PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate is the HD version of the ever-popular and critically successful tower defense that was released years ago on the PlayStation 3. Back then it was highly praised for fantastic gameplay, memorable quirky soundtrack and a beautiful art direction. Double Eleven eventually released an add-on for PixelJunk Monsters called Encore. Encore added additional levels and new trophies for players to enjoy.

Out comes PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD which promises to be a complete package with new content, challenges and HD visuals. Does this tower-defense game still holds up to this day?

PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD still holds up to its presentation. However, this time around it’s prettier which results into making the game more charming. The music never gets old, it’s nice to hear, and the art-style is memorable as ever. The high resolution textures and visuals also kick up the production values a notch. If you haven’t experienced the charming personality of PixelJunk Monsters with additional graphical upgrades, then this would be the perfect time to do it.

PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate not only shines with its high production values, but also excels in the gameplay department. The gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters is the reason why tower defense games became so popular over the recent years.

"What’s fascinating about the gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters is that overtime you have to learn the enemy's weakness and towers' strengths in order to overcome the harder challenges and complete all levels with perfection"

The mechanics are very simple, but they’re hard to master. You come up to trees, select what type of towers you want and then place them. After that, you have a choice whether you want to stand next to the tower to upgrade it or use a gem that you collect from defeated monsters. Once the monsters are dead, the player can collect left-over coins to build additional towers. The player may also sell their towers if he or she is in a need of a different tower in case of emergency.

What’s fascinating about the gameplay in PixelJunk Monsters is that overtime you have to learn the enemy’s weakness and towers’ strengths in order to overcome the harder challenges and complete all levels with perfection without losing any of your little guys in the main base. You have to be able to estimate and be prepared for each and every wave as you play throughout the level.

As you progress through the game, you will come across different level layouts, waves and seasons. There are levels which are based in a ton of different environments like volcanoes, spring and even winter. It gives the player a variety of different level set ups and makes the fun last longer.

"Overall, there is a ton of stuff to do in PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate. This is truly the complete package of this game and is a must buy if you’re looking to comeback or looking into trying out tower defense games."

The game provides three different islands with 47 unique levels that you have to conquer. There is also a fourth secret island that generates infinite amount of random levels for players to enjoy which provides hours and hours of gameplay.

If you’ve played the original version of the game, then you know what to expect as far as the gameplay goes. However, PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate now also features more achievements, Encore add-on, new content and even challenges that ask you to beat levels under certain conditions to receive medals.

PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD also fully supports LAN multiplayer and online play on the PC. You can play with your friends cooperatively as different colored Tiki Man and even compete for leader board scores. If you have friends that enjoy tower defense games, then I highly recommend playing this game with them.

PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD is amazing. It brings many nostalgic memories of the PlayStation 3 days back when unique and fun indie games were hard to come by. Overall, there is a ton of stuff to do in PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate. This is truly the complete package of this game and is a must buy if you’re looking to comeback or looking into trying out tower defense games.

If you’re looking for a reason to jump back into the charming and addicting universe of PixelJunk Monsters by yourself or with your friends, then this would be the perfect time to do it.

This game was reviewed on the PC.