Monster Rancher 1 and 2 were recently re-released in Japan last year. After fans from overseas requested they be released outside of Japan, Koei Tecmo announced Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX for the Nintendo Switch. The announcement comes from the official Monster Rancher Twitter account.
The game includes ports of the first two games in one package alongside several new features. These include a high-speed mode and a training memo. More details about the games can be found on their website.
Monsters will also be made available in-game that were original exclusive to the overseas versions of the game as well.
The Monster Rancher games are life simulation role-playing games where players acquire monsters by using CDs. In the original PlayStation games, any readable CDs can be used to read data and the game creates a monster using the CD’s metadata.
The Switch, iOS, and Android ports retain the basic gameplay and mechanics of the original, but because they do now have CD playback, the feature where players get monsters from the CDs is instead emulate by allowing players to search CDs from a custom database.
A 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition is available for pre-order at 15,070 yen ($136). The bundle includes:
- Monster Rancher 1 $ 2 DX game
- Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX soundtrack
- Monster Rancher development materials
- Monster Rancher 2 Secret CD (Reprint)
- Golden Mochi figure with serial number
- Tecmo TMP Booklet Vol.2021
- Mochi Vinyl backpack
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX will release on Nintendo Switch and Steam on December 9, 2021 worldwide. The game is being published by Koei Tecmo, who also recently published a Fairy Tail video game.
