GigaBash

(Redirected from Gigabash)

GigaBash is a brawler game developed and published by Malaysian independent studio Passion Republic Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on August 5, 2022. It was also released for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on August 4, 2023.

GigaBash
Cover Art
Developer(s)Passion Republic Games
Publisher(s)Passion Republic Games
Director(s)Mel Law, Aiken Tow
Producer(s)Ng Aik Sern
Writer(s)Gerald Yong
EngineUnreal Engine 4[1]
Platform(s)
Release
  • Windows, PS4, PS5
  • August 5, 2022
  • Switch, Xbox One, Series X/S
  • August 4, 2023
Genre(s)Brawler
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay edit

GigaBash is a brawler[2] in which the player assumes control of a kaiju and must battle each other in stages filled with destructible environments.[3] These monsters can perform light and a heavy attack, and unleash a unique special move. They can also dodge, perform an air dash, and hurl buildings and objects at their opponents. As the player deals damage to opponents, they will gain Giga-energy. With sufficient Giga-energy, the kaiju will transform into a "S-class" monster, which is significantly stronger and larger. During a match, a Giga-ball will emerge. The kaiju that acquires a Giga-ball can unleash an ultimate attack that deals devastating damage to other opponents.[4] At launch, the game would feature 10 different monsters.[5]

The game features both local and online multiplayer.[5] In battle mode, players can engage in free-for-all battle, or split into two teams and combat each other. While the game supports up to four players, solo players can also compete against characters controlled by artificial intelligence. In addition, the game features four single-player campaigns which follow the story of four monsters: Gorogong, Pipijuras, Woolley, and Thundatross.[5] In addition, the game also has a Mayhem mode, which is a party mode in which players can complete various minigames together.[6]

Characters edit

  • Gorogong: A horned ape-like monster living in the volcano of Luana Island.
  • Pipajuras: A captured alien invader once held at Area 51.
  • Thundatross: A giant mecha with an enormous sword piloted by a teenage boy.
  • Wooley: A friendly Totoro-like Yeti.
  • Skorak: A monstrous snail wearing a kaiju skull as a shell living on Tarabak Island.
  • Gigaman: An Ultraman-styled veteran superhero.
  • Rohanna: A nature goddess resembling a giant rose living on Tarabak Island.
  • Rawa: A Phaya Naga-like dragon that dominates Tarabak Island.
  • Zyva: A crystalline creature that guards the Hollow Earth.
  • Kongkrete: A living skyscraper.
  • Godzilla (DLC): Based on the Heisei incarnation
  • Gigan (DLC): Based on the Showa incarnation
  • Destoroyah (DLC)
  • Mechagodzilla (DLC): Based on the Millennium incarnation
  • Ultraman (DLC)
  • Alien Baltan (DLC)
  • Ultraman Tiga (DLC)
  • Camearra (DLC)

Development edit

GigaBash is the debut title for Malaysian independent game development studio Passion Republic Games. The monsters in the game were inspired by classic tokusatsu characters including Godzilla, the Dino Megazord, and Ultraman. Video games, such as games based on the WWE license, King of the Monsters, Rampage, Gundam Versus, War of the Monsters and Power Stone also influenced the team. Party games, such as Overcooked and Rocket League were also major sources of inspiration. The team also included a story mode, which serves as an "extension" to the core battle mode. This mode will explore the background of four different monsters and their origin.[7] The game's control scheme was designed to be accessible and simple, though the player's attack will be modified by other contextual factors, such as if the player is blocking, dashing or grabbing. Each playable character in the game went through multiple phases of design and development. Thundatross, the game's first publicly revealed character, was described as an "all-rounded" monster that resembles other classic kaiju.[8]

The first teaser trailer for the game premiered on September 12, 2019.[9] The game was released on August 5, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows.[10] During the 2022 Tokyo Game Show, it was announced that Godzilla would join the roster as a guest character.[11] A teaser for Godzilla's appearance in the game was released on November 2, with the character set to join the game as part of a DLC on December 9.[12] Three other kaiju from the Godzilla series; Gigan, Kiryu, and Destoroyah, have been confirmed to be released along with Godzilla himself in the DLC.[13] Three trailers that foreshadow each of the other three kaijus were released on November 16, 23, and 30th respectively. In a Japanese Indie World Showcase on April 19, 2023, the game's Nintendo Switch port was announced for August 4, 2023, and was made available for pre-order that same day. On October 12, Ultraman was announced to join the roster as a guest character. On October 19, Alien Baltan from the same series was shown. On October 26, Ultraman Tiga was shown. And on November 2, 2023, Camearra was revealed to the fourth and final character included in the DLC. The DLC released on November 8, 2023. A second batch of Godzilla DLC fighters, titled the Nemesis pack, was announced on April 25, 2024.[14]

Reception edit

GigaBash received "mixed or average" reviews upon release, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[15] Mitchell Saltzman of IGN gave the a game an 7/10 rating, praising the game's simple controls, character movesets and gimmick-filled stages; he concluded that these characteristics made more suited for casual local play than solo or even online play, modes he deemed "at least present and serviceable".[17]

References edit

  1. ^ "Over 80 Unreal Engine-powered games featured during 2022 summer gaming events". Unreal Engine. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  2. ^ Fenlon, Wes (June 14, 2021). "GigaBash is a cute and chaotic kaiju brawler that makes me miss arcades". PC Gamer. Future plc. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  3. ^ Purslow, Matt (December 16, 2021). "GigaBash's Latest Character Reveal Is a Sentient Office Block". IGN. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  4. ^ Romano, Sal (August 26, 2021). "GigaBash Gamescom 2021 trailer". Gematsu. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Romano, Sal (September 29, 2021). "GigaBash 'Story Mode' trailer". Gematsu. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  6. ^ Bashir, Dale (March 1, 2022). "Malaysian Kaiju Brawler GigaBash Primed to Be 2022's Best Party Game". IGN Southeast Asia. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  7. ^ Yong, Gerald (March 9, 2022). "GigaBash brings multiplayer, monsters, and mayhem to PS5 and PS4 this year". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  8. ^ Lee, Patrick (September 24, 2019). "GigaBash Is About Kaiju Battles and the Glee of Bringing Total Destruction". The Escapist. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  9. ^ Moyse, Chris (September 12, 2019). "Become King of the Monsters in city-trashing brawler GigaBash". Destructoid. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  10. ^ Doke, Shunal (11 June 2022). "GigaBash is Coming to PC, PS5, and PS4 on August 5". GamingBolt. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  11. ^ "GigaBash Godzilla Collaboration Teases the King of the Monsters". 15 September 2022.
  12. ^ "Godzilla Confirmed as Guest Character in Fighting Game". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
  13. ^ "Godzilla Announced for GigaBash Alongside 3 Mystery Fighters". 3 November 2022.
  14. ^ https://twitter.com/GigaBashGame/status/1783526387086999858
  15. ^ a b "GigaBash for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  16. ^ Andriessen, CJ (August 4, 2022). "Review: GigaBash". Destructoid. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  17. ^ a b Saltzman, Mitchell (August 4, 2022). "GigaBash Review". IGN. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  18. ^ Stockdale, Henry (August 4, 2022). "Mini Review: GigaBash (PS5) - A Mighty Brawler That Excels in Multiplayer". Push Square. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  19. ^ Denzer, TJ (August 16, 2022). "GigaBash review: Kaiju jamboree". Shacknews. Retrieved September 4, 2022.

External links edit