The Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered demo is a roaring good time, no nostalgia required
The demo for Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered proves that you don't need nostalgia to enjoy this remake of Pipeworks Software's 2002 classic. Even for those only familiar with the franchise through recent films like Godzilla Minus One, the game offers a distinct experience rooted in the Showa era aesthetic.
The visual style intentionally recreates the charm of the Showa era (1954–1975) films. Monsters may resemble people in rubber suits, and heavy hits can send them flying into the stratosphere like ragdolls. This blend of silliness and seriousness perfectly captures the vibe of the classic Toho monster movies.
The demo, available during Steam Next Fest, features two primary modes. The single-player 'Destruction' mode lets players pick a monster to wreak havoc on a city (Seattle was the available stage in the demo) to achieve a high score. The 'Versus' mode is an arena fighter playable locally, against CPU, or online. While the controls can feel a bit sluggish initially, they become manageable once the player adjusts. Stage pickups are also present, such as an Atari symbol that summons Mothra for an air strike.

The playable roster in the demo is limited to three monsters: Godzilla, King Ghidorah, and Gigan. Interestingly, the Showa-era Mechagodzilla—a key addition to this remaster—is notably absent from the demo's selection, despite being a major selling point for the game.