Godzilla Balls (2024)
a FREE game by ‘Paxanga Software’ for MSX
Written for BrewOtaku #002 by Syed Raza
The infamous Godzilla – an ever-returning character in the world of films and gaming, literally since years. Every title that associates with the character gets a boost in their reputation pretty much ahead of its release, but maybe also not.
NO! IT’S NOT ABOUT GODZILLA’S BALLS
‘Dr. Shorizawa’ is an obvious crazy Japanese who catches and locks away ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Gamera’. Not only did he lock them away, but he has shrunk them both to the size of a hamster. The monsters are asked to return his ‘collector balls’ from an experimental playfield, where he once lost them. Help Godzilla and Gamera to do so, so that no single ball is left behind. During the in game, you will see common standard information such as lives, stage number, remaining time, balls left to collect and special items. Signs with information are occasionally crossing your way in a level, and they might contain useful hints, don’t ignore them. Along your way, you will have to find keys and unlock gates to move on. The keys are well-placed and don’t think to find them that fast. At most these keys are also guarded by enemies.
Switches and other elements add up to the gameplay. Once you’ve collected all the balls, the game goal is achieved. But will Godzilla be freed?
The music makes you whip and whistle after a bit, and the overall graphical presentation is well done. You don’t control both monsters at the same time, but every monster might have a specific skill set needed to finish up a level.
Conclusion
A title that is worth playing. The game might get improvements and a physical release, but this depends on the feedback the authors at ‘Paxanga Software’ get. A complete level restart after being dead is unpleasant, but that’s how it is.
