Fantastic 4

"It does not deserve a four. Or a fantastic score."

At first, it looks promising. But then again, it's just a hack-and-slash game.

Graphics >> [6/10]
Nice. The characters look just like in the movie. The environment is a bit repetitive. Objects, such as trains, garbage cans, chairs, vases, trees, look fine. Enemies (and characters) look just right, although they are a little small. Effects such as fire, tornado, special ability, are good enough.

The graphic is nice, but I give it a 6 because it fails to give the "impression". For example; the rock golem (Ben) doesn't look all that tough or scary. The flame torch just doesn't look hot enough. When you hit enemies, they just shocked a little, knocked over, and vanish. It's all right, but it just doesn't give the "feeling" of pain. And talking about that, when your character is hit by enemies, they don't give any take-a-hit animation, like they are immune or something. Now this is a real setback. You don't know if you've just been hit and suddenly you find yourself almost death. Simply put, the graphics do not impress.

Sound >> [5/10]
Just okay. The background music is not memorable, but it fits the atmosphere and most importantly, not annoying. The sound effect is, well… just good enough. It's like, you know… those "whack" sound when you're hitting something. You can listen to the sound, that's for sure, or you can turn off the sound and just listen to your own music. It doesn't really matter as you don't play the game for the sound. Overall, the sound is… just okay.

Story >> [8/10]
Well, the story is more-or-less just like the one in the movie (isn't it?). For those of you who don't watch the movie, I will tell you. This is a story of the "normal four" when they have some sort of accident with the "cosmic storm" while working in the outer space. After the accident, they miraculously transform into the "fantastic four". While having conflict inside them about their transformation, they are also faced with the "evil" Dr. Van Doom. And so on, and so on, just play the game will you?

Gameplay >> [4/10]
This is where the game really falls. The whole game is actually a big mess of hack-and-slash-all-the-way-to-the-end. You should get the idea. You meet an enemy, beat them, and move on. 3 meters ahead you meet an enemy, beat them, and move on. Repeat x7.

Well, this is an action game, so it is fair if we gun down some enemy. But this is just ridiculously monotonous. We can't even jump! Where's the fun in that? So it's like, walk until you find some enemies, and just beat them all.

Is that all? No, there is some special ability that you can use. Good thing every character has their own special skill(s) such as spitting out flame and becoming invisible, as well as the powerful fantastic four attack.

Fantastic four also features some puzzle-solving-action. There are places in the game where a certain character must use their special power in order to proceed. Such as using Ben to strike off the wall, Reed to cross pits (with his arm, you know…). Not to mention some in game lock breaking puzzle. That's fun, but not a challenge.

So you see, there is some variation, but it's a pretty linear game. Just walk around, beat some enemies (in a ridiculously repetitive way), and you will eventually finish the game.

One thing worth mentioning, the game is pretty easy. That's true; you can literally punch through the whole stages. There is no challenge at all. For me, it seems that the fantastic four is just too "fantastic".

Controls >> [N/A]
Finally, the good thing in the game. To begin with, it's simple. A and B to punch (which you will use A LOT), L to switch character, and R to use special powers (or so I thought). The controls are easy to master and easy to use.

Replay Ability >> [2/10]
Almost none. There is no some sort of secrets or something to make you play this game again. Not to mention that the game autosave itself after you finish a stage. That's if you want to play this game again, after suffering from the repetitive and boring game play. I should give it a 1, but I give it a 2 because… well, I was feeling generous.

Overall >> [5/10]
It's between bad or good. Tell you what; this is a pretty linear game with some variety and special effect, topped with some rather good graphic and pleasing music. But it will eventually get boring through the end, thanks to the gameplay. One thing for sure, whatever you think about this game, it's totally NOT fantastic.

Buy or Rent?
Don't waste your money on it. If you really want to play it, rent it. It's easy and short. You should be able to finish it soon enough. Really, I totally feel like I'm wasting my time playing this game.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 04/24/06, Updated 03/16/07