This fall, Godzilla and his crew of Toho-created monstrosities rampage their way onto the Wii in Godzilla: Unleashed, a four player fighting game to be published by Atari. Developed by Pipeworks Software, Unleashed combines frantic button mashing and motion controls to produce a destructive experience, one in which cities crumble under the weight of these behemoths.

Similar to Pipeworks' previous Godzilla games, Destroy All Monsters Melee and Save the Earth, this edition pits the popular creatures against one another in winner take all battles. Since the developers build them to scale, they fight within detailed cities, where their bodies and various attacks annihilate buildings and other structures. Players can destroy skyscrapers simply by punching or running into them. Knocking things over offers plenty of amusement, though most people will focus on their opponent, and for good reason. Staring at the pretty scenery results in a stiff ass kicking. Each of the game's 16 monsters (divided into the following four factions: Earth Defenders, Mecha Faction, Aliens and Mutants) possess devastating attacks, including Godzilla's trademark Atomic breath. They can also hurl objects such as buildings. No one wants to get smacked in the face with a store.

Of the 16 creatures, a list that includes Godzilla, MechaGodzilla and Megolon, two more original monsters that will pop up in future Toho movies, are also included. This should please Godzilla fans, as they offer the unique opportunity to play as these creatures before they hit the big screen.

While Unleashed may look like its predecessors, its motion based controls set it apart from its brethren. Players maneuver their monsters with the nunchuk's analog stick and execute simple attacks by pressing A and B on the remote. They can also perform attacks by swinging the remote around. For example, to fry someone with Godzilla's Atomic breath, they press and hold C on the nunchuk, tilt his head with the remote and fire with B. In addition, this attack may be used while in the air and moving around.

At this early stage, Pipeworks still has plenty of work to do. Unleashed slows down whenever too much happens, and the visuals, while decent, could look sharper. Providing the team and speeds up the action, this could be the premier Wii fighting game. Look for more Godzilla: Unleashed coverage leading up to the its fall release.

Related Links

Godzilla Unleashed

Atari