(Ms) Marvellous, I think not.
Written: Sep 05 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Interesting to start with. Good imagery.
Cons: Repetitive
The Bottom Line: For a cheap one night stand with a mildly entertaining game, choose this!
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| pablo_1982's Full Review: X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 for PlayStation 1 |
Perhaps I am a little late in writing a review on this product. The hype is over, the movie is one DVD, Patrick Stewart is probably in a nursing home (only joking) and I have had this game for a while. However, as it is one of my most played games, I thought I would share my little view with you great people.
I have been a fan of the X-men for some time (however this began with the cartoon as opposed to the comic book), so imagine my silent jump for joy when this game was released, along with the movie. Sad as it may have been for an 18 year old to get so excited about a bunch of computer generated pixals, I couldn't help being slightly enthralled at the chance to replay my childhood games. At last I could be Wolverine, unleashing my anger on any mutant haters in the world. What the excitement justified, well...
Firstly, I came across this game when I rented it from Blockbusters (alas I am but a poor student, who could not afford to purchase the game). When had a small group of my mates around, all looking forward to a virtual fight to the death, and it must be said, initially, we were not disappointed. Lets examine some of the pros and cons
Pros:
The computer generation is indeed quite good. Of course, it is only as real as virtual reality can make it, thus the usual square faces, and blurred features were present. The special moves were visually pleasing, with lightning bolts here, and laser guns there.
The game-play was of the upmost importance, and it has to be said that on the first night it was good. Perhaps it was just the novelty or something, but we all had a thouroughly good time, and the controls were challenging, without being impossible (thats right, it isn't a game where you need 7 hands just to do the special move).
A segment of the game also allows you to train your specific favourite character, so you can become proficient is all of their deadly arts. There is also a bonus area that will let you see mini-movies of all of your favourite mutants, providing you unlock them by completing the game.
Cons
A major problem with this game is that it does not include all of the main characters, (this by the way, is a problem with the movie also). If you like one of the more famous characters you are fine, however if you wish to be the more obscure, cartoon based characters... you may hit a snag. For instance the character of Rogue is not in the main selection. The same could be said of the bad characters you can play, although it appears that these are placed to tie-in with the movie.
The game, however thrilling at the beginning, does in fact become rather tedious after extended play. Once you have mastered to killer moves, there is really so many time you can obliterate everybody and enjoy it. Perhaps this is the fault of the academy section, but it does mean that you won't perhaps get the value for money you crave.
The arcade mode can be particularly annoying, as the difficulty level does not really provide adequate challenge once you have mastered the moves. The saving grace is that you can always kick your friend's butt should they cross you.
The levels are 2D and a little unimaginative. With little room to be creative. Also players such as Magneto have a big advantage when it comes to hit points, strength etc. Some could argue this off-set by other's special moves, however this is a weak argument.
In order to take the 'baddies' onto the arcade game, you must first complete the game with one of the six good characters. This can prove irritating, and in the end you are sick of the sight of just about all of them.
If I were to advise you in any way, it would be to rent this game. My initial leaning was in support of the game, however unstimulating levels, unimaginative characters and poor game-play soon sour the milk. It may be a bargain if you find it in a low price bin, but not the £30 requested at first.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID: pablo_1982
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Member: Paul Ensor
Location: Newquay, Cornwall, England
Reviews written: 39
Trusted by: 16 members
About Me: English, slightly insane, coffee addicted law student. Shopohollic, oh and did I mention over-opinionated?
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