Developer: Vicarious Visions
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, DS, PS2
Played on: Xbox 360
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Rated: T (Teen)
The Deal:
Comic book-inspired video games have enjoyed a surprisingly successful year. Games like Infamous, Prototype and the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum have signaled an end to the stigma that developers can't make good superhero games.
One franchise that has enjoyed early (and rare) superhero video game success has been Activision's Marvel Ultimate Alliance franchise. In it, players pick a team of four of Marvel's greatest superheroes and battle it out in a button-mashing competition.
In Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, the game incorporates events in the Civil War storyline from the comics. Marvel's greatest superheroes are at odds with each other over a piece of government legislation. They're either forced to register with the government as law enforcement agents under the Superhero Registration Act and reveal their hidden identities or rebel and fight against it to maintain their personal liberties. Players must decide which side to take and the outcome of the story takes shape based on that decision.
The Good:
- Pairing together some of Marvel greatest superheroes for your ultimate dream team remains a fun experience. Would Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, and Iron Man make up your fearsome foursome? Or do you sit Spidey on the bench because his tights are too red? It's all up to you to decide which of your favourite heroes will do battle against the forces of evil.
- This is a great game to play with your buddies because of the easy controls. Up to four players can battle it out -- either online or offline -- in some button mashing mayhem.
- Part of the fun is trying out all the superhero powers of the over 24 playable characters, but in MUA2, they've also added new Fusion powers into the mix. When your meter is high enough, you can combine two superheroes, say, Mr. Fantastic with Iceman, to unleash a super powerful (and flashy) attack. With over 250 combinations, there's a ton of possibilities to try.
- Using the trademark RPG elements is a fun experience for those that like customization in their games. Want the Spider-sense to tingle a little stronger? Need Storm to cast more powerful weather attacks? Think Hulk needs more bashing power? You can tweak it all as you level up throughout the game.
The Bad:
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is a bit too similar to its predecessors. This is essentially the same game we've played since X-Men Legends, X-Men Legends 2, and the original Marvel Ultimate Alliance, so franchise fans will find this game a bit stale.
- The Civil War storyline isn't all that compelling and the talky parts of the game, especially with the shoddy voice work, make it a bit of a grind to complete.
Final Word:
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is an uneven gaming experience. If you're new to the franchise, you'll enjoy playing as some of the greatest superheroes in the Marvel lineup. However, for veteran players, things may feel a little too familiar.
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