As the world of
comicbook heroes become more and more popular in both the movies and
video games, the Nintendo Wii sometimes misses out on these
blockbuster games but fortunately the Marvel Super Hero Squad has
flown onto this console as gamers control a variety of Marvel
Universe comicbook character.
From Iron Man to the Hulk,
this game contains a variety popular super hero characters and of
course super villains who generally, always manage to fail, thanks
to the heroics of these men and women. However the twist to this
game is that players can either be heroes or villains which does
make for some fun gameplay, albeit more aimed at the younger market.
In other words, old fuddy duddy gamers best stay clear of this kid's
title!
The story of Marvel Super Hero Squad revolves around
the heroes stopping Dr. Doom as his legion are after the hidden
infinity fractals which are fragmented across the planet. By finding
these fragments, it effects the bearer with super powers.
As the story has been
targeted towards the younger
gamer due to the interpretation of the characters as they are more
instinctive then reactive, it's actually fun take on this comicbook
world.
With this in mind, the game doesn't attempt to be the next Batman
Arkham Asylum but rather takes a different, less serious and
light hearted approach to
the world of Marvel comics, perhaps to a more simpler time.
The game
also accompanies you with another superhero as you the explore the
gaming world and thankfully this can be interchanged with another
player that does make for some fun times as for older gamers, the
story does become a little blasé.
Not to be mistaken
with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Marvel Hero Squad still follows
a
similar vein as players control their superhero avatars as they use
their superpowers to defeat an almost unending parade of enemies and
in most instances, it's generally with your fists. Of course,
smashing up hundreds of robot's is what superheroes are made for!
At it's core,
Marvel Super Hero Squad is a fighting game as gamers beat the
absolute living daylights out of their enemies but because you're
good and their bad, it's generally considered okay. But then again,
this game allows you to experience the other side as well.
In terms to the
control system of the game, it actually works quite well with
wireless controllers of the Wiii and although the learning curve is
low, the game is a fun button masher with superpowers thrown in for
good measures. Control wise, you basically have have two buttons, A
for close attacks (punches) and B for ranged attacks, however you
can create some interesting combinations by combing them together.
Apart from the main adventure mode in the title, the game contains an almost
Super Smash Bros. experience that allows you battle up to 3 players
or AI controlled characters which is truly a Battle Royale. Like
Mortal Kombat, it even includes a finishing move and the innovative
control system of the Wii is actually taken into consideration for
this mode of play. Needless to say, depending on which hero or
villain you're fighting, it does take some skill to defeat more
powerful characters, especially if you're limited but it's all part
of the challenge.
Although only a set number of heroes are available during the start
of the game, as you progress, additional characters will be
available as they become unlocked. Being a comic geek to the Marvel
Universe, there are some great surprises as to what characters were
featured in this game, besides the more popular icons and does pay
homage to the roots of the Marvel comicbooks.
Graphically, the title is visually a good looking game on the
Nintendo Wii with well modeled characters that is oozing with
Saturday cartoon fun and is reminiscent of the animation of the
Avengers cartoon. Although the environments are well designed and
there's some nice looking special effects in the game, one issue
with the graphics is the camera angle that unfortunately has a mind
of its own and does at times hamper with the gameplay.
This becomes
more of a problem when a second player joins you. If you can get
yourself past this, then you'll probably enjoy this tale of heroes
versus villains. There are even some interesting cutscenes to assist
with the story of Marvel Super Hero Squad which helps break up the
monotony of the gameplay. Add in some over the top voice acting and
an almost rock like soundtrack, it nicely rounds out this title
In conclusion Marvel
Super Hero Squad is a fun kid's game that doesn't try to rewrite the
genre but creates an interesting attempt at another market which THQ
should be thanked for because not all gamers are in their 20's and
beyond. It's cute, it's fun and it's clobbering time!