In the introduction to his 1974 song Cheepnis, Frank Zappa asked the audience “Do you like monster movies? I love monster movies.” The song went on to pay tribute to low-budget 1950s B-movies, but they themselves were all cheap imitations of Godzilla.
Today, we see that same love for the genre that inspired Roger Corman to produce and direct It Conquered the World, or Zappa to write Cheepnis, in the world of gaming. What is rapidly becoming the most popular leisure activity in the 2020s is still inspired by that 1952 classic. The following games borrow heavily from Godzilla – and they are all absolutely free to play online.
Godzilla (Arcade)
The first game is also the most obvious. This arcade classic has been around on a variety of platforms for years, with updates and new levels periodically added. Now, you can play it online via a number of different free game platforms. In traditional arcade style, there’s either single player or two-player mode, and there are six playable monsters. There is also a story mode, in which as Godzilla, you must take on and defeat a succession of other monsters. The action is set between 1964 for Level One (against King Ghidorah) to 1992 for the final battle against Mothra.
Rage to Riches
Here, developer Play n Go has come up with a slot game that takes its cues from several classic monster movies, including both Godzilla and King Kong. It’s set in a futuristic cityscape that is overrun with monsters bent on destruction. The quality of the animation and effects is top notch, and the game is available to play at the Vegas Slots site. Unlike some games, this is more than just spinning reels with a monster theme and a loud soundtrack. 20 paylines, 97 percent RTP and medium-high volatility mean the potential for some big payouts. Meanwhile, the monster bonus game lets you take control of Godzilla, King Kong or Giant Werewolf and earn extra rewards by creating a trail of destruction.
Godzilla: Daikaiju Battle Royale
This enthralling flash game was made by Godzilla fan Alex Merdich. It is set in the near future and the Xiliens have launched a full-scale invasion of Earth, bringing with them 68 new monsters to help subjugate the populace. The player can then take on the role of earth defender or attacker, and if you choose the former, Godzilla is for once on the side of the good guys. Either way, the fate of the planet is in your hands. There is a battle mode or arcade mode, and all 68 of the different monsters are playable, although most of them need to be unlocked first.
Ultraman vs Godzilla
This is a game that Frank Zappa would have approved of, and that pays tribute to the Godzilla game genre in much the same way as Cheepnis made affectionate fun of the movie. It’s basic, it’s low budget and if games used wooden props, they would probably be visible in this one! However, those of us who truly love the genre know that this is all part of the fun. In Ultraman vs Godzilla, the monster is back to being the villain and it’s left to Ultraman to defend the people of Earth from his 8 bit-style wrath. Give it a try, this game will make you smile like no other.
More to explore from the Monsterverse:
- About Godzilla x Kong: Supernova
- Godzilla x Kong: Supernova forum
- Godzilla x Kong: Supernova Image Gallery
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2
- Spin-off Godzilla series
Godzilla x Kong: Supernova will hit theaters on March 26th, 2027!
More to explore from Toho:
- Godzilla Minus One sequel now in development!
