Monark
In short: Monark is an RPG game released in 2022 by Lancarse, available on PC, PS5, PS4 and Switch. Our score: 6.5/10 (best picked up on a discount).
An acclaimed RPG by Lancarse.
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Game details
- Developer: Lancarse
- Publisher: NIS America
- Release year: 2022
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch
- Category: RPG
Our review
Monark, developed by Lancarse and published by NIS America, attempts to blend traditional RPG mechanics with a unique psychological horror theme. While it has some intriguing ideas, the execution often falls short, leading to a somewhat uneven experience. The story is arguably the strongest aspect, presenting a dark and thought-provoking narrative centered around a mysterious mist enveloping a school and driving students to madness. The themes of fear, ego, and the human psyche are explored through engaging character interactions and philosophical dilemmas. However, the pacing can be inconsistent, with moments of captivating storytelling interspersed with lengthy and less impactful dialogue. Gameplay is a turn-based affair that feels reminiscent of older Shin Megami Tensei titles, with a focus on strategic positioning and managing player sanity. When sanity drops too low, characters can go berserk, attacking allies and enemies indiscriminately, adding a layer of risk and reward. The c…
Pros
- Compelling and thought-provoking story
- Unique psychological horror themes
- Strategic sanity mechanic in combat
- Atmospheric environment design
Cons
- Repetitive combat and enemy designs
- Inconsistent pacing
- Technical issues (blurry textures, performance drops)
- Forgettable soundtrack
- Limited replayability
FAQ
- What type of game is Monark?
- Monark is a dark fantasy RPG developed by Lancarse and published by NIS America.
- When was Monark released and on what platforms?
- Monark was released in 2022 on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
- Who are the developers and publishers of Monark?
- Monark was developed by Lancarse and published by NIS America.
- What is the general premise of Monark?
- In Monark, you wake up in a mysterious academy engulfed by a mist that drives people mad. You must form contracts with Daemons to fight against the mist and uncover the truth.
- Does Monark have any unique gameplay mechanics?
- Monark features a 'Spirit' system where your ego and madness affect your abilities and the battles. You can also customize your Daemons extensively.
More about this game
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Last updated: 18/09/2026