| Godzilla: Save the Earth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Pipeworks Software |
| Publisher(s) | Atari |
| Series | Godzilla |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 Xbox |
| Release | PlayStation 2 Xbox |
| Genre(s) | Fighting |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer |
Godzilla: Save the Earth is a fighting video game based on Toho's Godzilla franchise. It is developed by Pipeworks Software, published by Atari, and released in 2004 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
The game is a sequel to 2002's Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee, and was followed by Godzilla: Unleashed in 2007.
The gameplay is identical to the previous game, although it plays at a more sluggish pace and allows monsters to use their beam attacks more frequently. New additions included elevated terrains, a challenge mode, online play, and a slightly more cohesive story mode that includes limited traveling sections and underwater levels. In addition to all 12 playable monsters from the previous game, Save the Earth introduces six new playable monsters: Baragon, Jet Jaguar, Megaguirus, Moguera, Mothra, and SpaceGodzilla. Biollante was also going to be included (as she was fully programmed into the game), but was cut due to licensing reasons.
Save the Earth also supports online multiplayer. The original servers are no longer online for both versions however, the Xbox version is playable online on the unofficial Xbox Live revival servers called Insignia.[3]
Save the Earth takes place two years after Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee. The story involves mankind getting hold of Godzilla's DNA, known in the game as "G-Cells." The Vortaak learn of this, once again returning to Earth, controlling a vast army of monsters, including their ultimate weapon: SpaceGodzilla. The player faces down many controlled monsters in different locations. In the climax cut-scene, Godzilla confronts SpaceGodzilla in a final duel. Godzilla blasts off SpaceGodzilla's shoulder crystals causing a black hole to form. SpaceGodzilla is sucked in and apparently killed, forcing the Vortaak to retreat while Godzilla lets out a victorious roar, having saved the Earth yet again.
| Aggregator | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| PS2 | Xbox | |
| Metacritic | 62/100[17] | 63/100[18] |
| Publication | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| PS2 | Xbox | |
| 1Up.com | B−[4] | B−[4] |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 5.33/10[5] | 5.33/10[5] |
| Game Informer | 6/10[6] | 6/10[6] |
| GameSpot | 6/10[7] | 6/10[7] |
| GameSpy |   [8] | [9] |
| IGN | 6.5/10[10] | 6.5/10[11] |
| Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |  [12] | N/A |
| Official Xbox Magazine (US) | N/A | 7.1/10[13] |
| TeamXbox | N/A | 6.1/10[14] |
| X-Play | [15] | [15] |
| Detroit Free Press | N/A | [16] |
Godzilla: Save the Earth received mixed reviews on both platforms according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[17][18]
1UP gave the game a "B−" score, saying: "Godzilla: Save the Earth is a fun game and a worthy sequel to Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee. If it had been afforded a little more finesse (especially regarding the Challenges) and a little more authentic Godzilla flavor, it'd be even sweeter. The fact is, though, that unless you're a Godzilla fan, there are better games of this general type out there (War of the Monsters and Def Jam: Fight for New York come to mind). Still, the kaiju in Godzilla's universe are way cooler than grown, sweaty men in tights."[4]
