The
one on one fighting genre is truly the perfect place to plop Godzilla in. Considering 21
of his movies have a co-star (a giant movie monster kinda co-star that is) whom he usually
stomps into oblivion, it's really appropriate. Sixteen monsters are featured, but some of
them are "copies," technically that is. For instance, there are 3 different
versions of Ghidorah, but each one represents a different movie in which the monster was
featured. Even Godzilla himself changes his appearance to more appropriately reflect the
era of the time that the battle was fought according to his filmography. None of his moves
actually change, so there's no gameplay adjustments, but for G fans, this is a real treat.
Gameplay takes place in a limited field which allow for easy corner traps, but thanks to the special moves, these can be broken out of. Every creature features numerous amounts of attacks, all of them from the films (plus a few new ones). There is only one attack button as the other is used for jumping, but to stay true to the movies in which the game is based, this really was necessary. The speed of the game may also throw some fighting game fanatics off; Godzilla fans know that speed isn't his strongest assets. Also, Godzilla is the only character players can use in the one player mode, severely limiting the strategy involved.
Little graphical touches are strewn throughout the game that only keen-eyed players may notice. Godzilla's flame breath will change color depending on what stage he's fighting in (it even turns black and white for his original battle). All of the backgrounds were featured prominently in the classic movies and you'll even notice other monsters brawling in the background! All of the monsters are accurate representations of their true-to-life counterparts and non-G fans could still appreciate the detail. Animation is limited, but the overall package is very strong.
If the game has a weak point, the sound is it. Instead of featuring the classic
Godzilla themes (written by Ikira Ifubuke, one of Japans most respected composers) the
designers chose a decent mix of tunes that fit the mood, but sheer logic dictates that if
you're true to the movie in every other category, why not with the famous soundtrack?
Regardless of this major oversight, the other sounds are stripped right from the feature
films, including accurate representations of the monsters trademark roars. Even when the
monsters hit the ground it's the classic stock sound effect used by the studio.
It's sad, but this is the ultimate Godzilla game. An obscure game which most people will never play, but it was surprisingly released here in the states, so at least there's a chance. If you own a Duo and your a G-fan, this is a must own title. Others may appreciate the fighting system with time, but it's simplicity and lack of speed may turn off players accustomed to today's furiously fast fisticuffs.
