“Oh, no, there goes Tokyo,
Go, go Godzilla!”
Tokyo, and several other venues are
getting trampled on, but it just isn’t the fault of the mutated, irascible giant
prehistoric beast known as Godzilla. Oh no, there is also MechaGodzilla, Mothra,
King Ghidorah, Rodan and Megalon.
Infogrames, Atari and Wayforward
Technologies are the true forces behind Godzilla Domination!, a release for the
GameBoy Advance. The game is a pseudo-3D fighting program with each level scored
and harder opponents as the game progresses.
A meteor (named Meteor X, in typical
Japanese cinema fashion) has appeared over Tokyo and its magnetic emanations
have driven the monsters that derive extreme pleasure from leveling Japanese
cities and landscape, even wilder and more unpredictable. Only one monster seems
to be unaffected by the waves, and that is Godzilla. However, that doesn’t mean
the big green nuclear-breathing behemoth is any more lovable. On the contrary,
he is as mean and nasty as ever, and he just loves to take on the other monsters
in combat.
Some of the foes actually will ally
themselves with Godzilla in the next battle.
Each battle is scored in several
areas: monsters defeated, structures destroyed, vehicles crushed, health
remaining, time remaining (you can turn off the timer), current score for the
round and total score (of all the levels you’ve won).
The game controls are rather basic,
but do change with each monster you control. The D-pad controls movement, while
the L shoulder button is for block and the R is for jump. The A button triggers
the hand attack (wing attack in Mothra’s case, or bite attack in Ghidorah’s
arsenal), while the B button is the secondary attack function. But each monster
has special abilities. By holding the A button for Godzilla, you can charge up
his mega bite. The B button, held to charge, will unleash a seismic stomp. Each
monster also has range attacks – which are triggered by holding two buttons down
at the same time.
There are a number of scenarios in the
story mode of play, each taking place at a random environment. Godzilla may be
in a one-on-one matchup (it should be noted that you don’t have to play as
Godzilla, and can instead choose one of the other monsters), a tag team
scenarios against one or two other opponents, or be on the receiving end of a
1-versus-4 game.
The game’s sound is solid. Godzilla’s
trademark roar is intact, and he will vent that with each win.
Graphically the game is flat, though
colorful. You can walk horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on each
environment, and some sport multiple levels. However, the game falters when it
comes to the attack. You have to be on the same line as the foe you are
attacking or your attack goes for naught. In that regard, this is a very
two-dimensional game.
This is not a stunning fight game, but
with the special attacks that each monster can employ, it is enjoyable. The game
definitely sports challenge as well.
Godzilla Domination! is a relatively
elementary game that may have limited appeal.
This game is rated for Everyone.
Gameplay: 7.5
The set up for each session is the same,
and the general idea is to register the highest score possible in the battle
scenarios. You can set it up as a timed game to increase the thrill. This is a
purely reflexive experience.
Graphics: 7
The graphics try to give the feel of
three dimensions, but the fighting is strictly on a one-dimensional (horizontal)
line. The special effects are average, and the movement is repetitious.
Sound: 7
The music is well done and the sound
effects are very good.
Difficulty: Medium
While the controls have been kept
manageable, and there are nine difficulty settings, the game does progress in
difficulty and can be quite challenging.
Concept: 6.8
There is so much more that could be done
with Godzilla and his monster mob, and this game merely settles for a battle
format with a variety of static environments as host.
Multiplayer: N/A
This game does sport multiplayer action
through the GameLink system. Up to four players can be involved in the game.
Overall: 7
This is an arcade battle game that lacks
depth, but does bring some nice characters to the program. With little that is
spectacular, and in the realm of Mech games, this program may have a tough time
finding a strong fan base other than those who enjoy the movies and combat
action. This is merely an average title.
