Monster Dash is a 2D endless runner game developed by Halfbrick Studios, originally released for mobile devices and web browsers. The game is the second entry in the Barry Steakfries series, originally released on August 18, 2010, and delisted sometime in 2017. The game would be remastered and brought back in 2020 with a new art style and many new features. On September 26, 2023, the 2010 version came back in the Halfbrick+ app, replacing the remastered version.
The game is notable for introducing the Machine Gun Jetpack and Bad As Hog to the series.
Plot[]
According to "The Story of Barry Steakfries" trailer, the game takes place after Jetpack Joyride and before Age of Zombies.
During his pursuit of Professor Brains, Barry Steakfries gets sucked into a time vortex, which sends him into another universe. This new world is filled with a variety of antagonistic Monsters, forcing Barry to dash from them in hope to escape and catch up to Brains.[1]
Gameplay[]
Monster Dash is played with two buttons: One is responsible for jumping, while the other is used to shoot your weapon. The Shotgun serves as the default weapon, but Barry can grab weapons and utilities such as the invincibility bubble (known as Incredibubble in-game), SMG, Pacifier, Zapper, and the iconic Machine Gun Jetpack. The player's goal is to run as far as possible, while avoiding and killing monsters, and doing tasks. In this game, Barry has hit points, represented by hearts. After Barry is KO'd, the player has an option to either spend gems, or watch two ads for two revives each round.
Development and history[]
2010[]
In 2010, Luke Muscat and Joe Gatling made around 30 prototypes in 2 weeks, Monster Dash being among them. It would be one of two ideas that would be chosen to become a full game due to holding the most promise, alongside Fruit Ninja. Both started production at the same time, with Luke and Joe's 7-man team being split in half to work on them. Monster Dash was considered a "safe bet" among the two, being described as "Canabalt with guns".[2] To play it as safe as possible even further, it was decided to tie the game to pre-existing IP. It was decided to use Age of Zombies, which was released earlier that year, as a base and use some elements from it, including Barry Steakfries as the protagonist.[3]
In October 2010, an update was released that added the Yeti Heights level, Rocket Launcher weapon and Game Center integration.[4]
2014[]
In 2014, the game received a huge update, which introduced missions and leveling system. The former added new levels, where the goal for each is to reach a certain objective (Though for a while, only was available per day). With the latter, player can update Barry with extra git points, more coins from bags, additional "fuel" for Bad As hog and more ammunition for Machine Gun Jetpack. There was also a crossover with Ghostbusters, which added Dr. Peter Venkman as a playable character, as well as related missions. Next year, an additional mechanic, "Lucky Charms" was added into the game. It allows player to equip various "Charms", that either give a rare chance of not taking damage from an obstacle, make monsters drop more coins or reduce Barry's acceleration.
In 2017, all Ghostbusters content was removed likely due to their license expiring. Because of this, Barry Steakfries remained the only playable character in this version of the game.
Like several other games by Halfbrick, the game was removed around 2018 due to lack of resources to further support it in the wake of GDPR laws.
2020[]
In 2020, Monster Dash returned to the stores with a remaster in partnership with Krome Studios under the subtitle Back From The Dead.[5] The game now uses the art style of Battle Racing Stars. Lucky Charms are however, completely absent in this version of the game.
During the Halloween 2020 update, the game had slight overhaul in controls: Barry gained an access to double jump, as well as the "Super Slam", available by swiping down in midair. Additionally, cliffs no longer cause instant death, and take away two lives instead.
In 2021, the menu received a complete redesign. Additionally, Betty Beefpies was introduced as a playable character.
2023[]
Monster Dash became a part of the Halfbrick+ service. This version reverts the game back to its 2010 state. Achievements are back as well.
Locations[]
- Demon Dynasty
- Tomb Town
- Vampire Kingdom
- Yeti Heights
- Zombie Metropolis
- New York Rooftop (2014-2017, 2021-2023)
- Hallows Hell (2020-2023)
Trivia[]
- In recent stories from Jetpack Joyride 2, it is heavily implied that Queen V is partially responsible for the monster elements and events.
- Queen V is mentioned in the new version of Age of Zombies released on Halfbrick+, so it is possible that the game was rewritten along with Monster Dash to to fit into the actual story.
References[]
- ↑ The Art of Halfbrick, page 122 - "According to Rod Wong, concept and games artist at Halfbrick, Barry is pursuing Doctor Brain from Age of Zombies when he gets sucked into a time vortex. That time vortex shoots him into the universe of Monster Dash, where he must now dash not just from zombies, but from all types of ghoulish creatures."
- ↑ How I designed Fruit Ninja by Luke Muscat, via YouTube
- ↑ How I designed Jetpack Joyride by Luke Muscat, via YouTube
- ↑ Monster Dash update - new level and Game Center!, Halfbrick Studios
- ↑ Halfbrick & Krome Studios Partnership, Halfbrick Studios
| Barry Steakfries series | |
|---|---|
| Main Series |
Age of Zombies · Monster Dash · Jetpack Joyride (releases) · Jetpack Joyride 2 (Demo Version) · Age of Zombies 2 |
| Spin-offs |
Jetpack Joyride India Exclusive · Jetpack Joyride Test Labs |
| Web Series |
Barry Steakfries Rock Operas · Barry Vlog · Jetpack Joyride Shorts · The Ballad of Barry Steakfries |
| Printed Media |
Dynamite Fruit Ninja · Barry Steakfries: From The Files Of Jetpack Joyride · The Art of Halfbrick |
| Other Media |
Jetpack Joyride Stickers · Jetpack Joyride (Board game) · Halfbrick Beyond · Halfbrick+ |
| Crossovers |
Fragger · Fruit Ninja · Raskulls · Minecraft · Star Skater · Dan The Man · Magic Brick Wars · Battle Racing Stars · Fruit Ninja 2 · Halfbrick Sports: Football |