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Brian, better known as UK J Zoidberg from the UK Gaming Network, looks at Monster Business, a 1991 Amiga platformer that never quite found the spotlight. Developed by Eclipse Software Design—a studio with ties to Thalion and later known for the Iron Soldier series on the Atari Jaguar—the game sits in the shadow of more well-known platformers of its time.
Eclipse, founded by Mark Rashaka, was behind several Amiga titles, including Wings of Death and remakes of The Last Ninja. Monster Business borrows from arcade classics like Mr. Do! and Dig Dug but adds its own chaotic energy.
The premise is simple: Bob, the game’s protagonist, runs a zoo where the animals have broken loose. Monkeys, snakes, and other unruly creatures roam the levels, and Bob needs to round them up before things get worse. The game’s vertically scrolling stages feature platforms, ramps, and ledges, creating a layered battlefield. Bob’s weapon—a short-range gun—requires him to hold down the fire button long enough to make an enemy inflate and explode. But the real trick? Timing it so the explosion sends creatures flying into others, triggering chain reactions and dropping bonus fruits. All of this happens under a strict time limit, with extra rewards for finishing quickly.
Monster Business never made waves like other platformers of the era, but its fast-paced gameplay and unique mechanics make it worth revisiting. Brian breaks down what makes it interesting, where it stumbles, and whether it’s still fun today.
