Like a lot of people I am a Marvel fan, so when I heard about the sequel to Marvel Ultimate alliance I was pumped. I went to the local game shop and traded in some good stuff and got it the first day it was released. My intial reaction to the box art was a pleasant surprise. I started to think of all the characters and the different ways I wanted to play them. Let's just say I was excited.

While MUA 2 is a decent endeavor into the world of Marvel it leaves out some key elements. Away are the customizable buffs. It has given way to the form od medals which are collected after every boss fight. These drops are not random. No matter how many times you play the yield will be the same with each specific boss. The point system used to level up your characters remains but doesn't catch much interest and it's easier to put it on auto - level. The camera shys too far away at times and when there is a lot of action on screen the frame rate dips quite significantly at times. above all else you can breeze through the first play through in about 10 to 12 hours. Once you pick a side ( Anti or Pro Mutant Registration) you will stick with it until the end. Then you will have an option to play the side you didn't choose first. These are way too similar to really make much of a difference but by the time you get all the characters unlocked you will want to play through again just to check them all out. Once you level up your main team all characters, even those who aren't selected, level equally, so they are always powered up for the task at hand.

This is not to say MUA 2 is bad. In fact it is actually a very fun game to play. The graphics a good but at times they do shine. The fusion feature takes two heroes of your choosing and puts their powers together for an ultra attack. Each character interacts differently with all others for a unique attack each time. The sound is on par with what is happening on screen. Unfortunately some of the voice acting is horrendous. Others are tolerable. The game offers different scenery for each level so it does feel like you are making progress. The control is spot on but they could have improve the block and tweak the targeting system. Still it's hard not to enjoy whaling on your enemies with some of comics greatest characters.

In conclusion MUA 2 is a game for Marvel fans and fans of beat em ups alike. The rpg elements are even lighter this time around, taking away some depth. The characters work well together and the fusion attacks are eye catching. The online aspect is acceptable but grows tiring after attacking the same levels over and over again. Eventually your thumb will go on auto pilot and you will end up chatting with you team more than paying attention to what is going on. The game is about 10 to 12 hours the first time playing through which is really not enough. To really use all the characters two play through are required and the second time you do it will differ a bit.

Yeah but is it worth $60 bucks?

Unfortunately, this time around the answer is no. While Marvel is a fun game at times it is shorter and more of the same as the first game. The fusions are nice but not enough. Instead of holding back characters for DLC they should give them to you. By the time they release them you will be completely finished with this game. Rent it. If you really want to play it and all the rentals are out.....wait for it then rent it. You will enjoy it and thank me.

Overall: 7.5

Navigation and Presentation: 7.5

Just jump in and play. Pretty clear cut with no bells or whistles. The opening movie serves to pump you up a bit.

Graphics: 8.0

While the graphics aren't the next best thing they aren't too bad either. The game has a more cartoon-comic look then it's predecessor. Fusions and environmental destruction looks great.

Sound: 7.0

The smart-Alick quips from Deadpool get old fast. Some voice acting is terrible. The action sounds the way it should but nothing stands out.

Gameplay: 8.5

The movement of the characters is smooth but they could have tweaked the blocking and targeting system.....at least a little. Other than that it works.

Re-playability: 7.0

After the first two times through there isn't much else to see. A few training simulator missions here and there and the online is always an option. That is if your buddy isn't as tired of playing it as you are.

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