Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee (Gamecube)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee lets up to four players engage in epic battles, destroy buildings and fire laser beams from their mouths. An opportunity some GameCube owners will find impossible to ignore.

The backdrops are large 3D environments including rugged coastlines, volcanic plateaus and Japanese cities that quickly become rubble under your giant monster feet - there's even an option that rewards points for destroying buildings.

The 10 selectable characters include all Godzilla's famous foes: Megalon, Mothra, Gigan and the giant robotic MechaGodzilla.

Each character has about a dozen straightforward attack moves - anything from a basic stamp (on your opponent's foot, head, whatever) to a dizzying 360-degree tail swish.

GDAMM on the Gamecube is the most refreshingly original 3D fighter since Super Smash Brothers Melee.

* $119.95

* Email jon@tenthplanet.co.nz