Godzilla
By Marc Saltzman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Irradiated monster brawler loses power in gameplay, visuals.
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What’s It About?
In GODZILLA, scientists have studied the legendary King of the Monsters and found his "G-Energy" could be harnessed and used to better the lives of humankind. Fast-forward 60 years, and Godzilla has reared its ugly head once again -- bent on destroying our cities, dueling against other legendary monsters, and smashing generators in search of more G-Energy to grow to its full potential. Though there are a few different modes, the main campaign has you, as Godzilla, staying alive by roaming around cities, collecting G-Energy, and finding targets to punch, tail-whip, stomp, and breathe hot white fire onto.
Is It Any Good?
Only major fans with low expectations will find value in this overpriced, repetitive, and lackluster action game. Godzilla moves slowly around the cities -- he's enormous, so not much of a shocker there -- but you might find yourself yelling "hurry up!" at your screen. When you engage in a battle against another monstrous rival, there isn't much strategy. You trade blows, perhaps use one of your special abilities, and hope you remain the victor. You can't block or use countering moves, which would add more strategy. The only interesting twist is the trade-off with G-Energy; you'll earn more by smashing buildings and vehicles, but the more you destroy the more likely the rival monsters will come out and try to chip away at your power.
Visually, the iconic movie monster, set pieces, and special effects aren't very impressive. It looks like a last-generation title, which might be fine for PS3 gamers with aging hardware but likely will disappoint those with PS4 hardware. Truthfully, mediocre graphics aren't a big deal if the gameplay is compelling enough (look at Minecraft, after all). At least there are a few modes, including online play for the PS4 version, the ability to make your own Godzilla, and multiple camera angles so you can see the action from all sides. Only superfans or easily amused casual gamers will get something out of this disappointing title.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in games such as Godzilla. Is the violence acceptable because it's clearly unrealistic and without blood or gore? Should this game have more graphic content to match the destruction of cities and landscapes?
Because of Godzilla's decades-old history (not to mention the pure kitsch value), should this be a game played with the whole family? Is it ideal for parents to bond with their kids over a game?
Game Details
- Platforms: PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Namco Bandai
- Release date: July 14, 2015
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Bugs , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires , Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: T for Fantasy Violence
- Last updated: August 4, 2021
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