Godzilla… no, wait. Super Godzilla!
I came across this old review for Super Godzilla (on the Super Famicon) one of the most boring strategy games ever made, in an old Manga Mania magazine from 1994.
Here is the article in it’s entirety.
Super Godzilla Review
Japan’s No. 1 national hero stomps his way on the video game screen… but is it merely to take away Ultraman’s mantle as the worst Nintendo game ever?
It’s a hard life, being a Japanese live-action star. The Big G may be revered as a hero in his native country, but in the West he’s a figure of fun, ridicule and a late night slot on Channel 4. So just how does he shape up as a video game?
It’s bad-news-for-Tokyo time again as the three dragon-headed King Giddorah wreaks havoc downtown. Enter Godzilla, subtly controlled by radio waves, who must face the Giddorah. The screen display and mechanics are very reminiscent of an earlier Gundam game on the Nintendo. Split into two halves, you guide Godzilla via a map to the enemy in the lower half, whilst you’re shown the results of your actions on a sort of movie above. Come across an annoying building in your way and Godz just crashes through. Finally, after avoiding mines and missles, Godzilla reaches his objective and the real game begins. It’s also where things get a little confusing.
Up against Giddorah you have direct control over Godzilla, but it’s no use just punching the beastie out, you have to make use of the Dynamic Fighting SpiritTM, represented by a pulsating bar just below the main screen. Edge your way slowly towards your enemy until you’re within striking distance, wait until his bar is low… and strike! Now back up fast until a little window opens up with a special attack allowing Godzilla to let loose with a tail attack, a headbutt or his patented fire breath.
Watch in horror as all your hard work barely scratches Giddorah. Gasp in astonishment as Giddorah closes in for the kill (which incidentally you can’t block) and promptly kills half of your energy in one fell swoop. And so it goes… for what seems like an eternity. After Giddorah, you can fight Mecha Godzilla, Biollante and other foes (old and new), but the tactics remain the same.
Maybe not quite as bad as Ultraman, but it’s a close call.
Scorecard
Graphics – 7/10
Well it certainly looks like Godzilla, and whether he’s topping up his energy at a nearby power plant or giving a swift uppercut to Mecha Godzilla in front of Mount Fuji, the pictures are well done.
Sound – 7/10
If you’re not used to a Godzilla soundtrack, it may seem odd – jolly and triumphant at the same time – which the game captures very well. Plus try out some great roar samples.
Presentation – 5/10
Rather basic with very few options and only a smart title screen to redeem it.
Overall – 5/10
You really do need to be a Godzilla fan to appreciate this one. The actual game isn’t strong enough to hold most people’s attention beyond the second monster.
Super Godzilla – Toho – Super Famicon (SNES) – 12 Mbit
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