GENRE
	Action
	DEVELOPER
	WayForward
	PUBLISHER
	Activision
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	No
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Developer WayForward had incredible resources at their disposal when putting together X-Men: The Official Game: characters with super-human powers and regular human problems; an epic struggle based on prejudice and fear; and a fan-base that has been around for over 40 years. Yet, it seems that all of that was not enough for the development studio to create a satisfying experience. Instead, they produced a product that is as monotonous as it is shallow.

visuals

Even though this game is more involved with the movie aspect of the X-Men series, the mutant team has its home in comics. Stylistically, a more comic-influenced presentation would have greatly aided to the game’s feel and make it seem less like every other no-brainer, side-scrolling, button-mashing, movie-licensed waste of plastic out there already. Yet, sloppy releases like this one still persist, sold on image alone.

Small details are the only saving grace of the pedantic visual fare. Some of the characters’ movements are animated with a finesse that is nowhere else to be found in the game. A few sections of the levels are rendered impressively; however, their redundancy negates any positive impressions; and redundancy is the name of the game.

audio

The word "generic" comes to mind when describing not only the music, but all of the sound. From the groans of the grunts as they fall under the might of Nightcrawler’s punches to the shnnk of Wolverine’s claws, it all sounds so trite. Why not include more of a variety of sounds, such as different sounds for different attacks? Understandably, there is only so much space on a cartridge, but the sound output is only two GBA speakers, not a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system. As they say, variety is the spice of life and this game needs all of the spice it can get.

gameplay

Although the player is presented with the option of playing as Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Iceman or Colossus, this game might as well be Wolverine’s. The clawed mutant has quick attacks, a healing ability and jumps as high as anyone else. Apart from a few character-specific actions, such as Colossus’ ability to knock down some weak walls, playing as anyone else is pointless. Regardless, gameplay is pretty standard for each character: jump and punch are controlled by a button each; press both of them at the same time and the character performs a special action. As the player puts the beat down on wave after wave of generic soldiers, the character’s rage bar fills. When the bar is completely filled, a rage mode becomes available, greatly increasing the effects of the character’s attacks.

A finger stretch and warm-up is advised before starting the game, as endless button mashing is necessary to complete the game. The only hints of strategy needed for the game come from trying to figure out where the level’s exit is or where to stand while frantically mashing buttons in an attempt to neutralize one of the game’s many bosses, a rare instance when Iceman’s long distance attack comes into play.

Speaking of buttons, to switch characters, one must press the L button to switch between two of the mutants, or hold down L to bring up a small menu that allows for the selection of one of the four heroes. Yet prior to pressing the L button, no other button can be depressed, meaning that the much-touted "change characters on the fly" actually becomes "change characters when no one’s shooting at you." This is definitely not the experience that is advertised.

On top of everything else, certain logical problems have crept into the game. For example, when getting chased and bit by Rottweilers, it may seem prudent to play as Colossus. Alas, the man with steel for skin is still vulnerable to the K9’s vicious attack. In the same vein, why would it take ten or so stabs from Wolverine’s adamantium claws to kill a soldier wearing only cotton clothes? Inconsistencies such as these detract from the fun aspect of the game. The reason that the X-Men seem like such a marvelous choice for game play characters is because of their fantastical powers and seeing how those powers affect the world around them. Seeing Wolverine stab a man a dozen times to kill him can only bring up the question, would the result be the same if Wolverine was beating him with a candlestick holder?

multiplayer

N/A

overall

To anyone at WayForward or publisher Activision who may happen to read this: don’t be discouraged by the above comments. Part of the creative process is failure and learning from those mishaps. Take the lessons you learn from this release, learn from your mistakes and make that next title stellar. Or wait until the movie comes to DVD to release the game and spend that time fixing the glitches. To fans of the comics, movies and other mutant-themed games: wait for that next stellar title.

3.9/10