Monster Party (USA)

Monster Party is a unique side-scrolling action-platformer for the NES, renowned for its bizarre and dark comedic atmosphere. Players control the main character, Mark, an ordinary boy walking home when a gargoyle-like creature named Bert unexpectedly falls from the sky and merges with him. Bert explains that their world, the Dark World, is being overrun by strange monsters, and Mark must help. Together, they journey to the Dark World to save it.

In the game, players can switch between two characters: Mark and Bert. Mark wields a baseball bat as his primary weapon, which has a short range but is quite powerful. Bert, when controlled, can fly and shoot unlimited energy balls, which are very useful for long-range attacks and bypassing obstacles. Fluently switching between the two characters is key to overcoming the game's challenges.

Each level in Monster Party has a distinct theme and is filled with unique enemies, ranging from genuinely creepy monsters to utterly bizarre and humorous creatures. Players must fight their way through each stage, collecting items that restore health or provide temporary power-ups. A peculiar mechanic is the "pill" system: when Mark picks up a pill dropped by an enemy, he temporarily transforms into Bert. Conversely, if Bert picks it up, he gains a temporary power-up such as increased movement speed or enhanced shot damage.

The game features several memorable boss fights, each with its own unique design and attack patterns, requiring players to figure out the right strategy. Monster Party is known for its moderate difficulty and distinctive art style, blending horror elements with comedy, creating a truly one-of-a-kind gaming experience on the NES.