Video game protagonists are typically human-sized and relatable in some form, making it easy for players to assume their role. Everyone wants to be a hero, but this is harder to achieve when protagonists are monsters who tower over others.
However, that shouldn’t take away from the allure of certain games that let players control behemoths in gameplay and tear everything to shreds. It’s quite cathartic, although some protagonists are large but don’t partake in such destructive activities.
Godzilla
It’s A Shame The Game Didn’t Do Justice To This Iconic Kaiju
It’s a shame that the Godzilla video game adaptation harkened back to a time when these games were little more than forgettable marketing tools. Instead of playing what could’ve been the greatest kaiju game of all time, fans were treated to an experience that didn’t live up to its potential.
That being said, controlling Godzilla as he took on iconic kaiju enemies was still great in its own way. As long as players want to fulfil a power fantasy for the ages, 2014’s Godzilla should be largely bearable and even fun in some instances.
King Kong
The Excellent Video Game Adaptation Of Peter Jackson’s Movie Lets Player Control This Iconic Monster
On the other side of the spectrum, Peter Jackson’s King Kong bucked the trend when it came out around a time when most movie tie-ins were throwaway titles and wowed fans with its immersive gameplay. Controlling Jack during regular FPS sequences made for a highly immersive time, and the game also let players enjoy the fantasy of controlling Kong from time to time.
Ripping open dinosaur jaws and showing these beasts who’s boss made the King Kong gameplay segments a blast to engage with. The clever UI and excellent storytelling ensured that this quality action-adventure game would be a blast to engage with.
Ifrit
Clive Transforms Into A Massive Eikon When The Going Gets Tough
Clive always assumed that his younger brother had been killed by a mysterious Eikon wielder, only for the fight against Garuda to make it clear that he was the culprit all along. It also lets players control Ifrit for the second time as he smashed this winged Eikon to a pulp in Final Fantasy 16.
These bombastic set pieces are a blast to engage with, even if players have to deal with some railroaded gameplay. Ifrit is a massive beast that can pummel the strongest Dominants in the game and ensure that Clive attains victory after some hellacious battles.
The Carrion
A Human-Eating Monster That Becomes Bigger With Every Meal
Carrion is a great reverse-horror metroidvania where players control a fleshy monster that’s constantly in need of human sustenance. However, as horrifying as this monster is, a few bullets are all it takes to take down this foe.
This is why players are encouraged to skulk in the shadows and stalk their prey, horrifying groups of humans as they’re devoured one by one. The monster also becomes bigger and stronger in the process, lending to the unmatched sense of progression present in most metroidvanias.
Kabuto
Players Control This Kaiju From Time To Time
One of the most underrated games that combines real-time combat with strategy elements to make for a delectable combination, Giants: Citizen Kabuto is a great game for players who want some simple action to get invested in. It helps that the campaign lets players control one of three races.
One of these is the titular Kabuto, a massive behemoth that can smash enemies to a pulp. This beast is a joy to control and lets players enjoy a power fantasy for the ages as players fulfill their wildest dreams about controlling a kaiju.
The Bull Shark
The Shark With Goals For Revenge Becomes Bigger And Stronger With Every Meal
Maneater‘s hook of playing as a shark is simple and doesn’t need too many things to complicate it. Controlling a female bull shark on a quest to revenge to take out a grizzled fisherman makes for a great time, although this shark starts pretty weak and must get strong by devouring their prey.
Eventually, eating enough fish (and humans) will allow the bull shark to become stronger than ever. Watching this protagonist become a huge, intimidating bull shark that can tear apart other foes with their teeth never gets old and lets players enjoy a satisfying sense of progression.
Knack
Depending On The Number Of Relics Attached To Knack, He Can Be As Small Or Large As Players Want
Knack is one of the most underrated action platformers players can get their hands on. It features engaging gameplay where players can increase or decrease Knack’s size based on the number of relics attached to him.
This allows Knack to reach the size of a small skyscraper with enough relics. While some people argued that this size mechanic wasn’t used efficiently, the charm of Knack ensures that players won’t mind that the gameplay didn’t realize its full potential.
Razputin “Raz” Aquato
In One Level, Razputin Can Become A Giant Terrorizing A City
This is more of a technicality, since Razputin is a normal-sized person in regular levels. However, after entering the lungfish’s brain, players will enter Lungfishopolis, where Razputin is a kaiju in a town that fears him.
Players will love smashing things and becoming the center of attention as news channels report every single thing he does. It’s a fun level in a game full of imaginative moments, making it clear why fans love Psychonauts.
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