Reviews

Posted by: jkdmedia

There used to be a well-defined line between the PC and console systems when it came to video games. In the age of the next-gen console systems, that line has become very fuzzy.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a prime example of that. It is the same game that you will find on the PC but with some very console-friendly control schemes. Ok, so the Sony sixaxis controller gets marginal use in this game, but the graphics are bright and lush, the cooperative play is a snap to launch and the controls are very intuitive.

Dr. Victor Von Doom is threatening the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, heading up a group known as the Masters of Evil and Captain America asks Thor, Spider-man and Wolverine to take out the cyborg-controlled assault ships.

After a sterling cutscene, which nicely captures the personalities of the first team of fighters, you work through the helicarrier until you encounter Scorpion. Get past Scorpion (the first of many boss battles aboard the helicarrier) and you will eventually get to the bridge where Nick Fury awaits you. Black Widow is in trouble and needs your help. But perhaps the foursome of Spidey, Captain, Thor and Wolverine are not what is needed for this mission. No worries. Just find the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo within a level, portal down and pull up Ms. Marvel, or Ironman, or Black Panther, or …

If this is sounding like an all-star card of some of the best Marvel super-heroes of all time, you are absolutely right.

But it gets even better. There is Daredevil, Deadpool, Dr. Strange, Elecktra, Ghost Rider, The Fantastic Four, and – get this – the SILVER SURFER!

Those that have played X-Men: Legends will recognize the way the game plays out. You have a level, a team of four, and many enemies standing between your team and its objective at the other end of the level. As each of the superheroes has unique abilities, the right mix will see you through each of the challenges that wait. As you fight, you get experience, which translates into leveling and improved skills. The lazy can let the game auto-assign skill points, but the person that wants to manage the team will be able to disable the auto-assign feature and customize the characters the way he or she sees fit.

While the gameplay is similar to what has been seen before, what truly sets this game apart is the story … well, and all the cool characters you will have the opportunity to play as. With Dr. Doom’s nefarious plot as the guiding point, thrown into the mix are evolving suspicions surrounding existing characters. Sure, Nick Fury may trust her, but doubts linger as to which side Black Widow is on.

Combat is handled well. Special attacks are tied to the hotkeys and flicking the controller once you have grabbed an enemy results in an entertaining toss. You can also use the control to pull down quickly to improve the damage of a ranged attack … well, if you time it right.

Yep, Raven and Activision thought of just about everything with this control scheme. The puzzles are tending toward simple, with players given the ability to push and pull objects into new locations. One thing that didn’t transition from the X-Men titles was the ability for Iceman to extinguish flames with his initial ice shard skill.

The majority of the issues surrounding the PC version of the title were non-existent on this platform, yielding a game that is a Marvel fan’s dream come true. The characters have attitude, and there are so many cool team members to choose from, with more unlocked as you progress, that the game’s variety feels wide open. This is a good thing as the game itself is rather linear in nature.

The graphics are very good, and the sound is spot-on for the game. Multiplayer has an arcade multiplayer mode in which the game essentially follows the same path but the players are trying to outscore one another.

Boasting the largest collection of Marvel heroes and villains in one title, Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a terrific game for the die-hard fan of Marvel comics. Those that enjoyed X-Men: Legends will also find this game entertaining. There are some failings, but overall, this is a game that is a delight. More than 20 playable characters, 17 locations, and the ability to control the destiny of the world and Marvel Universe – this game has the elements superhero fans crave.

Gameplay: 8.0
The use of the PS3 sixaxis controller is minimal but still nice. The game plays very well with this control scheme and the game itself is easily managed for a solid experience.

Graphics: 8.1
Is it possible that this game is a little brighter and perhaps a touch more lush than the PC version? Definitely seems so, and the animations are fluid.

Sound: 8.3
The voice work is well done, as are the special effects and musical score.

Difficulty: Medium
The game follows a very linear path but players will be able to select the difficulty level that will present a challenge through the game’s path.

Concept: 8.3
Good story and a great cast of playable characters.

Multiplayer: 8.2
Cooperative play is always fun and MUA is no exception. The game follows the same formula as X-Men: Legends or even Gauntlet in that you have to stay closer to one another as you play in order to keep moving. Players at either side of the screen, trying to go in opposing directions will stall the game. .

Overall: 8.3
The game tells a good story and the cast is incredible. It looks good, it plays decently and will cause the occasionally joyful noise from anyone who has treasured the Marvel comic books. The unique powers and multiplayer elements provide a lot of entertainment. This title is appropriate for younger and older players and will provide a lot of entertainment.