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Monster Prom
Monster Prom
Monster Prom
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Monster Prom
DeveloperBeautiful Glitch
PublisherThose Awesome Guys
DirectorJulián Quijano
ProducerJesse Cox
DesignerJulián Quijano
ProgrammerElías Pereiras
ArtistArthur Tien
Writers
  • Julián Quijano
  • Cory O’Brien
  • Maggie Herskowitz
ComposerMesser Chups
EngineUnity
Platforms
Release
  • Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
  • April 27, 2018
  • Nintendo Switch
  • May 21, 2020
  • PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • October 14, 2020
GenreDating sim
Modes

Monster Prom is a dating simulation game developed by Beautiful Glitch, a studio based in Barcelona and founded by Julián Quijano, and published by Those Awesome Guys.[1] The game was released for Windows, macOS and Linux on 27 April 2018 and was distributed on Steam.[2] A Nintendo Switch release was launched on 21 May 2020.[3] Monster Prom was written by Julián Quijano, Cory O’Brien and Maggie Herskowitz, illustrated by Arthur Tien, and programmed by Elías Pereiras. Players assume the role of a student at Spooky High (later renamed to Spooky Academy as of Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip), a school populated by monsters, as they attempt to find a date to prom.

An expansion to the game, titled Monster Prom: Second Term, was released on 14 February 2019.[4] A sequel, Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp, was released on October 23, 2020, followed by a third sequel Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip on October 21, 2022. A fourth sequel, Monster Prom 4: Monster Con was released on April 24, 2025.

Gameplay

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An example of a choice presented in Monster Prom, featuring characters Liam (left) and Miranda (right).

Monster Prom is a 2D narrative dating sim that features both a singleplayer mode as well as a multiplayer competitive mode of up to four players. The player assumes the role of one of four pre-set characters, all of whom students at Spooky High, and can choose between six different monsters they can try to date. Players can play as any gender and pronouns with the game allowing for straight, gay, and lesbian dating options.

The game randomizes the story every time it is played. Each turn, players must decide how they will spend their time over the course of six weeks leading up to prom, going through various events in one of several map locations at Spooky High in order to gain stats that affect the way their love interest perceives them. Throughout the game, players will be presented with various choices which may affect their relationship with other characters, as well as which events and endings they experience. The players’ actions will decide whether their love interest agrees to take them to prom or not. It features multiple endings, mini-games, and limited voice acting. The game also includes a shop where players can purchase items that can trigger new events as well as special endings.[5]

The Second Term expansion included additional content such as new endings and two newly-dateable characters.[4]

Plot

[edit]

The players are presented as students within Spooky High, a high school in a world inhabited by monsters.[6] They are given a time limit of six weeks in order to convince their chosen love interest to take them to prom. The game's plot changes with each new playthrough, giving players a unique sequence of events, dialogue and endings, depending on their choices. The four player characters are Oz, the personification of fear; Amira Rashid, a fire djinn; Brian Yu, a zombie; and Vicky Schmidt, a Frankenstein's monster, although the names and pronouns of the characters can be changed before playing. The six monsters available to romance are Scott Howl, a werewolf; Liam de Lioncourt, a vampire; Vera Oberlin, a gorgon; Damien LaVey, a fire demon; Polly Geist, a ghost; and Miranda Vanderbilt, a mermaid.[7] Second Term introduces two new monsters to romance: Zoe, an Eldritch monster; and Calculester Hewlett-Packard, a computer robot.[4]

The majority of the game's humor is very Western-influenced, consisting of many pop culture references, banter-based dialogue, self-referential commentary on monster fiction, and light satirical themes. The game has over 1,300 possible events and 47 secret endings.

Development

[edit]

On 25 November 2016, the game successfully completed a Kickstarter campaign raising funds through 1,592 backers.[8] The campaign raised just over €32,000, quadruple the intended goal of €8,000. The additional funding allowed for more content such as endings, items, and characters.[9] A roster of notable voice actors was assembled to portray the cast, including Arin Hanson, Dan Avidan, Nathan Sharp, Cristina Valenzuela, Sarah Anne Williams, Christine Marie Cabanos, Danielle McRae, Erika Ishii and others. On 14 February 2018, the developers announced the game's release via a teaser trailer, and the game was released on 27 April 2018 on Steam for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.[10] The Second Term expansion DLC, which was a stretch goal of the Kickstarter campaign, was released on 14 February 2019, adding additional voice work from Felicia Day, Casey Mongillo, Jacksepticeye, Ross O'Donovan, and Anna Brisbin.[4] Language support for Simplified Chinese was added on 23 January 2020.

On 27 April 2020, to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the game's initial release, Beautiful Glitch announced Monster Prom: XXL, which consists of the original game, the Second Term DLC, as well as all seasonal content released throughout the game's lifespan. It was released on the Nintendo Switch on 21 May 2020[3] and on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One thereafter on 14 October 2020.

Sequels

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On May 8, 2019, Beautiful Glitch announced a sequel titled Monster Prom 2: Holiday Season and launched another Kickstarter campaign with a playable demo. The planned sequel was set to feature the same characters from Monster Prom in three minigames: Summer Camp, a dating simulation similar to the original game; Winter Retreat, a strategy game featuring Vera and Miranda; and Roadtrip, an adventure survival game featuring Scott and Polly.[11] The campaign proved successful and raised over €535,000 from almost 9,000 backers within a month, surpassing their goal of €32,000. As development progressed and the game's scope grew beyond the team's expectations, the decision was made to release the Summer Camp portion of Holiday Season as its own game title, Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp, which was released on October 23, 2020.[12] Damien and Calculester reprise their roles as romanceable characters, and three NPCs from the original game - Aaravi Mishra, a monster-human hybrid and monster slayer; Dahlia Aquino, a female demon; and Joy Johnson-Johjima, a witch - as well as a brand new character, Milo Belladonna, a death reaper, also appear as romanceable options.

Initially, the plan was to release Winter Retreat and Roadtrip under the title Monster Memories, along with an additional DLC game titled Monster Prom: Not Another Isekai!, which had been achieved with the extra funding on Kickstarter. However, like Monster Camp, these games were separated into their own individual titles. On April 28, 2022, Beautiful Glitch released a reveal trailer for Roadtrip, now titled Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip, which was later released on October 21, 2022.

Additionally, Beautiful Glitch was able to fund a spin-off game through the sequel's Kickstarter titled Monster Prom: REVERSE, in which the playable characters from the first game can be romanced.

On May 3rd 2024, Monster Prom 4: Monster Con was announced.[13] In this iteration players have the chance to romance series regulars Liam de Lioncourt and Zoe, as well as 4 new characters - Nico Sharp, a mimic; April First, a clown; Doug Campbell, a slime; and Omen, an "unknown monster type." As the name implies, Monster Prom 4: Monster Con takes place at a comic convention. New locations include the Main Stage, The Lobby, Community Zone, Merch Hall, and Hotels and Outdoors.[14] The game was released on April 24, 2025.

Reception

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The PC version of the game received a score of 73 on the review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews",[15] while the Nintendo Switch version received a score of 81, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[16] The game was mainly praised for its writing, humor and character art. Jeff Ramos and Allegra Frank of Polygon praised "how genuinely funny Monster Prom is. Considering almost every line in the game is a punchline, it’s an achievement that the humor never felt labored or forced."[22] Many critics also praised the game's multiplayer mode, many of whom declared it stronger than the singleplayer version. Rebekah Valentine of App Trigger had a more favorable view of both game modes, stating that the game "rests on a framework of superb character art and hilarious scenario writing, then goes several steps further to offer a challenging competitive experience and an addictive solo one."[23]

Publications also praised the amount of content the game offers, with Alyse Stanley of Rock, Paper, Shotgun stating that "its combinations of events and endings make every playthrough feel like it’s your first time."[24] Stan Yeung of Gaming Age adds that "the sheer amount of events and possible outcomes meant it would be hard for me to get bored."[25] However, some critics noted that despite the game's strengths, its mechanics often stagnated which made it difficult to find much in the way of replayability. CD-Action states that the "hilarious, brilliant dialogues are not enough to compensate for random, grind-oriented gameplay."[15] Similarly, in a mixed review, Eugene Sax of Game Critics notes that "despite the wealth of options, the scenarios become predictable and tired quickly."[26]

Regarding the Nintendo Switch version, Neal Ronaghan of Nintendo World Report had a favorable review and wrote that while "not a game for everyone... Monster Prom is a riotously good time" thanks to its humor and ability to "take a visual novel and dating sim and transforms it into a party game".[27]

Accolades

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The game was nominated for the "Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award" and for "Most Fulfilling Community-Funded Game" at the SXSW Gaming Awards.[28]

Year Award Category Result Ref
2017 Casual Connect Asia Best Narrative Won [29]
BIC Fest Narrative Award Nominated
Gameplay Award Nominated
MomoCon Best Indie Game Nominated [30]
2019 MomoCon Best Indie Game Nominated [31]
SXSW Gaming Awards Cultural Innovation Award Nominated [32]
Most Fulfilling Community-Funded Game Nominated [32]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Monster Prom

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from Grokipedia
Monster Prom is a multiplayer developed by the Barcelona-based studio Beautiful Glitch and published by Those Awesome Guys. Released on April 27, 2018, for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and , with console ports for , , and following in 2020 as Monster Prom: XXL, the game is set in the fictional Spooky High, a chaotic monster academy, where players compete to secure a date for the titular within a three-week timeframe. The core gameplay emphasizes choice-driven narratives in a "choose-your-own-adventure" format, supporting 1–4 players in local co-op or competitive modes. Players navigate over 1,000 randomized events across the high school, making decisions that boost six core stats—, , Humor, , , and Charm—to woo one of six datable monster classmates, each with unique personalities and branching storylines. These choices lead to hundreds of possible endings, ranging from romantic successes to absurd, chaotic failures, often infused with mature humor, pop culture references, and themes of self-expression, including flexible and orientation options for characters. Additional features include an in-game shop for quirky items like penguin masks or erotic fanfiction, and unlockable secret endings that encourage replayability. Monster Prom originated from Beautiful Glitch's desire to blend teen tropes with indie mechanics, led by Julián Quijano, who founded the studio to explore "beautiful glitches" in storytelling and art. The game launched to strong critical and user acclaim for its witty dialogue, vibrant hand-drawn art, and innovative multiplayer twist on the genre, achieving an average score of 74 on from 14 reviews and "Very Positive" status on based on over 14,000 user ratings (as of November 2025). It serves as the debut entry in the Monster Prom franchise, which has expanded with sequels like Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp (2021), Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip (2022), and Monster Prom 4: Monster Con (2025), each maintaining the series' signature absurd, monster-themed relational chaos.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

Monster Prom is structured around a countdown to the in-game prom event, typically 3 weeks in standard multiplayer mode or 6 weeks in single-player , with short modes available that halve the duration, during which players build character stats to pursue romantic interests. The core progression system revolves around six key attributes—, , Smarts, Charm, , and —which are initially determined by a pre-game personality quiz and subsequently increased through location-based choices each turn, such as attending class to boost Smarts or partying to raise . These stats directly influence interactions with the six romanceable monsters, including Vera Oberlin, , Damien LaVey, , Scott Howl, and Miranda Vanderbilt, as players select from four pre-set playable characters in the 2018 PC release. Gameplay unfolds through randomized narrative events encountered at school locations, featuring branching dialogue trees where players make choices tied to specific stats, often requiring parameter checks to succeed—for instance, a high score might unlock a witty response that advances a romance, while insufficient stats lead to failure states with alternative, humorous paths or stat penalties. These events incorporate stat-based choices and branching outcomes, alongside over 1,000 possible scenarios ensuring replayability in single-player mode. Players can also visit the in-game shop to purchase items using accumulated , such as accessories or consumables that provide temporary stat boosts or unlock unique event outcomes, further shaping the path to securing a prom date. In the original PC version, these mechanics emphasize solo decision-making, where failed parameter checks might reroute the narrative toward comedic mishaps or solo endings, contrasting with multiplayer adaptations that introduce competitive elements among players. The system's depth lies in its balance of stat management and probabilistic events, allowing for diverse romantic pursuits without linear progression.

Multiplayer Features

Monster Prom supports local co-op multiplayer for up to four players, where each participant controls a distinct character and navigates the three-week lead-up to , either competing or cooperating to secure dates with romanceable monsters. The mode integrates group dynamics into the framework, allowing players to experience the game's absurd scenarios together while building individual stats like boldness, charm, creativity, smarts, fun, and money—core elements adapted from single-player progression. In multiplayer sessions, gameplay proceeds turn-based, with players selecting from shared school locations such as the or , but only one player can visit each per turn to avoid overlap. Turn order is determined through humorous group debates and voting, often involving ranking absurd prompts like the worst possible porn titles. Shared events trigger collective interactions, where players vote on dialogue choices to influence outcomes, and weekend special encounters introduce mechanics, enabling one player to hinder or boost another's relationship progress with a target date, such as through rivalrous interventions adding or subtracting affection points. These elements foster rivalry and collaboration, with hundreds of randomized events offering nearly 1,400 possible outcomes to maintain fairness and replayability by distributing opportunities and items unpredictably across players. The 2020 console ports for , , and adapted multiplayer with full controller support for local sessions, accommodating up to four players via pass-and-play or multiple controllers. Online play is available across platforms, including Steam's Together, but it features limitations compared to local mode, such as reduced opportunities for real-time social banter and voting interactions that enhance the party-game feel. Balance in these adaptations preserves the randomized event and item distribution from the PC version, ensuring equitable competition without platform-specific advantages.

Setting and Characters

Playable Characters

In Monster Prom, players select one of four distinct protagonists at the start of the game, each representing a classic monster reimagined as a modern high school student navigating the chaos of prom preparations. These characters—Brian Yu (), Amira Rashid ( djinn), Oz (personification of ), and Vicky Schmidt ()—offer unique visual designs and personality quirks that shape dialogue options and interactions during the three-week period. While starting stats such as Smarts, , , Charm, , and are primarily determined by a pre-game personality quiz, each character's inherent traits influence the availability and flavor of event responses, encouraging replayability in single-player or multiplayer modes. Brian Yu, the green-coded zombie, embodies the undead slacker archetype with a modern twist as a perpetually exhausted yet witty teen. Visually, he is depicted as a tall, broad-shouldered figure with pale grey skin, visible stitches across his face and neck, unkempt black hair, and dark circles under half-lidded eyes that convey constant boredom; he typically wears a green hoodie, black pants, and sneakers, emphasizing his casual, low-effort vibe. His personality is laid-back and sarcastic, often delivering deadpan humor in dialogue options that favor low-energy, ironic responses—such as snarky quips during social events—making him ideal for players who prefer Charm or Fun-focused builds but struggle with high-effort Boldness checks. This quirk influences outcomes in scenarios requiring subtle wit over aggression, like diffusing tense party situations with clever one-liners. Thematically, Brian draws from classic zombie tropes of lethargy and resilience but updates them into a relatable, Gen-Z apathetic teen who thrives on minimalism. Post-launch updates in 2018, including the June patch, refined some zombie-specific event dialogues to better align with his sarcastic tone without altering core stats, ensuring balanced accessibility across playthroughs. Amira Rashid, the red-coded fire djinn, channels the fiery demon archetype into an athletic, confident high schooler with a flair for adventure. Her design features dark skin, a slender and athletic build, bright orange hair swept upward in a dynamic style, and glowing ember-like eyes; she sports a over a , evoking a sporty, rebellious edge with subtle flame motifs. Personality-wise, she is , daring, charming, and -loving, unlocking dialogue options that lean into high-energy, competitive banter—such as challenging rivals in gym events or charming NPCs with flirtatious bravado—which synergizes with Boldness and Fun stats for aggressive romance pursuits. Her quirks often lead to explosive, high-stakes event resolutions, like igniting literal or metaphorical fires in conflicts. Thematically inspired by Middle Eastern djinn lore blended with teen , Amira represents and intensity in a setting. Since the 2018 launch, balance adjustments in early patches tweaked a few djinn-themed events to prevent over-reliance on her fire-based abilities in multiplayer, maintaining fair stat progression without changing starting parameters. Oz, the yellow-coded personification of fear, reinterprets the shadowy specter as a brooding, anxious introvert grappling with existential dread amid teen drama. Visually, Oz appears as a lanky, ethereal figure composed of swirling dark matter and shadows, with a pale, undefined face, wide fearful eyes, and a slim build; dressed in a yellow cardigan, black shirt, pants, and shoes, the color contrast highlights their vulnerability against the game's vibrant palette. Their personality is shy, jumpy, nervous, and dorky, with good-hearted undertones that manifest in dialogue choices favoring introspective or empathetic replies—often unlocking hidden affection boosts in quiet, emotional events but faltering in loud social ones—best suited to Creativity or Charm paths. This influences gameplay by providing unique pessimistic or self-deprecating options that can pivot tense situations into surprisingly wholesome moments. Drawing from abstract fear entities like those in modern horror with a twist of awkward teen angst, Oz adds depth to themes of isolation. Launch-era updates in 2018, particularly the May patch, expanded Oz's dialogue tree to include more balanced fear-related quirks, adjusting minor event triggers for smoother integration without stat overhauls.) Vicky Schmidt, the blue-coded , transforms the stitched creation into a cheerful, overachieving with boundless enthusiasm for school life. Her appearance includes green-tinted skin, black hair with a distinctive white streak, neck bolts, and a sturdy yet curvy build; she wears a or uniform variant, often with accessories like glasses or books, portraying a bookish yet approachable vibe. She is upbeat, kind, happy, and lovable but fiercely determined as an overachiever, enabling dialogue options centered on supportive, intellectual encouragement—excelling in Smarts or checks for collaborative events like study sessions—while her strength shines in protective scenarios. These quirks can turn group challenges into team successes, reflecting her potential. Thematically, Vicky updates the tragic into an empowered, positive teen icon of resilience and curiosity. Following the 2018 release, patches like the July update fine-tuned her event interactions to balance her high-achiever advantages in multiplayer, adding variety to dialogue without impacting baseline stats.

Romanceable Characters

The romanceable characters in Monster Prom consist of six primary classmates, each embodying classic monster archetypes with humorous, contemporary personalities and backstories that influence their interactions and romance paths. Players build affinity by accumulating heart points through stat checks in events, with requirements varying by game mode (short or regular, single or multiplayer); successful romances culminate in prom invitations and stat-dependent endings that range from wholesome to chaotic, often nodding to horror tropes like demonic rebellion or melancholy. These paths feature unique events tied to school life, such as cafeteria schemes or club mishaps, revealing family dynamics and roles within the monster high school ecosystem. Damien LaVey, the bad-boy demon prince of , sports a rebellious streak against his two fathers— and —who expect him to modernize infernal traditions, positioning him as the school's edgy outsider with a penchant for fire and bravado. His tsundere-like affection emerges in events involving hellish pranks and bold confessions, requiring elevated (up to 17 in regular singleplayer) and fun (up to 10) stats alongside heart points (up to 16) for affinity; endings diverge based on boldness levels, from fiery triumphs to reluctant tenderness, highlighting his between demonic and genuine . Liam de Lioncourt, a 400-year-old with hipster sensibilities, serves as the school's brooding intellectual, exploring niche interests like and Catalan while navigating eternal ennui in a modern world. His romance unfolds through creative, brainy events such as library debates or artistic detours, demanding high smarts (up to 16) and creativity (up to 16) stats with heart points (up to 14) in regular singleplayer; stat-influenced endings vary from gothic romance to quirky immortality pacts, underscoring his role as the enigmatic detached from teen drama. Miranda Vanderbilt, the elegant vampire princess and heir to an underwater kingdom, blends Disney-like poise with ruthless ambition, often scheming royal coups amid her family's exploitative legacy, making her the school's poised . Events in her path mix charm-driven parties and monetary gambits, necessitating charm (up to 13) and money (up to 13) stats plus heart points (up to 18) for regular singleplayer affinity; endings shift with these stats, from lavish galas to vengeful overthrows, reflecting her duality as both victim and perpetuator of monstrous aristocracy. Polly Geist, a lively the school as the ultimate party girl, conceals a deeply wounded soul from her untimely death, using humor to mask vulnerability while floating through social circles as the chaotic influencer. Her events delve into bold, fun-filled antics like seances gone wrong, requiring boldness (up to 10) and fun (up to 15) stats with heart points (up to 20) in regular singleplayer; stat-based endings range from lighthearted to poignant resolutions, emphasizing her struggle for connection beyond the . Scott Howl, the cheerful jock backed by his loyal pack, embodies simple-hearted loyalty and pack dynamics, often confused by intellectual pursuits but thriving in supportive, romantic gestures as the school's affable team player. His straightforward path focuses on heart points alone (up to 20 in regular singleplayer), with events highlighting group loyalty and animalistic fun; endings adapt minimally to overall stats but vary in pack involvement, portraying wholesome, trope-subverting werewolf romance free of high-stakes scheming. Vera Oberlin, a sharp-witted gorgon entrepreneur and feminist icon, navigates school as the ambitious schemer, sipping poisoned scotch while plotting business ventures amid her serpentine family's cutthroat heritage. Events emphasize multi-stat challenges like deal-making or witty banter, needing smarts (up to 15), charm (up to 11), and money (up to 10) stats with heart points (up to 24) for regular singleplayer; endings fluctuate with these balances, from corporate conquests to empowered partnerships, showcasing her as the trope-flipped medusa who turns gazes into opportunities. The Second Term DLC, released on February 14, 2019, expands romance options with two new characters: Zoe, a quirky eldritch entity obsessed with cosmic horrors and geek culture, whose path involves creative and charming events revealing her otherworldly family ties and school misfit status, requiring creativity (up to 16), charm (up to 10), and heart points (up to 18) in regular singleplayer for stat-variant endings blending absurdity and affection; and Calculester Hewlett-Packard, a nerdy, tech-obsessed demon with a glitchy demeanor, integrated as the school's awkward inventor, featuring smart and fun-driven events that nod to digital horror tropes and his infernal tech lineage, demanding smarts (up to 16), fun (up to 10), and heart points (up to 18), with endings adapting to player ingenuity for humorous, innovative conclusions.

Plot and Endings

Main Narrative

Monster Prom is set in Spooky High, a chaotic and vibrant monster-filled high school where students navigate the absurdities of teenage life in preparation for the annual . The environment blends classic horror tropes with modern high school , featuring locations like a used for mining and a gym hosting bizarre sports such as Artball, all populated by diverse monstrous archetypes including werewolves, , and entities. This world-building emphasizes a satirical take on teen drama and horror elements, portraying as a high-stakes event fraught with supernatural drama and interpersonal chaos. The core plot unfolds over three weeks leading up to Monster , during which players embody one of four playable monster characters—each assuming roles like the brooding artist or the chaotic jock within the school ecosystem—and must build relationships with potential dates through social interactions and personal growth. The narrative centers on the urgency of securing a prom companion, weaving school life experiences into a competitive pursuit of romance amid escalating absurdity. The game's themes revolve around humor derived from escalating , such as executions reimagined as social events or choices involving literal corpses, which poke fun at the of . It promotes LGBTQ+ inclusivity by being entirely agnostic to gender and , allowing fluid romantic dynamics among its monstrous , while incorporating pop culture parodies like anime-inspired personality tropes (e.g., attitudes) and memes to underscore its irreverent tone. Procedural generation enhances the story's replayability through hundreds of randomized events, each offering four possible outcomes and leading to over 1,000 unique situations, ensuring that the narrative path through Spooky High varies significantly across playthroughs without predefined linear progression. This system fosters emergent storytelling, where player choices in absurd scenarios accumulate to shape the overarching prom preparation arc in unpredictable ways.

Multiple Outcomes

Monster Prom features a highly branching narrative structure, resulting in nearly 1,400 different outcomes across hundreds of events, which contribute to its extensive replay value. These outcomes culminate in various endings categorized by degrees of success, such as securing a prom date with a romanceable character, forming platonic friendships, or encountering disasters like rejection or isolation. Endings are also distinguished by rarity, including common conclusions tied to standard stat progression and rarer secret endings that require specific triggers. Over 40 secret endings exist in the base game and expansions, often delivering unexpected narrative twists. Outcomes are primarily determined by player choices that build six core stats—Smarts, , , Charm, , and —through event selections and location visits, alongside item acquisitions that can alter paths dramatically. For instance, reaching a romanceable character's invitation typically demands meeting stat thresholds tailored to their personality, such as high Charm and Fun for certain dates; failing these can lead to failure states like attending solo despite elevated stats or a rival successfully wooing the target. Item combinations further diversify results, with objects like "The Gift That Keeps On Giving" enabling secret endings such as the absurd "" scenario involving a bizarre , or "Prom King" where the player orchestrates a triumphant . Replayability is enhanced by the game's short run times of 30 to , which encourage repeated playthroughs as each session resets progress in a permadeath-like manner, unlocking new events and achievements tied to specific endings. , such as Monster Prom: Second Term, introduces additional paths and 13 more secret endings, expanding the narrative web without altering the core reset mechanic. This structure fosters experimentation, as players refine stat builds and item strategies to access rarer conclusions. The endings incorporate cultural through ironic subversions of romance tropes, transforming high school clichés like the archetype into grotesque, humorous monster-flavored parodies—such as a love interest whose affection hinges on absurd, body-horror-infused gestures. These twists critique conventions by emphasizing chaotic, competitive multiplayer dynamics over linear courtship, often resulting in hilariously disastrous or wholesomely bizarre resolutions that poke fun at idealized romantic narratives.

Development

Funding and Production

Monster Prom was developed by Beautiful Glitch, a studio founded in 2016 by Julián Quijano and based in , , with Those Awesome Guys serving as the publisher. The project originated as a concept for a multiplayer centered on absurd scenarios in a monster high school setting, emphasizing social and competitive elements among players. Funding for the game came primarily through a campaign launched in November 2016, which sought €8,000 and ultimately raised over €32,000 from more than 1,500 backers, exceeding the goal by four times. This success unlocked several stretch goals, including expanded voice acting and additional artwork to enhance the game's content and presentation. Development proceeded with alpha testing phases in 2017, allowing backers to refine mechanics and narrative branches before the full release. The game launched on April 27, 2018, for PC, macOS, and platforms via . Its production featured a hand-drawn 2D art style incorporating influences for character designs and backgrounds, creating a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic suited to the humorous tone. The was composed by various indie musicians, contributing eclectic tracks that complemented the game's chaotic and festive atmosphere.

Voice Acting and Expansions

The original Monster Prom features full for its dialogue, contributed by a of prominent voice performers. Notable actors include as the Scott Howl, Nathan Sharp as the demon Damien, Cristina Valenzuela (Cristina Vee) as the spider Joy and the vampire Vera, as the ghost Polly Geist, as the slime Zoe (introduced in DLC), (ProZD) as the spider Brian, and Danielle McRae as the gorgon Amira Rashid. In June 2020, following controversies, the voices for and Oz were recast from Ryan Terry (Cryaotic) to Curtis Arnott (Octopimp). The Second Term downloadable content, released on February 14, 2019, expands the game's narrative with two new romanceable characters—Zoe and Calculester—alongside over 120 additional events, roughly 10 secret endings, and new mechanics such as customizable end-credits polaroids and prophecy-based challenges. This expansion also incorporates voice work from performers including as Violet Portobello (a parasitic ) and as the demon Tate, enhancing interactions with over 10 new non-player characters. Console versions of Monster Prom launched for on May 21, 2020, followed by and on October 14, 2020; these ports include the Second Term content and feature platform-specific optimizations for controller support and performance. Post-launch support through 2020 involved multiple patches for bug fixes, balance adjustments to events and stats, and seasonal content additions, such as the June 2018 Fckin' Hot Update* with summer-themed outfits and the December 2018 The Gift Update introducing new events and a shop for unlockables.

Monster Prom Series

Sequels Overview

The Monster Prom series expanded with three sequels, each retaining the core multiplayer dating simulation mechanics while introducing fresh settings, characters, and gameplay twists to build on the original's absurd humor and choice-driven narratives. These entries maintain compatibility with returning elements from the first game, such as shared character cameos, fostering a cohesive universe across the franchise. Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp, released on October 23, 2020, for Windows, macOS, and via , relocates the action to a chaotic where players navigate activities to boost stats and romance a mix of new monsters like and , alongside familiar faces such as and Calculester. The game enhances multiplayer by incorporating cooperative and competitive elements during camp events, including campfire storytelling sessions that influence group dynamics and endings. Platform expansions followed, with a version launching on February 14, 2022, and 5 editions on November 15, 2024, and and Series X|S releases on October 24, 2025. Sales estimates indicate approximately 340,000 copies sold on by late 2023. Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip, launched on October 21, 2022, for PC platforms, shifts the premise to a cross-country , where players manage fuel, morale, and other resources while stopping at quirky locations to engage in dialogues and recruit hitchhikers from the series for deeper interpersonal dynamics. This installment introduces expanded stat interactions and conversation trees that affect travel outcomes and romantic pursuits among eight dateable characters, adding strategic layers to the multiplayer format. Console ports arrived later, including on August 4, 2023, PlayStation versions in 2024, and and Series X|S releases on October 24, 2025. It achieved roughly 316,000 sales by mid-2023. Monster Prom 4: Monster Con, the most recent entry, debuted on April 24, 2025, for PC, setting the story at a sprawling monster-themed convention filled with panels, booths, and nerdy subcultures like and , where players build stats through con-specific events to woo six new romance options. The game refines the classic formula with randomized event chains tied to convention themes, emphasizing bold choices in multiplayer sessions up to four players. A port was released on October 24, 2025. As a recent release, it has garnered over 50,000 units sold within its first few months.

Connections to Original

The sequels in the Monster Prom series retain core gameplay mechanics from the original, such as the stat-building system central to player progression and romantic pursuits. In Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp, the six visible stats—Smarts, Boldness, Creativity, Charm, Fun, and Money—mirror those of the first game, allowing players to accumulate points through events and decisions to unlock dates at the camp's equivalent of . Similarly, returning characters like Scott Howl and Polly Geist appear as romanceable options across entries, providing continuity for fans while introducing new monsters to expand interactions. Spooky High, the original's setting, receives cameos in later games, now rebranded as Spooky Academy to reflect the characters' post-high school lives. Subsequent titles evolve these foundations by scaling up complexity and variety, particularly in narrative outcomes. Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip shifts to a resource management system with stats like Hype, Magic, Mind, Money, Soul, and Stamina, integrating survival elements into the framework while preserving the multiplayer choose-your-own-adventure style. This results in exponentially more endings compared to the original's dozens of secret routes, with the third game enabling hundreds of combinations through layered events, detours, and hitchhiker romances. Monster Prom 4: Monster Con further innovates by adding online co-op alongside local multiplayer, allowing remote players to compete or collaborate in convention-themed scenarios, building on the series' social deduction humor. Lore across the franchise maintains continuity through a shared monster world, positioning the original prom as foundational backstory that influences later events. Sequels advance the timeline, depicting characters as young adults in new settings like summer camp or road trips, with references to past relationships and alternate outcomes from prior playthroughs—such as looping narratives or unresolved tensions—woven into dialogues and secret endings. Developer Julián Quijano has emphasized this interconnected intent, describing the series as an expanding universe designed to explore diverse monster experiences beyond high school, with over 2,000 pages of cumulative dialogue ensuring thematic consistency in irreverent, queer-inclusive storytelling.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Monster Prom received mixed reviews from critics upon its initial PC release in , earning a score of 73/100 based on 12 reviews, indicating generally favorable but not outstanding reception. Critics frequently praised the game's sharp writing and humor, which satirizes high school tropes through absurd monster-themed scenarios and witty that often elicited during playthroughs. For instance, the humor was highlighted as a standout feature, with nearly every interaction delivering punchy, irreverent lines that kept sessions engaging despite frequent player failures in romancing characters. Replayability was another common commendation, stemming from hundreds of randomized events, branching choices, and over 1,300 possible endings that encouraged multiple sessions to explore different outcomes and stat-building strategies. Criticisms centered on repetitive gameplay mechanics, where stat grinding and choice-based encounters could feel formulaic and luck-dependent after initial playthroughs, leading to diminished returns in longer sessions. Some reviewers noted the multiplayer focus made solo play less compelling, as the competitive elements for resources and suitors lost impact without friends, resulting in a sense of aimlessness in narrative progression. The game's obtuse stat requirements for successful "speech checks" also drew ire, often leaving players frustrated by unpredictable rejections without clear guidance on optimal paths. The 2020 console ports, particularly the Nintendo Switch version as Monster Prom: XXL (which includes the Second Term DLC), garnered slightly more positive feedback, with a Metacritic score of 73/100 from 11 reviews but higher individual marks suggesting favorable reception for its portability. Reviewers lauded the Switch edition's suitability for short, couch co-op sessions on the go, praising how its 30- to 90-minute run times and vibrant art translated well to handheld mode for party play. However, some pointed out minor control quirks, such as imprecise d-pad navigation in menu-heavy sections and the lack of touch screen optimization, which occasionally hindered quick selections during multiplayer. The Second Term DLC, released in 2019, was well-received and helped elevate overall perceptions of the game, achieving 93% positive user reviews on Steam from over 250 assessments, with critics noting its fresh characters, events, and endings added substantial replay value without repeating the base game's flaws. This expansion was credited with boosting the game's appeal, particularly in enhancing narrative depth and humor for returning players.

Accolades and Sales

Monster Prom earned nominations across multiple categories at the 2019 , recognizing its innovative storytelling and community-driven development. Specifically, it was nominated for Excellence in Narrative, alongside titles like Celeste and Detroit: Become Human; the Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award, for challenging gaming norms; and Most Fulfilling Community-Funded Game, highlighting its successful origins. The game did not secure any wins in these categories, which went to Detroit: Become Human, Celeste, and , respectively. Beyond SXSW, Monster Prom was selected as a finalist in the 2019 MomoCon Awards Showcase, one of 20 standout independent titles competing for recognition in categories emphasizing creativity and innovation at the Atlanta-based convention. This community-focused accolade underscored the game's appeal within indie circles, though it did not take home the top prize. Commercially, Monster Prom has achieved substantial success across platforms, including PC and consoles, with its expansion Monster Prom: Second Term contributing to sustained player engagement and bundled editions like Monster Prom XXL for in 2020. As of November 2025, the game holds "Very Positive" user reviews on based on over 14,000 ratings (91% positive). The Switch port marked a key milestone, broadening accessibility for multiplayer sessions and aligning with the game's party-game roots.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

Monster Prom has been widely praised for its inclusive LGBTQ+ representation, featuring pansexual characters, non-binary pronoun options, and diverse romantic paths that avoid dramatic coming-out narratives or . Players can select such as they/them during character creation without impacting or story, allowing for fluid , while characters like the asexual Coach and aromantic Kale provide endings focused on platonic or non-romantic bonds. Queer gamers in academic studies have highlighted the game's "undramatic queerness" as refreshing, noting how it normalizes —such as romancing The Coven as a group—and asexual identities without judgment, fostering a sense of representation and . The developers consulted diversity experts like non-binary author Quinn Titus to refine trans character Zoe's arc, ensuring a fantastical yet respectful portrayal of gender discovery. Scholarly analyses further commend the title for resisting heteronormativity in simulators through these mechanics, though they critique its anime-inspired aesthetics for limiting body diversity. The game has influenced the indie dating sim genre by popularizing multiplayer "party" formats with absurd, monster-themed humor, with similar titles such as Boyfriend Dungeon blending romance with quirky mechanics. Its competitive structure, where friends sabotage or collaborate on dates, has encouraged similar social experiences in subsequent indie releases, expanding the niche of chaotic, group-play visual novels. Memes emerging from in-game events, such as disastrous prom preparations involving eldritch horrors or failed seductions, have proliferated in gaming communities, amplifying the title's satirical take on teenage romance. Media outlets like featured Monster Prom in for its sharp wit and over 1,300 branching outcomes filled with player-driven humor, positioning it as a standout in inclusive indie gaming. Post-launch, the game spurred a surge in and comics on platforms like , where creators reimagined characters in everyday or expanded lore scenarios, contributing to its enduring online presence. From a 2025 vantage, Beautiful Glitch's Barcelona-based success has contributed to global acclaim for the Monster Prom series.

Community and Modding

The Monster Prom series has fostered a vibrant , centered around platforms like the official server, which had over 24,000 members as of February 2025, serving as a hub for discussions, , and gameplay sharing. The subreddit r/MonsterProm remains active, with frequent posts on strategies, fan theories, and updates related to the series, including threads on recent releases like Monster Prom 4: Monster Con in 2025. Fans have organized virtual events, such as themed streams and playthroughs, echoing the game's prom motif, with examples including community-driven "Monster Con" gatherings via platforms like and Twitch in April 2025. Modding support has been integral to the series since its launch, with Workshop integration allowing users to create and share custom content, including new characters, events, and plotlines via the official Modtool released by developer Beautiful Glitch. Popular mods often expand romance options and endings; for instance, character packs introduce additional datable monsters from sequels, while others add unique scenarios like crossover events with external themes. Community-created mods frequently feature humanized versions of monsters or entirely new dateable characters, enabling players to explore alternate narratives beyond the supernatural cast. The Modtool supports custom sprites, sound effects, and backgrounds, making it accessible for fans to craft full storylines. Monster Prom 4: Monster Con includes cross-game elements, such as shared characters and events linking back to the original Monster Prom. Ongoing developer support in 2025 includes patches, such as the October 24 update, enhancing multiplayer stability and mod integration. The series has appeared at gaming conventions, with developer panels at events like PAX East in 2018 discussing and fan feedback. More recently, panels at GDC 2021 explored fan-driven content creation and its influence on narrative design, highlighting how community input shapes expansions and mods.

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