Godzilla Generations | November 27, 1998

 

This is a game where players control kaiju, including Godzilla, to destroy major cities in Japan. Enemies include G-Force tanks and fighter jets, and when the destruction rate of the city reaches a certain percentage in specific stages, bosses such as Super X, X2, and XIII appear. The playable kaiju include Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, the original Godzilla, the Hollywood version of Godzilla, and Minilla, with a hidden character being Giant Serizawa.

Players control kaiju like Godzilla to destroy a realistically rendered city, similar to 'Biohazard.' Each stage features a destruction rate and a time limit, and the game ends when the time runs out or the destruction rate reaches 100%. After the game ends, players receive an evaluation based on the destruction rate, remaining time, and health.

Controls are simple: players move using the stick, attack with the A button, and perform left/right attacks with the L/R triggers. The Y button allows the kaiju to roar and recover some health, while contact with buildings or attacks from the Self-Defense Forces reduce health. If health reaches 0, the kaiju falls, but repeated roaring can quickly restore health. This system suits Godzilla's infinite vitality.

The B button is for defense, and the X button executes a powerful special move. The camera work changes like in a tokusatsu movie, shifting angles based on the kaiju's position, providing high-quality scenes from various perspectives, such as looking up from the ground or viewing from a distance.

The game features five cities: Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, and Tokyo, each divided into 2-3 stages, with landmarks represented. For instance, Fukuoka includes the area around Fukuoka Dome, while Tokyo features the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. The graphics make use of the Dreamcast's high performance, depicting destruction realistically.

The game includes the Self-Defense Forces, which attack with tanks and fighter jets. Each attack inflicts minimal damage but can momentarily halt movement if hit. Bosses include the Super X series, each meticulously modeled.

A hidden character, Giant Serizawa, is based on the scientist from the original 'Godzilla.' He transforms into a giant to attack while repeatedly uttering iconic lines from Godzilla movies as he wreaks havoc.

Additionally, the game features a "Generations Theater" that includes trailers for Godzilla films up to "vs Destroyer." It connects to a mini-game called "Atsumete Godzilla," allowing players to train and battle kaiju in "Atsumete Coliseum." This results in a variety of kaiju types and showcases excellent quality as a Visual Memory integrated element.