Ever since Sony announced the Minis, small downloadable games specifically targeted at the PSP Go, we’ve seen mostly uninspiring titles or games directly ported from the iPhone. Luckily things have started to change and a few very original games have been trickling though. By far the most fun I’ve had on the PSP all month is playing this little gem.

Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess is a hilarious little platform jumping game starring The Duke, a swaggering vampire who’s out to get his princess back from the monsters. The basics of the game is really simple: proceed through the vertical level by jumping up platforms while chasing and laying a beat-down on an ascending monster before it reaches the top of the level. Hit him three times and The Duke lays a final blow, sending you and the monster crashing down to the bottom. It’s a no-brainer and anyone should be able to run through it the first time without much fuss and within 20 minutes or so, which does feel very short. Luckily that’s not where the fun stops.

Getting the basics down is easy but the beef of your time will be spent replaying for high-scores. Hitting each platform increases your combo meter and high-scores are racked up by building up combo while hitting the monster. The higher your combo when you strike the higher your score. Depending on how high your combo is when you deliver the third hit also affects on The Duke’s ending attack, one even sending the Duke into outer space before rocketing down for the final blow. Each level has between 50 to 80 platforms and a perfect score can only be achieved by hitting all of them, a feat not easily achieved. Now, I’m no high-score hunter but this is a title that made me retry some levels many a time, especially trying to get the gold medals on each level. Further items and trophies (unfortunately no real trophies for the PSP yet) are there to unlock for the persistent gamer or those seeking to get the most out of their game.

Monsters is such a fun game to play and perfectly suited for a quick game on the go. The game controls are super responsive and the graphics are very pleasing to the eye thanks to the highly detailed, colorful animated sprites and backgrounds. Each monster is unique and the dialog will keep you entertained well after your first play-through.

If you haven’t tried a Mini yet then Monster (probably) Stole My Princess is a great one to start with. Get it off your PSN Store and help the Duke save his beloved princess, for better of for worse.

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