Title: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

Date: 12.06.2006

Genre: Action RPG

Platform: PlayStation 3

Developer: Raven Software

Publisher: Activision

As the PlayStation 3 begins its launch, few games out of the already small released list get ignored, either because of their release on multiple consoles, or because they've already received bad reviews from video game critics. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is one of the few games which were already released on other systems beforehand, leaving less to be desired from it. However, it's difficult to base a review without making it a comparison, especially if you've played it on a different system. This review is based solely on the PlayStation 3 and nothing else, and is made only to critique what is shown in this game alone. This review was also written playing solo and with one friend, leaving out any comments on online or large-group play.

Graphics

Absolutely beautiful. The graphics for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance are absolutely perfect for a PlayStation 3 launch game. The game looks simply astounding, and can easily be seen as such when compared to games of the last generation. Even if a few of the costumes look a bit too shiny for their own good, each figure it loaded with detail and it works to perfection. From the levels, to the characters, to the breakable objects, to the cut-scenes and back, the game looks overall about as great as it ever possibly could. It's not hard to see that M: UA is a downright beautiful game, especially for the task its given (having so many characters on screen at once without losing any sense of graphics at all).

Sound

Great while playing, but you won't remember any of the songs or sounds, that's for sure. The sounds are forgettable, honestly, but it doesn't mean they're necessarily bad. The smashes and explosions don't take away from the game, but add to the experience and nothing more. The music in the background isn't groundbreaking in the least, but it's still great music to listen to while killing bad guys left and right. The voice acting is quite spot-on, with only a few characters seeming a bit too out-of-place (Spider-Man's VA comes to mind). With actors such as Steven Jay Blum (of anime fame), Cam Clarke (of metal gear fame) and Quinton Flynn (of everything fame), you're sure to get your grade-A voice acting from this game.

Concept/Story

The storyline is a blend of storylines from different Marvel comics all gathered into one giant adventure. With the help of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Marvel Superheroes are out to save the world from the evil Dr. Doom. Granted, it's not the most original story, but it's not a bad story at all—and actually a lot of fun for comic book fans. The concept of the game, overall, is great. Mixing elements from other hack n' slash games, with a few RPG elements, and putting in Marvel's greatest heroes (though some would argue other characters should've been included as well) makes for a beautiful, fun, and exciting game. Choose one to four members in a team, each with their own move sets, powers, experience gauges and items to wear, and destroy hordes of bad guys to reach the evil doctor that's destroying the world. It's a concept lacking of originality, but it makes up for it in its beautiful presentation.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay is nearly flawless for the type of game it is, but it loses points in a few sections for minor problems. The first and major problem with me is the glitches. While there were only a few through my whole run-through of the game, they did prove to be rather annoying—sticking to walls, unable to get down from flying, and getting stuck in certain parts of the game (all which were easily cured by using the Portal function in the Pause Menu, which is rather handy—you've got to wonder if they put it there on purpose for that exact reason). However, other than the minor glitches, the game works beautifully. Each character's move set mirrors that of their comic book entity, with no character being left out of the creative loop. Each character has their ups and downs, making it fun to plan a good strategic team that manages to destroy the opponents in every way possible. You're able to interact with many items on screen, enemies are all beatable and the game is just downright fun. Hindered by a bit of stupid A.I. from the computer, on both sides of the team, you'll have a bit of trouble getting through the game with four members on your team destroying things left and right. Gladly, there are options to shorten your team and work with only a partner or two (which I did throughout the whole game).

Each character is given their own move-set/power-set, four different outfits (three for Moon Knight) with their own unique stat-raising abilities, and the option to equip one item to help them fight. Powers are gained by points or money, both which are available (almost in excess) during the game. It works, and it all blends together beautifully. As for the unique bit of the game made solely for the PlayStation 3, the tilt controller does play a small role in the game. The tilt is used for taking enemies shields or weapons, and small puzzles in the game. Overall, a pretty lacking feature, it does seem as if they added the idea as an afterthought, leaving a bit to be desired from it. The response is a bit quirky at times, and I felt like you had to hold the controller in a still, upright position (though my partner disagreed with that), or else it wouldn't know what you were talking about. Regardless, I see it as more of a gimmick than anything, and not a huge part of the game. It definitely won't hinder your experience at all.

Replay Value/Fun Factor

Its fun and I definitely want to play it more and more. Is that enough? It's not a game that I'll obsess over for ages, thus the lacking of a perfect score in this sense, but it's a game I wake up wanting to go back to just for a bit. As it is a launch game, and only my second game on the PlayStation 3 to this day (with the other being Resistance), it's difficult to say that I'm not swayed by the idea of playing other games. Yet, M: UA is still taking over my PlayStation 3, not leaving the system whatsoever unless it's for the occasional movie. The game isn't long, by any means, and the unlocks aren't very hard to find, yet getting 100% in the game should take the casual gamer a few weeks, or the hardcore gamer a week or two tops.

Final Thoughts

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a great game to start a new system on. Its fun, it's not boring and it provides loads of entertainment for everyone, especially fans of the characters. A great game and one I'd recommend for every PlayStation 3 owner to have at one time or another. Even those with other systems are recommended to grab this title if it's anything like this version (or better?). Overall, a solid release and a fun game.

Game Score

B+

Reviewed By: Contributed