outside for a few hours to slay some monsters and strengthen my coffers. As you all know, it is hard to run around and do stuff (like go to graduate school and purchase fun stuff) when the moneybag is, well, empty. Perhaps this all has to do with my love for role-playing games: just run around a dungeon or field for an hour or so, and you can afford almost everything you need. Maybe that will stop our current economic crisis? You hear that scientists? Create bio-monsters! You know, create monsters that drop money. And stuff. Lives would be saved; people would have jobs and money. It is a win-win situation. With that in mind, get your sword/dagger/bow/staff and magic ready as I introduce you to the Master of the Monster Lair. So, shall we enter the dungeon together?
Master of the Monster Lair centers around Owen, a 12-year-old boy who is initially looking for work. Just like our own economic condition, no one is hiring in his small little town. Then Owen stumbles across a talking shovel and is now the Dungeon Digger. From that day forward, he starts building a dungeon for tourists to travel through. Tourists, you ask? Well, blame it on the money-crazed mayor who keeps trying to stimulate the village's economy and troubles that are caused by trying to convince people to visit. Eventually, Owen is joined by his friendly pet slime Gloop and his friend Kate. The plot is not particularly deep, but it is full of light-hearted fun."
