GigaBash's latest DLC brings Ultraman and Emi to the kaiju brawler

Since launching in 2022, GigaBash has gone from featuring fighters inspired by the towering superheroes and monsters of Japanese kaiju films and shows to one that directly bolsters its roster with licensed characters—such as the legendary king of the monsters, Godzilla. Its latest DLC features a more recent tie-in, Ultraman: Rising, which released on Netflix this past summer.

While the popular Japanese superhero's past incarnations have already been added to GigaBash as DLC, Ultraman: Rising is unique. The film not only switched from the genre's traditional live-action to animation, but was actually a Japanese-American co-production, animated by Industrial Light & Magic.

Naturally, it was a collaboration that GigaBash developer Passion Republic was eager to get involved with.

"Our team was inspired right from the moment the Ultraman: Rising trailer dropped, and we knew immediately that we wanted to take on the challenge of designing a unique experience with Ultraman: Rising!" says Passion Republic founder and CEO Ng Aik Sern.

Even though GigaBash already features four other playable versions of Ultraman from across the superhero's history—including the original 1966 incarnation—Ultraman: Rising's version is very distinctive, with the film taking a leaf from Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse's striking animation style. It made adapting Ultraman: Rising into a unique challenge.

"Classic Ultraman is known for his deliberate and grounded movements, a hallmark of the original series," explains Game Designer Tan Zong Yi. "In contrast, Rising features more stylized, dynamic animations that give the character a fresh and modern flair. The silhouette of Ultraman in Rising is also distinct, setting him apart from other characters in GigaBash."

With more exaggerated animations lending the character a vibrant, energetic feel that matches the film's intense style, the hope is that Rising's Ultraman will stand out not just from the existing Ultraman characters, but the rest of the GigaBash universe.

That's not all, though. Rising's Ultraman actually consists of both the superhero and Emi, a baby Gigantron. Given the surrogate parent-child dynamic at the film's core, it was natural for the two characters to team up in-game. The result is GigaBash's first playable duo fighter, made even more unique since it’s a duo that brings hero and monster together.

"Emi's presence adds a unique layer of gameplay," Yi explains. "My focus was to enhance the sense of teamwork between Ultraman and Emi, so Emi’s abilities—like echolocation—help Ultraman track enemies and boost his attacks. This creates a powerful synergy that not only improves the gameplay mechanics but also brings new strategic depth."

Emi can fire projectile attacks while perched on Ultraman's shoulder, but the baby Gigantron can also launch herself at the enemy as a kind of “accidental” combo finisher, which results in the protective Ultraman leaping forward to catch her fall. It's a slapstick bit of animation that's charming and reinforces the bond between the two characters.

Of course, no fighter is complete without an ultimate attack. Ultraman & Emi's is extra-special, as the Spacium Beam recreates an iconic moment from the film's final battle—hopefully not a spoiler for those yet to check it out on Netflix.

"When players activate the ultimate attack, Ultraman and Emi stand back-to-back, unleashing their beams simultaneously," says Yi. "Players can control the beam’s direction, and when they converge, they merge into a more powerful, awe-inspiring blast. This thrilling visual moment adds an extra layer of excitement to the action, giving players a sense of being part of the movie’s epic finale."

While the hope had been to release the DLC to coincide with the film's release during the summer, it's already been a packed schedule for the small Malaysia-based team. This year alone has already seen the release of two Nemesis fighters from the Godzilla franchise, as well as two original fighters inspired by Power Rangers.

"That said, we felt launching the Ultraman: Rising DLC during the year-end holiday season would be the perfect timing for both GigaBash and Ultraman fans to enjoy," says Sern.

With Ultraman & Emi, GigaBash's total roster stands at 23 fighters—but this won’t be the last DLC, though only time will tell what franchises or other original creations will be pulled into this kaiju crossover universe.

"We’re always paying close attention to the passion and feedback from fans around the world, and that drives us to continue expanding GigaBash’s universe," says Sern. "We’re constantly looking for exciting new collaborations, and I’m happy to say something exciting is in the works. Stay tuned!"

GigaBash is available on the Epic Games Store, and the Ultraman: Rising DLC is out Nov. 28 at 10 PM EST.