Muppet Monster Adventure

Magenta Software

Industry	Video game development
Headquarters	United Kingdom , United Kingdom
Products	Video games

Muppet Monster Adventure is a platform video game released in 2000, developed by Magenta Software and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. The title was created under the Psygnosis license for The Muppets franchise, featuring players in control of Robin The Frog as he strives to prevent The Muppets from being permanently transformed into monsters.

The gameplay style aligns with the popular 3D collectathon platformers that were prominent during that period.

Critics offered mixed to average feedback, commending its smooth execution and enjoyable aspects, while opinions on the soundtrack and gameplay mechanics varied.

Plot

Robin the Frog eagerly anticipates a holiday with The Muppets but finds himself disappointed upon arriving at a dilapidated castle. His uncle, Kermit, explains that they must join Dr. Bunsen Honeydew to attend the reading of his uncle’s will, which centers on the theme of friendship. After an enigmatic figure opens the castle door, Robin loses consciousness.

He regains awareness in a subterranean laboratory alongside Pepe the King Prawn, Beaker, and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, who reveals that an evil force emanating from the castle has transformed many Muppets into monsters and is also corrupting the nearby town. To aid Robin, Honeydew provides him with a "Power Glove" capable of extracting this malevolent energy from creatures, allowing him to rescue his friends.

Robin confronts corrupted knights and guards within Castle von Honeydew, freeing Gonzo who has become the vampire "Noseferatu." He then journeys through "The Deadlands," battling pirates and skeletons before defeating the "Wearbear" to restore Fozzie Bear.

In "Neverleave Forest," Robin navigates past hunters and hostile farmers before confronting Uncle Kermit, who is on the verge of becoming "Ker-Monster," saving him from transformation. Within the "Village of the Darned," Robin defeats the "Muck Monster," thereby restoring Clifford.

Moving into Madness Marsh—inhabited by armed hikers and perilous wildlife—Robin faces off against and reverts "Ghoul-friend of Ker-Monster" back to Miss Piggy. He then crosses "The Whatsamatterhorn," overcoming adversaries including aggressive monks.

Assuming his mission is complete, Robin returns to challenge Baron Petri von Honeydew, whose appearance evokes The Phantom of the Opera. Utilizing the Baron's own projectiles against him, Robin triumphs but then faints once more.

Upon awakening with all Muppets apparently restored to normal, Robin recounts his experience as a dream. Nonetheless, a painting of Baron von Honeydew animates and whispers 'shush,' while the Power Glove reappears on Robin’s hand—suggesting that his adventure may have been more than mere fantasy.

Gameplay

This title takes cues from 3D platformers such as Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, and Super Mario 64. Players control Robin who gains access to specific transformations derived from various Muppet monster forms. These transformations become available after collecting all four segments of an amulet bearing the corresponding Muppet's image: Noseferatu’s amulet grants gliding abilities; Wocka Wocka Werebear’s enables climbing; Muck Monster’s allows underwater diving; Ker-monster’s permits pushing blocks; and Ghoul-friend of Ker-monster’s provides door-breaking karate moves.

Progression through levels requires accumulating a certain quantity of 'evil energy,' which is dropped by foes and found scattered throughout areas. Only three levels can be accessed prior to facing a boss encounter. Boss battles are unlocked by gathering "Muppet Tokens" obtained within levels and minigames, which are necessary for defeating bosses and advancing through the game.

Cast

• Jerry Nelson – Robin the Frog
• Steve Whitmire – Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Rizzo the Rat
• Frank Oz – Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear
• Dave Goelz – Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Baron Petri von Honeydew, Chives the Butler
• Kevin Clash – Clifford
• Bill Barretta – Pepe the King Prawn, The Swedish Chef

Reception

On GameRankings, the game garnered mixed reviews. Scott Steinberg from GameSpot described it as "surprisingly polished and enjoyable," though he expressed dissatisfaction with the sound effects and regarded the soundtrack as "forgettable." In contrast, Jeremy Conrad of IGN highlighted the soundtrack as "likely the strongest aspect of the entire game," while criticizing the gameplay for lacking originality.

External links

• Muppet Monster Adventure at Muppet Wiki