Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Monster 4×4: Masters of Metal delivers an adrenaline-fueled driving experience that places you directly behind the wheel of Rookie, an up-and-coming monster truck driver eager to prove their mettle. From the moment you hit the dirt tracks, the game’s responsive controls and weighty physics make every jump, drift, and collision feel visceral. You’re tasked with mastering each terrain—from muddy off-road paths to carefully designed stadium circuits—ensuring that every race feels fresh and challenging.

Progression hinges on upgrading your Monster Jam trucks with an array of powerups and performance parts. Each component upgrade, from beefier suspensions to turbocharged engines, tangibly affects handling and acceleration. Strategic choices are essential when deciding which upgrades to bring into a race; opting for heavier armor might protect you from crushing impacts, but sacrificing speed can leave you trailing behind faster competitors on straightaways.

The career mode takes you coast to coast across the United States, with races set in iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon rim, the Statue of Liberty backdrop, and packed stadium arenas. Special events introduce unique objectives—like timed obstacle courses or “king of the hill” challenges on unstable platforms—that break up standard head-to-head contests. The variety in event types keeps the gameplay loop engaging and encourages you to refine your driving style in different environments.

Multiplayer functionality enhances longevity, allowing you to challenge friends or global rivals in split-screen or online cups. Leaderboards and seasonal championships reward top performers with cash prizes and exclusive cosmetic upgrades, fueling the drive to remain competitive. While occasional matchmaking hiccups can occur online, the core racing experience remains compelling from start to finish.

Graphics

Visually, Monster 4×4: Masters of Metal showcases highly detailed monster trucks, each rendered with realistic textures that highlight scuffed paint, mud splatters, and gleaming chrome parts. The sense of scale is impressive—towering tires dwarf the surrounding environment, cementing the feeling that you’re piloting a true behemoth. Dynamic camera angles during jumps and crashes accentuate the raw power and destructive potential of these vehicles.

The environmental variety is a standout feature, with each U.S. location offering distinct visual flair. Off-road courses weave through dense forests with shafts of sunlight filtering through tree canopies, while desert settings brim with swirling dust storms. Monument landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Rushmore are instantly recognizable, lending a grand sense of context to each race. Lighting effects transition smoothly from bright midday races to neon-lit night events in stadiums.

Performance-wise, the game runs steadily on modern consoles and mid-range PCs, maintaining a solid frame rate even when multiple trucks are airborne simultaneously. Occasional pop-in of distant environmental objects can occur, but these moments are fleeting and rarely impact the competitive flow. Particle effects—dirt spray, tire smoke, and debris from demolished obstacles—add another layer of immersion without bogging down performance.

Story

While Monster 4×4: Masters of Metal isn’t narrative-heavy, it weaves an underdog tale through its career progression. You begin as Rookie, a fresh-faced driver with little more than a stock monster truck and a heap of ambition. Early races introduce you to seasoned competitors and hired mechanics who provide guidance, serving as both mentors and rivals who push you to upgrade and adapt.

The sense of personal growth is palpable: initial victories earn you small payouts and the trust to enter higher-stakes events, while crushing defeats highlight the importance of vehicle tuning and track knowledge. Occasional cutscenes featuring animated pit crews and rival drivers add personality to the campaign. Though dialogue can feel a bit formulaic, it motivates you to climb the ranks and eventually race in world championship tournaments.

Special side events, such as charity exhibition matches and “monster mash” demolition derbies, sprinkle in lighthearted moments that break from standard racing fare. These diversions enrich the story by showcasing the diverse subcultures within monster truck racing, from hardcore fans camping in RVs to sports commentators providing color commentary. The overall narrative arc is straightforward but effective at driving your career forward.

Overall Experience

Monster 4×4: Masters of Metal offers an entertaining blend of high-octane racing, vehicle customization, and light narrative progression. Whether you’re a longtime monster truck enthusiast or new to the genre, the game’s accessible controls and layered upgrade system invite experimentation and strategic planning. The varied track designs and iconic U.S. locations inject freshness into each race, preventing the campaign from feeling repetitive.

Replay value is bolstered by multiplayer modes, community leaderboards, and periodic in-game events that introduce limited-time challenges. Cosmetic unlocks and truck liveries reward dedication, allowing you to personalize Rookie’s ride and stand out in online competitions. Even after completing the main career, chasing time trial records or conquering the toughest championship cups provides ample reason to keep coming back.

While the story might not rival narrative-driven racing titles, its straightforward underdog arc serves its purpose: giving context to your rise from rookie to champion. Minor technical hiccups—such as occasional object pop-in or matchmaking delays—don’t detract significantly from the core experience. Overall, Monster 4×4: Masters of Metal stands out in the off-road racing scene as a thoroughly enjoyable, solidly produced package.

For players seeking vehicular mayhem, strategic upgrades, and the thrill of conquering massive terrains in overpowered monster trucks, this game delivers on all fronts. Its combination of accessible gameplay, striking visuals, and career-driven progression makes it a strong contender for your racing library.

Retro Replay Score

6/10