X-Men Legends

"Not a comic book fan in the slightest, but this game is fun."

Yeah like the title says, I'm not really into the comic book thing, but I do like some of the material. To be quite honest, I thought the X-men movies were boring and overall I just wasn't interested in any of it. I'm still not, but I picked this game up because it's basically a Diablo-like RPG, and thats good stuff in my book. Raven's first foray into the marvel universe is a solid one, but it does have it's cons, too. Read on to find out.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PROS:

I'd like to say I love the equipment and level up aspects of this game. It's simple and it doesn't break up the action for too long. Each member of your team has 3 slots to put on equipment, while you have four basic stats to build up. The four stats are your basic rpg common denominators: Strike(increases your attack and damage output), Agility(increases your defense), Body(increases your maximum health), and Focus(which is the games energy stat). It's key when leveling up to focus on two of those stats because the majority of the characters are specialized in only one form of combat. Such as Wolverine; who specializes in melee, and Silver Surfer who specializes in more of his powers. Basically, leveling up is a cinch and strapping on equipment is fast and easy. Experts and newbs alike will have zero problems getting adjusted to this game. Each mutant has exclusive powers and a special xtreme attack, so playing through the game with several characters is a must.

The cast is nice, too. They're all varied to suit different style of play, but not so much that you'll rely on just ranged attackers. You'll probably want a balanced force of several so they each compliment each other in combat.

The game also supports 4 player co-op. Honestly you haven't truly played the game until you've played it with other people. Problems with the AI make playing with other people a must. So it's nice that raven included this. What else is nice is that anyone can pick up and play at any point in the game. No need to go back and start a new game.

The voice acting is okay, but thanks to Patrick Stewart's voice, it's made even more bearable. Honestly, his voice is amazing, it just suits the professor fine.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CONS

The game is perhaps too easy, though. A serious player can slug through this game no problem. While someone new might have trouble in the beginning, but thanks to the games low learning curve, will find the game over too soon.

The story is nothing to write home about either. Magneto and his troops have decided to fight back against the human bigotry of mutants by fighting back. It's up to the X-men to stop him and his cronies before it's to late. Yeah, typical super hero story here. Nothing new here, folks.

The graphic engine is also unimpressive. It's all cel-shaded, which to my understanding is to give this game that comic book feel. To me it just looks dull, and all of the models look horrible. Everything just looks lifeless and barren.

Now combat, while fun thanks to the wide array of mutant powers, revolves around two attack buttons. Every ally has the same amount of combos and basic attacks, which makes the combat eventually get dull. The ally AI can be troubling at times as sometimes they like to take a stroll off off cliffs or just like to not move at all. It's not a deal breaker, but I can see several people being frustrated at the AI while walking back to a save point to revive them.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rundown:
+ Easy to get into...
- However, it's too easy
+ Simplified stat system
+ 4 player co-op
+ Patrick Stewart's voice rocks.
- Repetitive combat
- Lame story
- Bad graphics
? Never let the game level up for you, EVER!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To buy or to rent:

I'd recommend a rent to just see if it has the lasting power to be in your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/26/07