Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Grand Monster Slam’s core gameplay revolves around a fast-paced, duel-style contest in which you and an AI or human opponent face off with a row of six Beloms each. Your primary objective is to kick these round creatures across the pitch so swiftly that your adversary ends up holding all twelve at their end. Once they do, you sprint forward and claim victory. This simple premise belies a surprisingly deep layer of strategy—timing your kicks, positioning your character, and predicting your opponent’s shots are all crucial to outmaneuvering them.

Adding further spice to the competition are two penalty conditions that can swing momentum at any moment: being struck by an opponent’s shot or accidentally kicking a Belom into the crowd. Getting hit forces a brief recovery pause, giving your rival a window to push more Beloms your way. Meanwhile, a stray kick into the audience levies a Pelvan penalty that can cost you up to three Beloms. Balancing aggressive offense with careful defense becomes a thrilling tension as you juggle speed and precision.

Every third main match, the pace shifts to the Faulton Feeding mini-game. Here, you lob food at a hungry Faulton perched on poles of increasing height. Nail enough hits to move on—miss too many, and you’ll replay the previous bout. After other matches, you’re thrown into Revenge of the Beloms, a reflex-driven gauntlet in which Beloms hurtle toward you at varying speeds. You fend them off with your pole, and failing to clear a sufficient number dents your current tournament score. The seamless integration of these sub-games ensures the challenge never grows stale, offering practice options from the menu to sharpen your skills.

Graphics

Visually, Grand Monster Slam embraces a bright, cartoonish aesthetic that suits its whimsical premise. The Beloms themselves are charming little spheres with expressive faces, and their elastic movements convey a real sense of momentum when you kick them. Character sprites are large and well-animated, with punchy frames that highlight each action—whether you’re winding up for a long shot or flinching after an opponent’s blow.

The tournament arenas are color-rich and varied, ranging from rocky coliseums to grassy plains lined with cheering fans. Background details like waving banners and dancing spectators add a layer of atmosphere without ever distracting from the on-field action. In the mini-games, the scenery shifts appropriately: the Faulton Feeding poles stand out against a dusky sky, while in Revenge of the Beloms you’re framed by looming rocky walls that heighten the sense of being under siege.

Technical limitations of the era are handled with style rather than restraint. Despite modest resolution and a limited color palette, the game’s presentation feels cohesive and energetic. Animations are smooth enough to keep the flow of play uninterrupted, and simple but effective sound cues—bounce sounds for Beloms, crowd cheers, and the clang of your pole—help communicate game events reliably.

Story

While Grand Monster Slam is gameplay-first, it is anchored in the vibrant lore of GHoLD, a fantasy realm where every five years the races unite to determine supremacy. This grand tradition is the backdrop for your journey through nine escalating matches, each against a different race vying for the mythical title. Though dialogue is minimal, the sense of progressing through a storied tournament gives purpose to each victory and defeat.

Opponents range from hulking orcish brutes to nimble elf-like challengers, each sporting unique visual flair and playstyles. Facing an elf champion might mean dodging lightning-fast kicks, whereas a dwarf competitor relies on brute force and hard rebounds. These race-based variations add a narrative thread to the contest, making every match feel like a new chapter in your quest for monster-slamming glory.

Intermittent cutscenes and victory fanfares underscore your progress but never overstay their welcome. They serve as light narration—showing your character’s determined expressions, the champion’s crest, or the crowd erupting in applause—reinforcing the communal celebration that defines the Grand Monster Slam tournament. This measured storytelling lets the gameplay shine while still situating you within a larger fantasy world.

Overall Experience

Grand Monster Slam strikes a rare balance between accessible pick-up-and-play fun and a skill curve that rewards dedication. Matches ramp up in difficulty as you advance, but the option to practice the mini-games from the main menu means you can zero in on your weaknesses. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a brief diversion or a competitive player eyeing a perfect run, the title caters to both with its modular design and clear feedback loops.

The blend of main matches and sub-games keeps the pacing varied and prevents any one format from overstaying its welcome. Quick restarts after defeat mean you’re never stuck waiting long to retry, and the incremental progression through nine opponents maps out a satisfying campaign structure. The occasional penalty game adds tension, and mastering the faultless feed shots or Belom deflections feels genuinely rewarding.

Ultimately, Grand Monster Slam is a delightful throwback to an era when gameplay ingenuity trumped endless realism. Its lively graphics, tight controls, and charming thematic setting combine to deliver a consistently engaging experience. For anyone seeking a refreshingly original sports-style tournament in a fantasy shell, this game remains a hidden gem well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10