Sometimes Always Monsters

Sometime Always Monsters is an original two-dimensional RPG for PC and a sequel to 2014’s Always Sometimes Monsters. Both productions were developed by the independent Vagabond Dog and published by Devolver Digital.

Plot

The plot of Sometimes Always Monsters is the exact opposite of the original from 2014. Technically, we control the same protagonist but in Always Sometimes Monsters he/she was a writer fighting a writer’s block and trying to stop his/her beloved from marrying another person. This time around, he/she is a happy newlywed and the author or a bestselling novel. And although everything she/he has is due to his/her hard work, and he/she knows it, the protagonist hears that he/she is an ordinary schemer and unscrupulous monster more and more frequently.

In the game, we follow the further events of the protagonist’s life who, looking for an inspiration for another novel, embarks on a journey through the country. In this way, his/her fate intertwines with those of other people, such as fans, fellow writers, and complete strangers. The way the protagonist’s relations with others shape depends solely on the player’s decisions and behavior.

Mechanics

As far as gameplay mechanics are concerned, Sometimes Always Monster is practically identical to its predecessor and is a retro story-driven RPG that puts a great emphasis on interacting with encountered characters and shaping relations with them which, in turn, have a significant influence on the plot development. Every NPC has a different character, preferences, and prejudices, and building the desired relations with him/her may require taking an individual approach. It is also worth noting that the sequel’s developers did not forget about the original’s users and implemented a character import feature which takes into account all decisions made in Always Sometimes Monsters. What’s interesting, the protagonist can take his/her other half with him/her, which will help in some cases but, on the other hand, will interrupt achieving the ultimate goal in the other.

Technical aspects

Sometimes Always Monsters for PC retains the same visual style as its predecessor and the action is still presented from an aerial view. At the same time, the graphics—although still bearing a resemblance to the 16-bit platforms—are observed from a slightly greater distance which makes it seem more detailed and less pixelated.

Last updated on May 25, 2016