GigaBash [PlayStation 5] | REVIEW

The idea of gigantic monsters battling across a city landscape is one that’ll never be boring. It’s something that has been proven across countless forms of media, whether that’s in movies such as Godzilla and Pacific Rim, or video games such as the classic King of the Monsters in arcades or War of the Monsters on the PlayStation 2 (we won’t talk about Godzilla on the PlayStation 4). GigaBash is the latest release to take that idea and run wild with it, with the destructive arena-battling pitting giant Kaiju against each other and causing endless destruction with their rampant showdowns. It’s a REALLY cool game too, especially in multiplayer where the chaotic confrontations are at their best.

Check out some screenshots down below:

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The core mechanics of GigaBash revolve around arena-based combat, with players taking a Kaiju and duking it out with up to three other enemies in combat – all whilst destroying countless buildings or objects in their path, of course. Players can use light attacks, a special attack, and aerial attacks (which can be charged to deal extra damage) to put together combos of hits, whilst each Kaiju also has its own abilities that can be unleashed to varying effects. It’s also possible to pick up enemies to launch them around or throw objects in the environment to deal damage, whilst players can also block attacks or even dodge out of the way when playing on the offensive. Want to know the best bit? Players will charge a meter as they play, which when filled allows them to unleash a bigger and more monstrous form to perform a super powerful ultimate attack – these are always fun to use and cause the most destruction across the battlefield. Basically, it offers everything you’d expect from this kind of game, which makes it easier for players to dive in and cause chaos without working through a steep learning curve.

Of course, each Kaiju feels unique to use in their own little ways, both with their stats and their move set. Gorogong is a giant horned monster with massive fists and bruting strength, which it can then use to its advantage when using its Wild Vortex attack and spinning at enemies. The flowery beast Rohanna lacks strength, but makes up for it by being able to summon minions to help her in battle or teleport across the battlefield. Then you’ve got Rawa, who is basically this game’s take on Godzilla (giant nuclear beam and all), whilst Thundatross is a Gundam-like robot that comes equipped with a giant sword. With ten playable characters in all, the roster is rich with variety and creativity, ensuring that there’s plenty of room for experimentation when battling it out with friends or strangers online.

“The simple yet satisfying combat mechanics as well as the destructive nature of battling ensures that the game is always a lot of fun to play in multiplayer, ESPECIALLY in local play where you can laugh at the insanity of it all together.”

That’s where GigaBash is at it’s best: in multiplayer. The simple yet satisfying combat mechanics as well as the destructive nature of battling ensures that the game is always a lot of fun to play in multiplayer, ESPECIALLY in local play where you can laugh at the insanity of it all together. Better still, there are party games that can be played in local multiplayer too, which introduce additional game mechanics to spice up the experience – a personal favourite was aptly named Rampage, which might have been inspired by the classic arcade game given that it’s all about destroying buildings. Of course, online multiplayer is just as fun and ensures that you’re able to jump into some competitive battling even if you haven’t got other players with you, though the fact that you can’t play the party games online was a bit disappointing.

There is a single player mode to play through too, with four of the Kaiju having their own little campaigns. They’re relatively short in length and it won’t take more than two or three hours to get through them, though there’s a decent mission variety to ensure they’re about more than just battling. At the same time, I couldn’t help but to see them as more of a glorified tutorial; whilst they do have elements of storytelling, it didn’t offer enough depth to make me feel invested in the lore of GigaBash. But hey, it’s better than nothing and it’ll certainly teach players the ins-and-outs of the game.

Check out some screenshots down below:

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I had a whole lot of fun playing GigaBash, with its ten playable Kaiju and great variety of environments (each of which bring their own uniquely destructive elements) ensuring that battles remained fresh and competitive throughout. Whilst it doesn’t offer a particularly deep fighting experience, there’s definitely elements of strategy in place thanks to the varied move set of each character and the fact you can use the environment to your advantage. It’s especially apparent when playing in two-versus-two multiplayer, where some solid teamwork can prove rewarding when dishing out the hurt on foes. It just has a perfect balance of simplicity, creativity, and destruction to keep players hooked in. It looks the part too, whilst the loading times on the PlayStation 5 are short and ensure you’re never kept out of the action for too long.

One thing I’d be remiss not to mention is that GigaBash isn’t a cheap game, with it coming in at just under £45 on the UK PlayStation store. This feels like a lot and might leave a bad taste with some players – especially since single player options in the game are a lot more limited when compared to the multiplayer. Whilst it’s not always easy to judge the value of a game, I’d have thought something around the £30-mark would have been a lot fairer for what’s on offer, even IF I was a big fan of the game itself.

Developer: Passion Republic
Publisher: Passion Republic
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, PC
Website: https://passionrepublicgames.com/