YOKAI MONK is a free puzzle game from indie developer, Ariel Endaraues, where you will have to banish an array of monster types while trapped in a dark cell. In this platformer game, you will play a monk whose spirit can separate from his body in order to control other beings, such as your enemies.

YOKAI MONK is a little different from other platformer titles such as Mega Man. You can only explore certain areas at a time, rather than a larger open world. It’s also quite unique as you will need to take over the bodies of the monsters.

Numerous levels to explore

Fans of classic arcade games will be able to enjoy the unique twist that YOKAI MONK has to offer. Alongside the iconic 8-bit look, the game also makes use of smooth controls that allow you to navigate the different cells with ease. However, some text can be pretty difficult to read, given the unique font style used within the game.

The objective of this platformer is simple and direct-to-the-point, however, it does provide you with a challenge as you continue to make it past new levels. You will also be presented with different monsters with varying abilities on each level, so make sure to come up with the best strategies to take them down. Make sure to avoid obstacles that can harm the monk’s spirit, as well.

However, players should note that there is no in-game menu that allows them to navigate the game. You can only pause the game or restart a level using the dedicated keys on your device. In addition to this, you will also need to allow downloads from unknown sources. This is needed as some devices cannot verify the game’s developer and can flag it as a suspicious file.

Worth the minor issues

While YOKAI MONK does have its fair share of issues, especially when it comes to the text’s readability and the lack of an accessible menu, its unique premise and its nostalgic setting provide an enjoyable experience that outweighs the shortcomings. With a few tweaks to address these issues, this 8-bit platformer has great potential to become a popular and well-loved game.