Kaiju action on the C64

In the mid-1980s, countless games appeared on the Commodore 64 that broke new ground with quirky ideas, experimental concepts and often very idiosyncratic humour. This creative phase of the home computer era also saw the emergence of The Movie Monster Game, which was released in 1986 and stood out clearly from classic action or adventure games. Instead of controlling the usual heroes or spaceships, the player takes on the role of a gigantic movie monster that devastates a big city.

The game is a clear homage to old monster and kaiju films of the 1950s and 1960s, in which giant creatures reduced entire metropolises to rubble and ashes. However, this inspiration is not implemented in a serious or sombre way, but with a clear wink. The Movie Monster Game deliberately focuses on simple arcade mechanics, fast-paced gameplay and humorous exaggeration – an approach that perfectly suits the character of the C64.

Gameplay

The basic gameplay is quickly explained and deliberately kept accessible, which suits the arcade character of the game. The player controls a giant monster from a top-down view through a cityscape consisting of streets, skyscrapers, industrial plants and military facilities. The environment is clearly structured and designed to make destruction visually and playfully comprehensible. The aim is to cause as much damage as possible, tear down buildings and spread chaos, while at the same time fending off, evading or tactically exploiting enemy attacks.

The city is by no means defenceless, but reacts dynamically to the ongoing devastation. Tanks, helicopters and other military units constantly attack the monster, increasing the pressure noticeably as the game progresses. At first, the enemies seem manageable, but after a short time, the attacks become more frequent, forcing you to perform frantic evasive manoeuvres. The controls are deliberately kept simple and typical of arcade games of that era, allowing even beginners to quickly get into the game. Nevertheless, The Movie Monster Game is not just about pressing buttons: if you act rashly, ignore attacks or linger in one spot for too long, you will quickly be overwhelmed by the growing superiority of your opponents.

A key motivating factor is the scoring system, which is at the heart of the gaming experience. Instead of pursuing a classic game goal or a final ending, the primary objective is to achieve the highest possible score. Destroyed buildings, defeated enemies and time survived are directly incorporated into the scoring. This creates a high replay value, especially for high score hunters who want to continuously improve their performance, find more efficient routes through the city and optimise their destruction strategy.

Overview

Monsters:
There are several movie monsters to choose from, strongly reminiscent of well-known cinema icons from classic monster and science fiction films, without directly licensing or naming them. The developers deliberately used archetypal designs – such as lizard-like giants, insectoid creatures or humanoid colossi – so that the models are immediately recognisable but remain legally non-binding. The monsters differ mainly in appearance, but each convincingly conveys the feeling of being an unstoppable threat. In addition, there are slight differences in movement behaviour and destruction speed, which influences how aggressively or cautiously you have to play. These nuances ensure that each game feels slightly different despite identical game mechanics.

Maps:
The game cards show different urban areas with skyscrapers, roads, bridges and military installations. Despite the limited graphics capabilities of the Commodore 64, the environments are clearly structured and easy to read. The cities serve less as complex labyrinths and more as a stage for the monster’s orgy of destruction.

Enemies:
The city’s defences consist of tanks, missile launchers, aeroplanes and helicopters. These units attack in a coordinated manner and become increasingly aggressive as the game progresses. This continuously increases the level of difficulty and forces the player to make increasingly risky decisions.

Trivial

• The game deliberately dispenses with a detailed backstory or narrative cutscenes, as became common in later games, and focuses entirely on the immediate gameplay.
• The monsters are clear parodies of classic film characters from cinema and television, without crossing legal boundaries or using direct names.
• The simple and clearly structured game mechanics made the game ideal for short gaming sessions in between other activities, for example as a quick pastime.
• Many players used the game primarily as a high score challenge among friends and compared their scores directly on their home screens.
• Especially in teenagers‘ bedrooms in the 1980s, the game was considered a typical title for spontaneous competitions and friendly duels.

Reviews at the time

At the time of its release, reviews were mostly mixed, which was not unusual for many original C64 titles of that era. Trade magazines particularly praised the unusual basic idea, the consistent change of perspective to the ‘villain’ and the distinctly humorous approach, which set it apart from more serious action games. The smooth gameplay, easy-to-understand controls and quick start-up, which allowed players to get started immediately without a long learning curve, were also highlighted positively.

On the other hand, the limited depth of gameplay and the comparatively quick repetition factor were criticised. Some testers complained that the gameplay became too similar after a while and that there was a lack of long-term motivation due to the absence of new game mechanics or elements of variety. Nevertheless, many editors recognised that this simplicity was part of the concept. Overall, The Movie Monster Game was therefore classified more as an entertaining arcade title for in between than as a full-fledged long-term favourite or long-term investment.

Cultural influence

Even though the game did not become a major milestone in gaming history, it is still an interesting and insightful document of the C64 era. It illustrates how developers experimented with role models early on and deliberately cast the player in the role of the destroyer instead of the usual saviour or hero. This reversal of perspective was unusual at the time and showed that even simple arcade games offered scope for creative ideas. It was not until many years later that this concept was taken up again and further developed in other games.

In today’s retro scene, The Movie Monster Game is primarily valued as a charming curiosity and an example of the ingenuity of early home computer games. It exemplifies the creative spirit of experimentation in the 1980s, when unusual concepts, humour and game ideas were often more important than technical perfection or elaborate presentation. It is precisely this carefree attitude that makes the title interesting in retrospect and gives it a firm place in the memories of many C64 enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Movie Monster Game is not a complex or particularly deep game, but it is an entertaining and characterful piece of video game history that draws its appeal primarily from its clear idea and consistent implementation. With its humorous basic idea, simple but effective mechanics and clear references to classic monster and science fiction films, it embodies many of the virtues of the early home computer era, when fun and creativity were often more important than scope or technical sophistication. It is precisely this deliberate focus on the essentials that makes the title still enjoyable to play today.

For retro fans, collectors and lovers of unusual game concepts, The Movie Monster Game remains a worthwhile example of the special charm of the Commodore 64. It impressively demonstrates how much personality and recognition value even simple arcade concepts can have, and reminds us that not every game has to be an epic adventure to be remembered for a long time.

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