User blog comment:BannedLagiacrus/Monster Appreciation Week: Velocidrome(4th Gen)/@comment-1758220-20150330182042

 VELOCIDROME 

 Concept:  A group of pack hunting monsters was a cool idea to include as part of the original set of monsters way back in the day. Naturally, they get their own leader, one that is bigger, badder, and means business. It's not necesarily the crown jewel of creativity, but I think I'd be miffed if tey didn't include something like this. 7/10

 Design:  You know, although the thin, lanky bodies of the original dromes are a bit flat by current-gen standards, the actual design of Velocidrome's body holds up pretty well. The deep blue scales with black stripes, the bladed, crimson crest, and the piercing yellow eyes actually make this beginner monster look pretty vicious. It even shows its bird ancestry more than the others thanks to its long toothed beak, which is a nice touch. 8/10

 Sound:  Standard 4th gen mini-boss theme for this guy, which is definitely more fitting than when they used to play the area themes. Never really liked the chimpanzee-sounding cries and shreaks on the Velociprey family. I like that they beefed up Velocidrome's (and the older old dromes's) voice to make him sound more intimidating, and he has a greater variety of barks and calls then he used to. 7/10

 Gameplay:  Kind of an annoying fight. Because he's so slight and quick, he can be frustratingly difficult to hit with certain weapons, and his stupidly-long jump range can be a huge nuisance when you're trying to sharpen up or heal. At least he's low on health and can be completed fairly easily, and from a power creep point of view, his inclusion after Seltas but before Kut-Ku makes sense. 6/10

 Equipment:  Velocidrome leads to a perfectly good starter set, although I would probably argue that the Great Jaggi set is a better option, seing as it can be obtained and upgraded earlier and easier. The weapons, though just raw, are a good foray into green sharpness and can be reliable tools for beginners to cut down the likes of Kut-KU and Kecha Wacha. 7/10

 Intro Cutscene:  It's really nice to finally see Velocidrome, a monster which has thus far been stuck with stiff, boring animations and cutscenes, perform some dynamic and fluid actions. We get to see him running alongside his pack and launching a surprise attack on the hunter. I'll give it a good score simply because of what a step up it is from his previous intros. 8/10

 Fourth Gen Alterations:  Velocidrome gets a good range of new features upon his return. He can now perform a pin attack, a turning bite, and a new advancing bite as well. Only a few of his old animations are still around, which is a good thing. Despite the new stuff though, he still feels pretty stiff and clunky compared to Great Jaggi, but at least an effort was made to update him. 7/10

 Overall:  Velocidrme is a pretty solid early-game monster. His ten-year old design is still decent, and the fourth gen facelift did a lot to improve him as a monster. Though still a little dated in some respects, Velocidrome is definitely better than ever, and I'd say he fits in just fine alongside everyone else in 4U. 7/10