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{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Cleanup|August 2006}}
{{about|the video game|the Gamera film|War of the Monsters (film)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = War of the Monsters
| image = WarofthemonstersPS2.jpg
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Incog Inc. Entertainment]]{{efn|[[Santa Monica Studio]] assisted on development.}}
| publisher = [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| director = Kellan Hatch
| producer = Dylan Jobe
| designer = Eric Simonich<br>Kellan Hatch<br>Dylan Jobe<br>Scott Campbell
| programmer = Bruce Woodard<br>Jeff Limback<br>Mike Badger<br>Dylan Jobe<br>Karl Loveridge
| artist = David Wright<br>Jennifer Fortin<br>Yeon-Seon Kim<br>Steve Argyle
| writer =
| composer =
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]<!-- Do not list emulation platforms per template infobox video game -->
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|January 14, 2003|EU|April 17, 2003}}
| genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Fighting game|fighting]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''War of the Monsters''''' is a [[fighting game|fighting]] [[video game]] developed by [[Incog Inc. Entertainment]] and published by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Santa Monica Studio]] assisted on development, The game was released on the [[PlayStation 2]] in January 2003 in North America and in April in Europe. An emulated and upscaled version was re-released on the [[PlayStation 4]] in December 2015.
 
The game is set in the aftermath of an alien invasion of Earth where their hazardous fuels have spawned giant monsters that battle one another in city environments. The game pays homage to ''[[kaiju]]'' films and 1950s [[science fiction film]]s.
[[Image:WOTM.jpg|thumb|War of the Monsters.]] <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:feature.jpg|thumb|The title logo.]] -->
 
==Gameplay==
'' '''War of the Monsters''' '' is a [[video game]] created by [[Incog Inc.|Incognito Entertainment]] for the [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] [[PlayStation 2]] using a modified [[Twisted Metal: Black]] [[game engine]]. The game was released in [[2002]] around the same time as ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]'' since the latter was cancelled for the PS2. <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:War_Of_The_Monsters-front.jpg|thumb|Back and cover of the game box.]] -->
[[Image:War of the Monsters 1.jpg|thumb|left|Monsters battle in a city environment.]]
In ''War of the Monsters'', players take the roles of large monsters in city environments. The game plays as a fighting game yet works differently from the traditional [[Fighting game#Definition|one-on-one]] structured rounds. Instead, fights can include up to 4 monsters in a [[Fighting game#Multiplayer modes|four-way simultaneous fighting]] structure. The camera is in third person perspective, allowing the player to focus solely on their character.<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | pages=6–7}}</ref>
 
Monsters have two status bars in each game, health and stamina. Like the standard fighting game [[formula]], every time a monster takes damage, their overall Health bar drops until it is completely depleted, resulting in player defeat. Stamina determines how much energy a monster can attack with.<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | page=7}}</ref> The bar drops if a monster picks up another foe or performs a ranged attack. If the bar is full, a monster can perform special attacks, whereas if the bar is completely drained, they become temporarily unable to use basic attacks (they can still throw and attack with items however, which adds energy to the bar and helps an empty bar recover faster).<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | page=10}}</ref>
[[Image:WOTM2.jpg|thumb|War of the Monsters (Japanese Case)]]
==Plot==
A fleet of alien warships invade the [[Earth]], causing chaos everywhere. The scientists of the world manage to create a series of secret weapons, which, when activated, let loose shockwaves that short-circuit the saucers and cause them to crash. Unfortunately, this brings forth an even bigger disaster: radioactive fuel leaks out from the destroyed craft and through a number of random events, it creates giant monsters. The player acts as one of these monsters and battles against the rest in fictional cities across the globe.
 
Also unlike most fighting games, players are allowed to roam freely within the city area, which allows climbing of jumping from buildings and cliffs. Monsters can use the environment to deal out damage to their foes by making weapons of various objects found within the city, such as [[vehicles]] and [[rubble]] as projectiles, [[steel girders]] and stone columns as clubs and [[radio antennae]] as a spear to impale others, temporarily stunning them.<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | page=11}}</ref> There are also some environment pick-ups, which can increase health or stamina, appearing as green or blue orbs and floating [[radioactive sign]]s.<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | page=12}}</ref> Buildings can be destroyed if a monster directly attacks or is thrown into it. In some cities, taller buildings can topple over sideways that can crush other monsters, killing them instantly.
==Monsters==
In the Adventure mode, along with a series of set fights with other monsters, [[Boss (video games)|boss battles]] are also present. They are much larger than the standard playable monsters and required certain strategies to defeat. "Tokens" can also be earned through Adventure mode, which can be spent at the "Unlocks" shop to unlock more cities, monsters, and monster skins. And you also can unlock mini-games like dodge ball or city destruction.<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | page=4}}</ref>
===Congar===
Congar is a massive gorilla. He was selected to ride a shuttle into orbit. Unfortunately, one of the malfunctioning saucers crashed into the shuttle, slicing through it. The gorilla was sent flying into space, but thanks to the alien fuel, began to grow. By the time the gorilla hit the atmosphere, it was gigantic. The giant ape landed on Earth and apparently lashed out due to its confusion at its new form. Congar's special attack is to unleash a [[hurricane]]-like roar from his mouth.
 
Multiplayer options allow two players via [[split screen (computer graphics)|split-screen]], which can be set to merge into one screen when both players are close enough to fit on the same screen.<ref>{{cite book | year=2003 | editor=Sony Computer Entertainment | title=War of the Monsters instruction manual | publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment | page=5}}</ref>
====Bonus costumes====
*2. [[Yeti]]
*3. Cyborg
*4. Metallic crystal.
 
===Togera=Plot==
[[Image:War of the Monsters 2.jpg|thumb|right|Each level of the game features a fictional movie poster that includes the game's monsters.]]
Togera is the last remaining dinosaur. Togera was sleeping at the bottom of the ocean until an alien craft crashed into the water, leaking fuel which contaminated Togera. Enraged by the disturbance Togera rose out of the water to locate the one responsible for waking him. Togera's Special is a green acid that spews forth from his mouth.
The plot is set in the 1950's where a fleet of alien [[flying saucer]] warships invade the [[Earth]], causing massive damage. The scientists of the world's nations manage to create a series of secret weapons, which, when activated, let loose shock waves that short-circuit the saucers and cause them to crash. Unfortunately, the flying saucers were all fueled by a green radioactive liquid, which leaked out as they crashed. Through this, the fuel infects animals, humans, and robots, turning them into giant mutant monsters, creating a war for supremacy among them. The player acts as one of these monsters and battles against the rest in fictional cities across the globe and the remaining UFOs.
 
====Bonus costumes====
*2.Purple
*3.Metal Plated
*4. [[Diablo]]
 
===Ultra V===
Ultra V is a humanoid fighting machine. Japanese scientists created Ultra V as a way of fighting the alien invasion. Seeking a powerful energy source, they utilized the alien fuel to power their mechanical warrior. Unfortunately, the mighty machine immediately went on a rampage. Ultra V's special is to launch his fist (connected by a wire) at his foe, striking them and then pulling them back to Ultra V.
 
====Bonus costumes====
*2. Blue, but Evil
*3. Red & White
*4. Female Ultra-V
 
===Preytor===
Preytor is an over-sized [[praying mantis]]. Starting in Metro City, Preytor was a small and normal mantis being used to test the alien fuel. A scientist fed Preytor some fuel and it grew to a monstrous size, devoured the scientist, and escaped. The human-sized bug flew off, growing bigger every second. Its special move is that it can shoot a three-tongued parasite that consumes the head of the closest opponent.
 
====Bonus costumes====
*2. Giant Ant
*3. Cyborg
*4. Giant Bee
 
The story mode of the game starts out in Midtown Park where a giant mutant ape called [[King Kong|Congar]] defeats a wave of military forces but is fought and defeated by the lead monster.
===Kineticlops===
Kineticlops is a gigantic lone [[eyeball]] floating within a body of [[electricity]]. When one of the downed flying saucers crashed into an electrical power plant, a security guard went to see what happened. He saw that power-lines had covered the craft's fuel. The electrically-charged fuel dropped down onto the unfortunate guard, and transformed him into Kineticlops. Kineticlops' special is to fire lightning bolts from his fingers, which electrocute his opponents.
 
In Gambler's Gulch, the lead monster also defeats the reptilian beast, [[Godzilla|Togera]]. After Togera's defeat, a military class mech called [[The Iron Giant|Robo-47]] and the military show up and attack the lead monster but are defeated as well. At a military base at Rosedale Canyon, the lead monster is confronted by a horde of irradiated [[Them!|giant ants]] and a mega robot, Goliath Prime. Prime and the ants are all defeated.
====Bonus costumes====
*2. Green
*3. Black
*4. Sea Monster
 
In Metro City, the military decide to test their new weapon, [[Mechani-Kong|Mecha-Congar]], on the giant mantis, [[The Deadly Mantis|Preytor]], who was attacking the city. Before they could fight the lead monster appears and defeats them both. The lead monster then travels to Century Airfield and defeats the twin [[dragons]] called [[Q (1982 film)|Raptros]].
===Robo-47===
Robo-47 is an old-fashioned robot. A relic of the atomic age, Robo-47 was decommissioned some time ago. A saucer crashed just outside its hangar, and the vapors from the leaked fuel made their way inside the base. The fuel brought Robo-47 to life. Robo-47's special is to fire a high-explosive missile from its head.
 
Then, at the Atomic Island power plant, the lead monster defeats a swarm of [[The Trollenberg Terror|Kineticlops]], living electrical monsters, by causing a nuclear meltdown. In the resulting ruins, the lead monster must battle a large, three headed plant creature called [[Biollante|Vegon]].
====Bonus costumes====
Two Robo-47s stop a UFO attack in scenic Baytown and then try to slay the lead monster. Both are repelled and beaten.
*2. Blue
In the Pacific island of Club Caldera, the rock monsters, [[Hercules (1997 film)|Magmo]] and [[Daimajin|Agamo]] fight each other with the lead monster caught in the middle. Both are beaten.
*3. Red
*4. Stripped of Armor
 
After defeating two robots, [[Mazinger Z|Ultra-V]] at the "Tsunopolis", the lead monster is abducted by a UFO that takes it back to the mothership. There the lead monster has to fend off three [[Mars Attacks!|Zorgulon]]s before being abducted once more when the mothership explodes, causing the UFO to crash into the North American city of Capitol. There, the alien leader Cerebulon attacks in a multi-layered tripod battle suit. After Cerebulon is defeated, the lead monster victor watches as the last part of Cerebulon, a small timid insect-like creature flees. A short movie is shown about the monster's origin depending on who the player chooses. The only exceptions are Raptros the dragon and Zorgulon the alien creature who has their own ending with roar in victory.
===Magmo===
Magmo is a large, four-armed lava monster. Just as a [[volcano]] began erupting, one of the damaged spacecrafts appeared. The ship crashed directly into the crater, and the fuel mixed with the molten lava. Seconds later, Magmo came into existence. Magmo's special is to fire a wave of flaming rocks from his mouth, often sending foes flying across a city.
 
==Reception==
====Bonus costumes====
{{Video game reviews
*2. Molten
| MC = 80/100<ref name="mc">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/war-of-the-monsters/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 | title = War of the Monsters for PlayStation 2 Reviews | website = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
*3. Pot-Belly Stove
| Allgame = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=39576&tab=review | title = War of the Monsters - Review | author = T.J. Deci | website = [[AllGame]] | publisher = [[All Media Network]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141114210004/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=39576&tab=review | archive-date = November 14, 2014 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
*4. Blazing
| EGM = 7.67/10<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1490563,00.asp | title = War of the Monsters | author = EGM staff | magazine = [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] | publisher = [[Ziff Davis]] | issue = 163 | date = February 2003 | page = 142 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040624202705/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1490563,00.asp | archive-date = June 24, 2004 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_warofthemonsters_ps2 | title = War of the Monsters Review | author = Tom Bramwell | website = [[Eurogamer]] | publisher = Gamer Network | date = April 10, 2003 | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| Fam = 27/40<ref name="fam">{{cite magazine | title = 怪獣大激戦 | language = ja | magazine = [[Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain]] | volume = 798 | date = April 2, 2004}}</ref>
| GI = 6/10<ref name="ginformer">{{cite magazine | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200302/R03.0730.1746.06317.htm | title = War of the Monsters | author = Chet Barber | magazine = [[Game Informer]] | publisher = [[GameStop]] | issue = 118 | date = February 2003 | page = 96 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040227222229/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200302/R03.0730.1746.06317.htm | archive-date = February 27, 2004 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/28007.shtml | title = War of the Monsters Review for PS2 on GamePro.com | author = Fennec Fox | magazine = [[GamePro]] | publisher = [[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] | date = January 29, 2003 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050209083352/http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/28007.shtml | archive-date = February 9, 2005 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| GameRev = B−<ref name="grevolution">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33538-war-of-the-monsters-review | title = War of the Monsters Review | author = G-Wok | website = [[GameRevolution]] | publisher = [[CraveOnline]] | date = February 2003 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150929050513/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/war-of-the-monsters | archive-date = September 29, 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| GSpot = 7.4/10<ref name="gspot">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/war-of-the-monsters-review/1900-2908842/ | title = War of the Monsters Review | author = Greg Kasavin | website = [[GameSpot]] | publisher = CBS Interactive | date = January 15, 2003 | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gspy">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/war-of-the-monsters/5538p1.html | title = GameSpy: War of the Monsters | author = Benjamin Turner | website = [[GameSpy]] | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = January 14, 2003 | access-date = January 31, 2008}}</ref>
| GameZone = 8.2/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/war_of_the_monsters_ps2_review | title = War of the Monsters - PS2 - Review | author = Louis Bedigian | website = GameZone | date = January 20, 2003 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081005040858/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20488.htm | archive-date = October 5, 2008 | url-status = live | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.9/10<ref name="ign">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/09/war-of-the-monsters | title = War of the Monsters | author = Jeremy Dunham | website = [[IGN]] | publisher = Ziff Davis | date = January 9, 2003 | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| OPM = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0,2053,1492815,00.asp | title = War of the Monsters | author = John Davison | magazine = [[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] | publisher = Ziff Davis | date = January 2003 | page = 118 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040619133423/http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0,2053,1492815,00.asp | archive-date = June 19, 2004 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev1Score = A−<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://ew.com/article/2003/01/17/war-monsters/ | title = 'Monsters' Inc. (''War of the Monsters'' Review) | author = Noah Robischon | magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | publisher = [[Time Inc.]] | issue = 691 | date = January 17, 2003 | page = 86 | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]''
| rev2Score = 10/10<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_4653.html | title = War of the Monsters | author = Alex Porter | website = [[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] | publisher = [[Biglari Holdings]] | date = January 14, 2003 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030201080823/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_4653.html | archive-date = February 1, 2003 | url-status = dead | access-date = March 30, 2016}}</ref>
}}
 
''War of the Monsters'' received "generally favorable reviews" according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="mc"/> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a score of three sevens and one six for a total of 27 out of 40.<ref name="fam"/>
===Agamo===
Agamo is a large stone statue with a fire forever burning inside its head. A native approached his village's huge stone idol, carrying something to sacrifice to his god: a potful of the alien fuel. The native poured the fuel into the idol, and the ground began to shake. The idol was Agamo's head, and soon the statue unearthed itself and walked away, crushing the native. Agamo's special move is to rip off its own head, and throw it at an opponent or pummel them with it until it explodes.
 
Most reviewers praised the game's style and monster roster, being a homage to classic [[Monster film|monster movies]]. ''[[IGN]]'' stated that "the game draws its inspiration from movies like ''[[The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms]]'', ''[[King Kong]]'', and ''[[Godzilla]]'', the characters immediately appear to be inspired by from the great [[Ray Harryhausen]]", going on to say "each of the game's 10 gigantic beasts are as fun to play as they are to look at"<ref name="ign"/> while ''[[GameSpot]]'' said "a slick presentation gives the game the style of an old drive-in movie or news telecast, and it really works well to accentuate the game's retro theme and characters."<ref name="gspot"/> The publication later named it the second-best PlayStation 2 game of January 2003.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041129113416/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/020803/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/020803/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Game of the Month, January 2003 | author=((The Editors of ''GameSpot'')) | date=February 8, 2003 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=November 29, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
====Bonus costumes====
*2. Green
*3. Green, Yellow, and Red
*4. Mecha-[[Sweet Tooth (Twisted Metal)|Sweet Tooth]]
 
''[[GameSpy]]'' was equally impressed, noting the destructible environments, that "WotM captures the joy of destruction more so than any game I've ever played. Did you think knocking over buildings was fun in [[Rampage (arcade game)|Rampage]]? It's ten... no, twelvety times better in WotM".<ref name="gspy"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'', however, complained about certain aspects of gameplay, that "the unblockable attacks are just downright unfair" and that "the lazy camera produces numerous blind spots throughout a battle".<ref name="ginformer"/> ''[[GameRevolution]]'' noted AI issues, that "the monsters routinely demonstrate a strong sense of self-preservation", which they called "extremely frustrating behavior".<ref name="grevolution"/>
===Zorgulon===
Zorgulon is a huge tentacled alien. Zorgulon was one of the aliens that invaded [[Earth]] who managed to survive the destruction of his fleet. Zorgulon's special is to shoot the opponent with a tracking device, summoning a group of flying saucers to blast away at his foe. When you first play the game, Zorgulon is not available as a playable character, but can be unlocked.
 
During the [[7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''War of the Monsters'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Fighting Game of the Year|Console Fighting Game of the Year]]", which was ultimately given to ''[[Soulcalibur II]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGameAwardType=46 |title=2004 Awards Category Details Console Fighting Game of the Year |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=24 August 2023}}</ref>
====Bonus costumes====
*2. Blue
*3. Yellow
*4. Giant Squid
 
{{clear}}
===Raptros===
Raptros is a [[dragon]]. Unlike most other characters, Raptros does not have an explanation for his origin. Raptros has two special moves, one of which is similar to Togera's Atomic Flame Breath. Raptros has very large wings, which can prove difficult to use in melee combat. Like Zorgulon, Raptros must be unlocked before he can be playable.
 
====BonusSee costumes==also==
* ''[[King of the Monsters (video game)|King of the Monsters]]'', an earlier series of games with a similar plotline.
*2. Purple
* ''[[Rampage (series)|Rampage]]'', an earlier series with similar monsters.
*3. Green
*4. Skeleton
 
==Unlockable itemsNotes ==
{{notelist}}
When you first play the game, there are many things that are unavailable. You can unlock these items by paying for them with tokens. You get tokens by fighting in either Adventure or Endurance mode. With each battle, your number of tokens rises, and you can begin to unlock items. Among the items you can unlock are:
 
==References==
*Anywhere from one to three alternate skins of each monster.
{{reflist|30em}}
*Arenas that you can fight in.
*[[Minigames]] that you can be played with a friend, but cannot be played in single player mode.
 
==TriviaExternal links==
*{{moby game|/war-of-the-monsters}}
*On the War Of The Monsters box, you can see three people who are also on the [[Them!]] movie poster.
 
[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:3D fighting games]]
[[Category:Incognito Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Kaiju video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2-only games]]
[[Category:KaijuSanta Monica Studio games]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 1950s]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]