Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine was developed and published by Pocketwatch Games. It was released on April 24, 2013 for $14.99. A copy was provided for review purposes.
If you have ever dreamed about a 2-D arcade game of Oceans 11, look no further than Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine. This game puts you in the role of different, but predictable, characters found in a typical heist. Taking a top down perspective, you navigate maps (blueprints) and complete varying objectives. While most objectives break down into collecting specific treasures and then escaping, how you go about it provides you with one of the most unique gaming experiences of the year. If you and your friends are looking for that elusive multiplayer gem, buckle up, because you are in for a treat.
Here’s what we liked:
Class System - While the class system is not unique, its execution is top notch. With numerous playable characters that each bring something valuable to the table, it keeps the game from getting monotonous. While the goals in each level stay roughly the same, the strategy you employ differs greatly depending on your character. For example, The Mole excels at creating new paths through otherwise impassible terrain, but subtlety is not his strong suit. The Gentleman is unmatched at sneaking past guards and civilians, but is completely defenseless otherwise. By gaining perspective on each class, you will often find yourself reflecting on your failures with the solution of different class combinations. This gives the player a fantastic sense of strategy and control over how each mission plays out.
Multiplayer - Monaco begs to be played with multiple people. With each player playing an important role in the team’s overall success, sitting down with friends and comprising your team is a blast. Also, the act of saving your falling teammates with a sliver of health, or juking the guards by using one of the holes your buddy created, are moments only possible with other players.
Necessary Communication - Monaco has fully integrated in-game voice chat and text messaging, which functioned flawlessly throughout our time with the game. We are suckers for games focused on communication because we love sharing experiences with others. Being able to talk about what you are doing, why you are doing it, and when you are doing it always gets us laughing. This is a game that will inspire teams to develop strategies before beginning a level, concoct elaborate recon missions to save fallen allies, and then discuss how to do everything better next time.
What We Didn’t Like:
Single Player - The single player experience is acceptable, but the game is clearly designed for multiple players. There will be instances in each level specifically designed for a particular class and you will struggle to navigate those areas effectively. This is especially apparent if you are attempting to operate under a stealth play-style. It is not feasible to collect all of the treasures and remain undetected while playing alone in quite a few levels. Skipping over treasures and finishing a level is simple enough, but it will be nowhere near as satisfying as beating it with your friends and pushing yourselves for the best time.
The Story - Forgettable and short. It is clear that the intention of this game was not to weave an elaborate story, instead focusing on its multiplayer aspects. We felt like we were being introduced to characters in the story not because they were necessary to the plot, but because they served exclusively as gameplay modifiers. If you are looking for a compelling, gripping story, look elsewhere.
Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine is addicting and fun. With the large number of class combinations and strategies to employ, you and your friends will have a blast yelling and laughing at each other. However, if you are considering picking this game up as a single-player adventure, we would not recommend it. This game is designed for multiplayer, and that is where it will blow you and your friends away.
Score: Buy it!
Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine review is a post from: Steam Game Fans
