Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee

"Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee"

This was a great game for fighter fans, monster fans, fans of classic Rampage, and fans of gaming in general.

Godzilla makes a video game debut to the GameCube, and shows everyone that the movies weren't lame and full of crappy special FX. The game is basically what the movies could've been with the proper technology (they were still great nevertheless!). If you didn't know, this game is a fighter combined with Rampage World Tour, I'd say. Godzilla's there, and 13 more of his monster rivals are there too. I know, I know. You're probably saying "What?! 14 measly characters?! That's a sucky roster!" But GDAMM emphasizes on simplicity, rather than a confusing game with tons of things to get.

The game doesn't get too simple, though. You know, to a point where you only have one attack button (this is okay in original arcade games, but not for fighters, definitely not!). The monsters can punch, kick, shoot projectiles, use specials, throw, roar, and duck. That's a lot of stuff, but it's simple to learn how to use them (using just one or two buttons for each attack). Also, no button-mashing! You know, stuff like A, B, Y, A, Y, X, A, Z, forward, back, down, forward, A, and complete with R. Yeah. That. Throwing is tactically effective in many situations, but trying to get your opponent in throws the whole time will probably result in you losing the fight. Punches and kicks are the basic attacks, and if you're kind of new to this game, try punching and kicking instead of doing things you may not be capable of handling yet. Projectiles are very powerful and effective. But the problem is that they lower your energy bar a lot. Roaring is somewhat like a projectile, but it can send a guy flying back. It works well, but also depletes your energy meter. Certain guys can also fly, but not to a great extent. Rodan is by far the best flier. Ghidradorah can fly, but not as well.

The monsters are pretty impressive, and unlike Rampage: Total Destruction, they aren't given stats, but you can tell it would've made sense if they did. They vary in speed, strength, defense, and special attack strength. Smaller monsters tend to have more speed, less strength and defense, and pretty high special attack strength. Bigger monsters tend to have higher strength and defense, less speed, and high special attack strength. So, technically, you're better off with a larger guy, but you never know what might happen.

The arcade mode is kinda long and difficult, but it doesn't reduce the funness of the overall gameplay. You fight the monsters from the entire roster, and it eventually leads up to a fight inside the mothership with Orga. This mode is how you unlock the secret characters of the roster, though there are cheats to get everything in the game, also posted on GameFAQs.

Other cheats make the game very interesting to play and watch. One very cool cheat is the one that allows you to change the screen to the classic black and white color. This will make the game look like a classic Godzilla from the 1950's. Another changes the screen to Technicolor. This will make the game feel like a Godzilla movie from later in the years than the 50's. One cheat will give you every monster and makes them playable. A further cheat from this will give you Orga, for you do not get him by the first get-all code.

The versus mode is one of the best parts. You can play against a computer selected character and fight, or fight against up to three friends. Having four monsters fighting against each other really intensifies the action in the game. There is also a mode where up to four friends can destroy buildings to earn points (much like Rampage, but more fun and put in 3D perspective). This can be tactically effective when teams are set up and one person destroys buildings while the other holds the other two monsters off, keeping the opposing team from successfully gaining points.

The makers of Godzilla dish out an awesome, fun, and action-packed fighter in Destroy All Monsters Melee. It's solid, easy to master, and has tons of replay value. A great game.

Aerobreak's Game of the Year for 2002

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/02/06