It’s everyone’s dream to build their own team of superheroes. Marvel fans rejoiced with the original Ultimate Alliance back in 2006, which eventually came to the PS3 is 2007. Now it’s time for the sequel to step into the super-powered ring, as Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is set to up-the-ante on its predecessor, while providing more of the fan favourited action and RPG elements that made the first a classic.
The idea for MUA2 remains the same. You select four Marvel superheroes from a large character roster with all the favourites such as Spider-man, Wolverine, Iron Man and the Hulk, and set out on a beat-em-up escapade which spans the globe, either by yourself with AI controlled teammates, or by offline or online co-op where up to three friends can join you in the ultimate superhero venture. However there is purpose behind all this action.
MUA2 follows the storylines of the Secret War and Civil War comic plots. For a little rundown: In Secret War, Nick Fury takes a small team of superheroes into the fictional European country of Latveria in order to overthrow the injustices taking place. In Civil War, the superhero community is split in two due to registration laws instilled by the government, which result in some heroes signing up, revealing their identities and becoming official law enforcers for S.H.I.E.L.D, while others turn vigilante and revolt against the new legislation. It results in utter chaos and the player is required to choose Pro-Reg or Anti-Reg, either siding with Iron Man or Captain America respectively.
The story is compelling enough to make you give a damn, and when it actually comes down to the choice of allegiance, players will really feel a little torn. What’s even more impressive is the degree in which the two stories and sides differ. Players will get a unique story regardless of which side they choose, which also allows for some serious replay value next time around.
At the core of it all, MUA2 is a super-powered beat-em-up brawler. Each hero has their signature abilities, along with heavy, light and grab attacks, while their fighting style remains true to their comic book origins. Fighting and smashing up impressively destructible levels, results in experience points and power-ups being earned, whereby players can equip their team with ability and power boosts, while attaining new moves and specials for their characters. A great feature allows your equipped XP to be applied to whichever character you place in your team, therefore allowing you to switch teammates on-the-fly without losing any XP.
Some in-game conversation segments address the RPG elements, and each character has relatively similar, but uniquely stylized answers to fit their character’s demeanor and attitude, which is a nice touch.
A definite highlight of MUA2 are the new fusion moves. Any two characters can now combine their special abilities in order to create a powerful room clearing or directed attack which deals great damage. These moves are incredibly unique and different combinations result in some awesome attacks, such as the Thing and Gambit, where the Thing will rip a giant rock out the ground, Gambit will fill it with explosive cards and then the Thing will throw it at the enemies unleashing all hell. The fusion moves are exciting and different and with the 24 characters at your disposal, you could only imagine the amount of fusions possible.
In addition to the leagues of goons you fight, boss battles occur, whereby you’ll take on one of your own kind or a familiar enemy, which adds to the overall Marvel universe and gives fans those epic encounters they desire. There is the odd camera annoyance against the bigger bosses, but it’s no biggie and doesn’t detract anything away from the gameplay.
What Marvel is known for is their fantastic artwork and awesome character design, and thankfully their aesthetic doesn’t let down here. MUA2 is a really solid looking game, with beautiful animations crafted for each unique style and look of each character, and the powers and mutant abilities once again look awesome.
It’s really satisfying to see all of Marvel’s heroes interacting and working together in-game as well as through really cool CG cutscenes and pre-mission briefings. Overall, the Marvel atmosphere has definitely been delivered to the home consoles.
In addition to the great replay value thanks to the duel storylines and co-op play; hidden dossiers, concept art, alternative character costumes can be unlocked by performing large attacks or by being found throughout levels.
At the end of the day, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is a fantastic button-masher, which is a good thing thanks to the large variety of characters, great incorporation of fusion attacks and co-operative play. MUA2 is the ultimate service for Marvel fanatics, which will leave them watering at the mouth. So the eternal argument goes, who to choose, Spider-man? Iron-man? Captain America? Hulk? Why not have ‘em all.
[starreviewmulti id=1 tpl=20]
