Godzilla (TurboGrafx CD) Playthrough
4Playthrough of TTi's 1993 fighting game for the Turbografx CD, Gozdilla. Contains two playthroughs, each showing a different set of opponents. The first playthrough is on normal difficulty and the second is on hard difficulty, both ending with the final boss, Super Mecha Godzilla.
00:00 Normal difficulty, first set of opponents
13:55 Hard difficulty, second set of opponents
Godzilla for the TurboGrafx-CD, a localized version of Godzilla: Bakutou Retsuden (Battle Legends) for the PC Engine, brings classic kaiju battles to life in a fighting game format. Developed by Alfa System, known for their high-quality titles on the platform, Godzilla showcases the studio's attention to detail and technical skill. Released in the latter years of the TurboGrafx-CD’s life, the game was somewhat limited in exposure, but it features a polished control scheme and gameplay depth that set it apart within its genre.
Gameplay in Godzilla mirrors the structure of traditional fighting games, akin to Street Fighter II, but with a unique twist to match the kaiju theme. The game’s combat is slower-paced and deliberate, giving players a sense of weight and power fitting for these massive creatures. Using only the standard 2-button controller, players can execute over a half-dozen moves with each kaiju, making the gameplay feel responsive and surprisingly sophisticated given the limited control options. This approach captures the scale of kaiju battles while keeping the control scheme accessible and easy to learn.
The game includes a roster of iconic Godzilla rivals, and players can select from these characters in versus mode once they’ve been unlocked. Each character comes with a distinct set of moves and abilities, adding variety and replayability, especially in multiplayer mode. Boss battles against legendary monsters like Mechagodzilla and King Ghidorah are a central draw, with each kaiju sporting moves that reflect their film counterparts, from atomic breath attacks to body slams. This attention to authentic moves and attacks, along with a detailed design for each character, demonstrates Alfa System’s dedication to the source material.
In terms of presentation, Godzilla stands out with its detailed graphics, sound effects, and music that directly reference the Godzilla film series. The visuals faithfully capture the look of the monsters, and the sound design uses sampled roars and effects from the films, enhancing the immersive quality. Music tracks are composed to mirror the series’ dramatic tones, while the opening sequence even pays homage to a Showa-era Godzilla film trailer, highlighting the developers’ commitment to the franchise.
Overall, Godzilla for the TurboGrafx-CD offers a carefully crafted experience that blends traditional fighting game elements with the iconic Godzilla universe. Its slower, methodical pacing fits the kaiju theme, and its presentation and controls make it a solid entry in the genre, particularly for fans of Godzilla or Japanese pop culture. For enthusiasts of the franchise, it’s a well-rounded homage that stays true to the legendary monster series.