X2: Wolverine's Revenge

"This game is the best at what it does...."

The superhero genre has had its ups and downs since the very beginning of video game history (X-Men on NES anyone?). Instead of making an immersive game, developers have resorted to talking Action Game Formula A and mixing it with Superhero B. That is why it is so refreshing to see everyone's favorite little Canadian get a game that really does him justice.

GRAPHICS - 7

While the character models are well done (especially in the FMV's), they are a little on the choppy side in terms of animation. Anyone who has played Spiderman on the Box will know what to expect. Also, the indoor environments look a little muddled, but whether or not that was intentional is up for debate. I've always felt that the Activision teams had trouble making a living, breathing world in their games...and this one is no exception. With that said, there are some very good lighting effects as well as ''weather effects'' (snow, raindrops, etc.). The coolest graphical feat in the game would have to be the Heightened Sense mode. The screen goes blood-red and you can actually see the heat emissions of your enemy's as well as ''sniff'' their scent. Very cool stuff.

SOUND - 8

Everything sounds as it should. Metal clanging, wood breaking, yadda, yadda. The voice acting is VERY well done. Mark Hamill had me worried, but he pulled Logan off really well. Patrick Stewert voices Prof X with the same passion that he brought to the movie, and it adds a lot to the experience. The in-game score is passable, but you'll probably want to create your own custom soundtrack.

GAMEPLAY - 9

Now THIS is where the game really hits a homerun outta the park! When most average people hear the name Wolverine they think '' OH YEAH that's the guy with the claws!'' and it would've been very easy to make the game based on just that. Activision took the next 3 steps and incorporated his healing factor (in a suprisingly balanced way) as well as his heightened senses and combat prowess. You actually FEEL like Logan as he searches for his past, using your senses and taking on outrageous missions...with the occasional SNIKT! of course, heh. In addition to stealth kills (which earn you Bonuses and new moves), you have a very interesting combo system that will allow you to take out as many as 3 foes at once! This level of immersion is no small feat and it shows how much effort Activision has put into this game. I could go on about this category for a few pages but then you'd all fall asleep so.....

CONTROL - 8

At first it seems like there's a lot to learn in this game. Every button on your controller has a purpose and you WILL use them all on a regular basis. While movement is a little jerky, you will get used to it (again, think Spiderman). As I said before, the combat system is set up to allow you to take out multiple enemies at once. It works well for the most part, but there will be times where you will curse the game for its hit detection. The regular assortment of moves are there, punches, kicks, jumps, as well as a stealth mode that you can use to quietly take out enemies. While sometimes picky, the controls just work in a game like this.

BONUS - 9

Activision delivers here BIGTIME. Artwork, extra costumes, extra moves, biographies, you name it. There are also challenges that can be unlocked later on which adds a lot of replay value to the game.

BOTTOM LINE

The reviews for this game have been all over the place, which I think is unfair. You can't compare this game to Splinter Cell or Halo because it's simply an entirely different type of game. If you want a ''perfect'' game, this may not be for you. However, despite its flaws, Wolverine's Revenge is the answer to many X-fans prayers because it really does deliver an adventure that takes full advantage of Ol' Canuk's special abilities. A definate buy for fans and most definately a rental to everyone. You won't be dissappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/20/03, Updated 04/20/03