It may seem like Monaco: What's Yours is Mine is a game that came literally out of nowhere, but it's got quite the history. The unique title from Pocket Watch Games took first place in the Independent Games Festival back in 2010 and has been in production for a much wider release for the last two and a half years. The result is one of the most unique andchaotic multiplayer experiences you'll experience. The game harkens back to the olden days of strategic multiplayer in the same room, and will keep you wondering what would have happened if you made separate decisions. Be warned though, the same features that make the game unique also lead to its few downfalls.

"...you're playing the interactive version of the great heist movies..."

It's a bit hard to describe exactly what's happening in Monaco, simply because so much is going on at once. Putting it in its most simple terms, you're playing the interactive version of the great heist movies like The Usual Suspects, Heat and Oceans 11, even though it may not seem like that at times. The game begins with a group of thieves escaping from prison, they're looking for freedom but it isn't long before the allure of another big score gets the best of them, and the game begins proper.

The core of Monaco revolves around the game's fantastic class system. Each criminal has their own set of unique skills, and as a result goes about completing the game's missions in different ways. The locksmith for example is able to pick locks and safes faster than any other character, while the cleaner is able to knock out enemies. The lookout is able to spot any enemies in the level and the pickpocket is able to send his pet monkey to steal items (no, really). More classes, the Redhead, the Hacker and the gentlemen are unlocked through gameplay and it's great fun to try out each character in different situations and see how they fit in, and how they handle different trouble.

By far though, the main appeal of Monaco is teaming up with three other people and planning your attack. Playing Monaco is at its most fun when you're actually in the same room with your fellow crooks and you're devising a plan. Does the cleaner go out and take out all of the enemies in sight while the lookout keeps an eye out for others? Will you have the mole burrow through walls to make an easy get away for your crew? Monaco is all about devising a plan and having to react when it doesn't work out.

"...unique minimalist visual style."

Of course, the first thing you're bound to notice about Monaco is its unique minimalist visual style. Looking like a cross between someone's art school project and an Intellivision game, Monaco features some of the most simple, yet breathtaking visuals you'll see. The world's are blocky and simple, yet pop with color, and the score is nearly pitch perfect for game's tense yet goofy tone. The simple visuals also help the gameplay, as each character is identified solely by a color, which stands out against the backgrounds. Be warned though, when things get hectic it can be tough to differentiate between exactly what's going on.

Monaco is not for everyone, some will get turned off by its unique visuals, some will dislike its lack of context, but if you're willing to sit down and give the game some time, a great experience will unfold. At it's best when you bring friends, Monaco: What's Yours is Mine is going to surprise a lot of people.