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Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook
Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook is frustrating because I feel like there could be a good game in here. In fact, if NIS decided to put out a sequel, I might be inclined to check it out because they have made a number of excellent RPGs in the past. It just feels like they threw in so many systems, meters, and mechanics that they forgot to put in something to compel you to keep playing. There are many better games out there in all of the genres that this one borrows from that despite interesting ideas, Monster Menu can’t come together to provide a satisfying meal.
I could imagine some people getting into Monster Menu. As I said, it’s not as though it doesn’t work as a game. But its signature mechanic isn’t fleshed out enough to carry an otherwise rote affair with so many other far more interesting roguelike games out there to enjoy. I would like to see a sequel hammer some of the ideas in here into something a lot better, because there is almost something to it. For here and now, it’s hard to generate much enthusiasm for this particular title.
Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook feels more like a first try on NIS’ part than anything else—a fun first try, but a first try nonetheless. I legitimately enjoyed my time learning the ins and outs of the game and, as a fan of roguelikes and RPGs alike, didn’t mind having the game repeatedly stomp me into the ground. With that being said, however, I’d definitely call this one niche, and I’m not sure that everyone will find its flavor quite as appealing as I did.
6
Kai82
Not a bad game but it gets repetitive to fast. I like the idea and even hope that there will be an adaptation of „Delicious in Dungeon“ in this style. The concept is simple. You are stranded deep down in a dungeon without resources. You have to explore, fight and cook your way out. Each floor has enemies, treasures and resources. At the beginning you chose a character class and optional up to 3 additional party members (Recommended!). Those have different strengths and weaknesses. You level up and find new equipment. Battles are fought turn based and are basic RPG food ;-). Sorry could not resist this lame pun. The unique selling point is the resource management / cooking. There is a hunger and thirst bar. You have to fulfill these needs. However there is a catch. There is a bar for comfort. There is a lot of disgusting food. As you progress you find new recipes and material to craft tools. Some tools are for processing food. Can turn a disgusting ingredient into something harmless, add effects or even perks. Be warned the ingredients expire after some time. Rotten food is bad. So far it sounds good and I had fun with the game but like I said it got too repetitive. I stooped after the fourth biome. Except the bosses I had no problems in the battles. The resource management for 4 characters is however harder. I struggled a bit until I took longer on each floor to get more resources. Graphically I like the Disgaea art style but overall the graphics are underwhelming. The soundtrack is nice. Overall I thing it is a good idea but they should add more things to remove the repetitiveness. A 6/10 is fair for me.

Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook

Released On: 
May 23, 2023
Metascore
62
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Metascore
22% Positive
2 Reviews
56% Mixed
5 Reviews
22% Negative
2 Reviews
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  • Negative Reviews
May 19, 2023
75
God is a Geek
Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook combines cooking and tactics combat to create a rather tasty RPG experience.
May 19, 2023
75
Noisy Pixel
Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook mixes survival, rogue-lite, and strategy RPG in an experimental product that’s just the sort of thing we come to expect from NIS. Unfortunately, the repetitive nature of the level design, the limited crafting systems, and the slow character evolution hinder the experience a little and keep it from shining as the unique, innovative rogue-lite it should have been.
May 22, 2023
70
Digitally Downloaded
As a (mostly) classical roguelike, Monster Menu is a good time. It’s well-balanced in its efforts to be excruciatingly difficult. It also has an entertaining loot and character development system. Most importantly of all, the core cooking mechanic is engaging. It will force you to approach everything from exploration to battle in a different way than most roguelikes. But I really can’t help but wish the developers made better use of the strong concept. Monster Menu really could have had a compelling, if nightmarish take on humanity’s sheer will for survival.
May 19, 2023
70
Siliconera
There are certain NIS America games that sometimes end up a bit forgotten compared to other titles, like Cladun or The Guided Fate Paradox, and I really hope Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook isn’t one of them. There are some elements that feel like they aren’t quite there yet, like pacing or effect application, but what’s here feels really different and innovative. I enjoyed my time with it way more than I expected to, and I would really love to see what could be done in a sequel.
May 19, 2023
65
Multiplayer.it
A crossroad of different genres, Monster Menu is a curious take on S-JRPG by NIS, surely second to no one in this approach. Fun for some hours, not in the medium run.
Jul 21, 2023
45
NintendoWorldReport
Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook is frustrating because I feel like there could be a good game in here. In fact, if NIS decided to put out a sequel, I might be inclined to check it out because they have made a number of excellent RPGs in the past. It just feels like they threw in so many systems, meters, and mechanics that they forgot to put in something to compel you to keep playing. There are many better games out there in all of the genres that this one borrows from that despite interesting ideas, Monster Menu can’t come together to provide a satisfying meal.
Jun 1, 2023
40
GLHF on Sports Illustrated
What’s left is a game with a weird amount of dodgy fan service, an almost nonexistent story, a SRPG battle system that feels largely hollow, and a dicey frame rate on Switch. I’m sure, somewhere, there’s somebody for whom this is the perfect game, but that somebody is certainly not me.
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SummaryAdventurers who have been distressed in a dungeon when they heard that it was for new adventurers. In extreme conditions of hunger and dryness, adventurers discover the dead body of a huge monster ... Adventurers who have escaped from the danger of starvation decide to look for the exit of the dungeon. Let's eat delicious and strange t... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 5
May 23, 2023
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