A missed opportunity
I received a copy Marvel Ultimate Alliance (MUA) as part of my Xbox 360 Elite and from the outset I have to admit that it is not the type of game that I would typically buy. The game sat on the shelf for a while but due to my growing interest in comics I decided to finally sit down and play through the game.
MUA is a brawler/RPG hybrid that allows you to control 4 super-heroes. At any given time the player controls a single character but is able to send basic squad commands to AI controlled characters. The games squad AI is a bit wonky and on a few occasions I had characters falling off ledges because they were trying to directly follow my character. At other times the AI would happily stand around and watch as the snot is beaten out of you, even though you frantically issue the assist command. The AI commands in general do not appear to do too much. Luckily this is not much of an issue since the character you control can do all the skull bashing required.
Every character has a set of unique powers that can be upgraded with skill points obtained by leveling up, obtaining items, or finding upgrade items. The RPG aspect of the game is largely involved with the enhancement of powers. Every character has multiple costumes that suit different play styles for a specific character. The outfits can be upgraded by spending shield coins obtained by defeating enemies and destroying objects scattered througout the levels. Powers can be reconfigured and assigned to face buttons for quick executions. Finally, every character has an ulitmate power which can be executed if enough momentum is built up. Momentum is gained by executing finishers. The basic fight mechanics of the game are fairly simple with only a few combos existing. This is a positive or negative dependent on the players skew towards RPG/brawler type games.
I played the majority of the game with Captain America and Iron Man and had a lot of fun using their respective powers. If a character uses certain powers the button can be held down to modify or enchance the power which adds a nice strategic touch. Furthermore, if two heroes hit with a power at the same time a combo effect kicks in which grants additional damage and bonuses. On top of character customization is a team management aspect that allows you to build classic comic book teams such as the Fantastic 4 and the Avengers for unique team bonuses. Teams can also be upgraded and expanded by spending reputation points gained by achieving objects and fighting enemies.
The game's presentation is uneven with regard to many aspects. Some of the voice acting is OK, some of it is truly horrible. The concept art on the loading screens looks fantastic, but the 3D graphics look like they belong on the PS2 or original Xbox. The story is more of an excuse to visit a variety of locations and meet different characters than a real plotline, but some of the background information provided by in-game quizzes and character interactions are quite interesting. Note that there are glaring mistakes in the game's plot with defeated characters happily plotting your demise in a subsequent scene and other cut-scenes being completely inexplicable and throw-away in relation to the overall plot.
The game's difficulty is also somewhat uneven with some mega baddies in the Marvel universe dropping easily while a stupid clown and Bullseye can prove to be quite challenging. Once the game is finished a hard mode is unlocked which can be tackled with all of the items and powers gained in the first playthrough. The game also has multiple endings dependent on decisions made througout the game. These have no effect on the in-game plot but change the ending cinematic.
Overall MUA is a game that will have you smiling one second and annoy you the next. The RPG touches are nice but can be deeper and easier to manage. The fighting works for the most part but comes down to executing the same series of attacks over and over. Random bugs also show up here and there and will either have you cursing or laughing at your TV screen.
Mostly, however, MUA is a game that succeeds more on its great central concept than its execution. If you like Marvel you'll be able to look past the flaws and enjoy a decent brawler; otherwise your time is much better spent with God of War.
