Koei Tecmo just announced a localization of both Monster Rancher and Monster Rancher 2 in the form of Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX for iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The original Monster Rancher and Monster Rancher 2 hit iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch in Japan but a localization wasn’t even hinted at. Today, Koei Tecmo announced Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX for Nintendo Switch and Steam in Japan and I wondered if that meant a localization would happen. I’m glad the localized release also includes the iOS port. If you’ve not played Monster Rancher, it was originally released on the first PlayStation back in 1997 as Monster Farm in Japan. The series of simulation RPGs has gone through loads of releases across different platforms over the years and it is great to see Koei Tecmo let fans re-experience and newcomers try out Monster Rancher on three platforms in the West with Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX. Watch the announcement for the release below:

Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX includes content not included in the original Western release like additional save data slots, freeze slots, and Monster Hall of Fame slots. There are also new features like a memo feature to use while raising monsters, rankings for random battles, high speed mode, and more. Instead of using CDs like the original games, this release will have a unique ID system to generate monsters. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX releases on December 9th for iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. A price point is yet to be revealed and there is no news for any Android release in the West yet. Hopefully this iOS does well enough for Koei Tecmo to consider bringing over more mobile releases from Japan. Have you played the original Monster Rancher games and are you looking forward to Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX?