Video Game Review: Monster Prom: XXL

Monster Prom: XXL

Those Awesome Guys

Dating Simulator

Nintendo Switch

Here at Sequential Planet, we love a good dating simulator or visual novel. The fun, text-based adventures are a good way to unwind and enjoy a good story without the need for fast reflexes or complex decisions (Usually). Still, with so many games out there, most dating simulators need some kind of gimmick to make them stand out. With Monster Prom: XXL, one would think that the gimmick would be that the player is dating monster girls and boys. Sure, that premise is fun on its own, but what makes  Monster Prom: XXL special is that it features 2-4 player multiplayer, effectively making it a party game.

In Monster Prom: XXL, the players are monsters in a school full of other monsters. Prom is only three weeks away, meaning the player needs to find a suitable date and quickly build a relationship. Each week is divided into three segments, with each one offering the player the chance to interact with monsters, build social stats, and spend money. Simply talking a monster and making them like you isn’t enough to secure a prom date. Each monster needs specific social stats to be high enough in addition to having their affection. Balancing stats with romance is enjoyable, leading to a fun, almost hectic pace throughout each one hour game.

The monsters themselves are full of charm and are easy to fall for. Most of them fall into simple tropes, but throughout multiple playthroughs, each character starts to ooze personality. There are many random scenarios that appear, and no playthrough feels the same. Players can choose to take the same monster to prom multiple times over the course of many playthroughs and still enjoy this game. Monster Prom: XXL includes the Second Term expansion which adds two monsters to the game’s roster, giving players eight monsters to choose from. Each monster will date the player regardless of their preferred gender, so everyone is available. Speaking of gender, Monster Prom: XXL allows players to choose between “Him, her, and their,” which is always nice to see.

The multiplayer is where Monster Prom: XXL really shines. Players can pass around the controller or have their own as they compete for the affection of their favorite monster. Players can also wingman for each other if they aren’t pining for the same monster, leading to an interesting dynamic. I’ve been stabbed in the back by my partner, thinking she was going for a different monster, leading to tons of yelling and just a fun time. The multiplayer moves along smoothly, though some players won’t want to wait as they read the events and dialogue for other players. Still, the writing in Monster Prom: XXL is fantastic, and I loved seeing every random event, even if they didn’t affect my character’s love life.

Speaking of the writing, it’s probably the most important element to a game like this. The writing is surprisingly mature, making the most out of the Monster Prom: XXL‘s M Rating. Most of the monsters are looking to do more with the player than prom, and usually, this leads to humorous results. The game’s writing suits the times well, featuring tons of references to social media, modern events, and internet slang. The jokes never stop, and for some, this might not be ideal, but at least some of the jokes will land with any type of player.

The witty writing goes well with Monster Prom: XXL‘s art style. Cute characters with bold lines breathe life into the game, making it even easier to fall in love with the monsters. The characters have a balance of familiar yet unique appearances. Every character’s design is delightful to look at. The colors all pop, making the monstrous world beautiful. The humorous writing and whimsical art go well with the game’s OST, which features a neat surfer-esque track to keep the vibe going.

Monster Prom: XXL completely caught me off guard, and it is now one of my favorite games of the year so far. The writing is hilarious, the art is gorgeous, and most importantly, the monsters are easy to fall in love with. There are tons of scenarios, endings, and extras to unlock to ensure that players will get many hours of fun. Those who have a buddy or three to play with should absolutely pick this dating sim up.