App Profile: Animalon : Epic Monster Battle

Parallel_Lives

Rating: 3/5

If you were to ask me what two things would never go together, it's slot machines and RPGs. And yet, this game pulls it off surprisingly well! I didn't expect much from a Pokémon rip-off going in (no offense), but the mechanics of this game are subtly and remarkably addictive. Every turn, you spin the reels to either summon creatures, provide support, or launch an attack in a rock-paper-scissors-esque way. The ingenious and incredibly frustrating part is that anyone who gets 3 of a kind earns an extra spin. With a little luck, you can stack up devastating combos, but your opponent can do the same, leading to a quick defeat. Much like a real slot machine, it always leaves you wanting that big jackpot. Beyond the mechanics of battle though, this game falls incredibly flat. There's no team/attack customization, repetitive and grating music, and only one opponent who just gets stronger throughout the game. The lack of depth and detail is what keeps this game back from truly being a sleeper hit. If you like gambling with some strategy thrown in, this game is definitely worth at least a look. Otherwise, wait until it's a bit more fleshed out with content. Either way, this is a game you should keep an eye on - it may well evolve into a classic yet.