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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Altered Beast
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action/RPG that features the largest roster of comic book characters ever seen in a video game. Players assume the roles of more than 20 Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade and Captain America, and through their actions determine the fate of both planet Earth and the Marvel universe – revealed in one of multiple epilogues. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance offers total team customization, where players create their own team name, icon and vehicle, as well as establish their team reputation as they play throughout the story. Gamers also have the option to level up each character individually to their liking, or all team members at the same time to keep their heroes balanced. With the game's new combat system, players battle against the world's most notorious Marvel Super Villains in the air, underwater, and on the ground, using grappling, blocking and dodging moves, by charging up their Super Hero powers before unleashing them, and using environmental objects as one and two-handed weapons. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance features a storyline where the missions players accept, the objectives they complete, and their interactions with other characters throughout the game directly impact how the story plays out. The game also features a robust multiplayer component where fans can band together with friends as their favorite Marvel Super Heroes, and fight evil in both on and offline cooperative story modes. There's also a Competitive Mode where the game tracks various in-game stats so players can see how well they stack up against one another – affecting the amount of experience points earned and how equipment is distributed. [Activision]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
AceGamez
A fantastic game. It's got everything - easy, varied and interesting combat, a huge roster of superheroes and supervillains, gorgeous visual effects, plus it's easily the most entertaining game I've played online in a long, long time.
 93
Game Informer
The critical path is incredibly long and is joined by bonus comic missions for most of the characters. The teammate AI is very impressive, often getting to baddies before you even see them, but once again, Raven has designed a game that is better through cooperative play.
93
PGNx Media
The game includes tons of gameplay, a plethora of Marvel characters, a great presentation, and successfully balances the action and RPG elements, while letting players choose just how much they want to micromanage.
90
GamePro
We wish good luck to anyone looking to pry any comic collector they know away from this game long enough to complete a sentence.
90
GamingTrend
With better focus on what players want, including four (useful!) costumes per character, a plethora of villians and heroes from Marvel lore, better visuals, tighter RPG elements, less of the Chatty-Cathy moments, and FAR more tough boss and mini-boss battles, Marvel Ultimate Alliance could be the geekfest that keeps players wrapped onto whatever platform they chose like a pair of tight blue spandex with a big 4 on the chest.
90
Game Chronicles
Sure, the levels and even the gameplay get a bit repetitive at times, but there is always great action and the potential to share that action with your friends, and that is what really make this game rise above its predecessors and a total joy to play.
90
Next Level Gaming
It's got more Marvel Superheroes and Villans than I knew even existed. It's got the same rock-solid gameplay I've come to expect. And it's got some nice new team focus additions that make the game even better.
90
Cheat Code Central
If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.
90
Deeko
While on the surface it might seem like a mindless brawler, it's surprisingly robust, and is one of few games that really lets you feel like the heroes you're portraying.
90
Xboxic
What Raven has delivered is a very tight group of popular and unique superheroes that many players will enjoy playing as. Their struggle against the Masters of Evil plays out like a comic geek’s wet dream.
90
Play Magazine
Powers, outfits, gear...everything super about each combatant can be modded, and hot-swapping powers puts the gamut of their abilities at your fingertips. [Dec. 2006, p.82]
90
Gamers' Temple
A super-powered blast of a game.
90
Just RPG
Whether you’re a comic book fan, RPG lover, or someone with a passion for multiplayer gaming, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is exactly what you’re looking for.
89
Play.tm
It sets the foundation and future for the franchise on the next-generation. However, if Ultimate Alliance had better playable characters, improved customization and a little more of a challenge in places it would indeed be perfect.
89
eToychest
Die-hard Marvel fans can adjust the score on Ultimate Alliance about ten points higher. The character dialogue alone will cause numerous geek-outs, chock full of obscure references as it can be. All other comers will find a capable, high quality action RPG that offers a huge amount of customization and a lot of unique characters that are far more than sprite swaps of each other.
89
Digital Entertainment News
The failings of Marvel Ultimate Alliance, which rob it of achieving videogame immortality, are far outweighed by the novelty of playing a game with so many comic book characters all in one game. It’s addictive fun!
88
Team Xbox
Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a feature-packed game; one of those rare birds that feels like arcade gaming, but with that next-gen edge that helps to justify $400+ dollars of hardware.
88
GamerNode
In the end, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a nice refresher from the X-Men Legends series, and a game no comic fan should miss. If you enjoy the arcade-style titles of this nature (such as Gauntlet or the previous Legends titles), you'd also do well to pick the game up.
88
RPG Fan
Marvel Ultimate Alliance is the result of two games' worth of experience on Raven Software's part, and it shows.
87
IC-Games
One of the most enjoyable co-operative games the 360 has seen. Marvel fans should rejoice, this is probably the finest game to use the franchise to date.
86
Planet Xbox 360
They took the old formula and added some new features making Marvel: Ultimate Alliance one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had on the 360 to date.
86
Gaming Illustrated
A good game with a great longevity factor.
85
VGPub
If you're looking for an action RPG with and attractive concept and lasting appeal definitely pick this one up.
85
DailyGame
A chaotic ride through the Marvel world. Exciting, fun and even moreso when you play with friends.
85
MS Xbox World
It’s well put together, there’s plenty of action, nice visuals but most importantly it’s fun to play. Marvel fans themselves will surely be pleased with the amount of content in the game.
85
Official Xbox Magazine
If you like action-RPGs, superhero games, or both, a smack-tacular adventure awaits. [Holiday 2006, p.82]
85
Game Over Online
"X-Men Legends" on steroids. It’s bigger and better.
85
Armchair Empire
Besides just being fun and funny (I found the Pitfall mini-game hilarious for some reason) for Marvel fans, there’s enough here to warrant keeping the game in rotation long after its release.
85
GameTrailers
Undeniably fun, AND has the ability to humble even the biggest self-proclaimed geek, with its staggering amount of characters and references. Its flaws aren't impossible to look past, and with a solid story and improved combat, it's definitely evolved the genre for the better.
85
Electric Playground
A few rough spots, but the "ultimate" in the game's name is no exaggeration.
83
GameZone
Certain parts need polishing, sure, including AI and level design. But anyone craving superhero action should pick this title up immediately.
83
GameSpot
Raven improves upon the great work it did with the "X-Men Legends" games, creating a lengthy adventure that touches upon nearly every last corner of the Marvel Universe.
83
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Ultimate Alliance may be schlocky and unrefined, but the endless Dream Team combinations of Marvel super and not-so-super heroes prove irresistible.
83
Game Almighty
Really, anyone that loved those side-scrolling beat-‘em-ups from arcades past owes it to themself to give Marvel: Ultimate Alliance a spin.
83
Games Master UK
Play it in co-op and it's a hoot. A superhero mash-up that's simple but top fun. [Christmas 2006, p.80]
83
Gaming Age
The huge cast of characters and unlockable extras helps push it over the top.
82
IGN
Despite a few welcome wrinkles to combat and character customization, this is pretty much the same game we have seen before. The level design and puzzles are a snooze, lacking any innovation. But who cares? This game is about gathering a few friends and laying the smack down on some villains.
81
GameBrink
Another solid amazing effort in the Marvel Universe.
81
Gaming Target
With so many notable faces, the story is long enough to introduce each without problem, while offering plenty of time to augment your team’s dynamic range of statistics.
81
Gamer 2.0
Marvel Ultimate Alliance is certainly worth picking up. With an adequate campaign and more playable comic book characters than you can shake a stick at, plus bonus side missions for all of them, you’re definitely getting more than what you paid for.
81
Pelit (Finland)
All the Marvel superheroes you ever wanted (except for Hulk) plus more. This is what we were expecting - epic superhero action-adventure with role playing elements. [Jan 2007]
80
PALGN
Simply great fun to play. It embodies everything in the Marvel universe, which is a legendary license unto itself, while simultaneously providing an extremely solid Action RPG experience.
80
DarkStation
Activision ups the ante on action RPG with the whole cast of the Marvel universe. Insanely cool boss fights and solid online support makes this an easy choice for fans.
80
3DAvenue
While this game isn’t a must buy, it is a must play for RPG fans, especially those who own the X-Men Legend series of games.
80
G4 TV
Where most super-hero games are satisfied with mediocrity, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance aims high and blasts its target into smithereens. 'Nuff said!
80
GamingExcellence
As a consumer who’s already purchased and played through two X-Men Legends game, I was expecting a bit more of a departure from the safe, established franchise.
80
XboxAddict
Boasting the largest collection of Marvel heroes and villains in one title, Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a terrific game for the die-hard fan of Marvel comics.
80
VideoGamer
If you're a fan of the "X-Men Legends" games that have appeared over the last few years you'll know what to expect from Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, but you'll probably still be surprised at how polished and lengthy the game is.
80
WHAM! Gaming
If you liked "X-Men Legends," you'll love Marvel Ultimate Alliance, with its roster of two dozen playable heroes from every corner of the Marvel universe. But please, let's see She-Hulk in the sequel, OK?
80
GameSpy
There's a lot of fun to be had with the slew of comic legends at your disposal. If you're a fan of X-Men Legends, then it's safe to say that MUA is right up your alley.
80
Yahoo! Games
Action/RPGs tap into some inherent need to button-mash and kill countless foes, while still strategizing a bit with your party and their attributes so you don't feel brainless -- and this may be the best sci-fi themed entry in the genre to date.
80
Extreme Gamer
Boasting the largest cast of Marvel Characters ever assembled into a single game, Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a comic book fans dream game.
80
Games Radar (in-house)
It's a well-made game that you can try again and again with numerous heroes and their plethora of powers. If you're a comic-book fan, this is probably the most satisfying videogame ever made for you.
80
GameDaily
The gameplay could have used some more originality outside of "let's beat everything up", but Ultimate Alliance basically hits the mark with thunderous force.
78
My Gamer
Though not that pretty to look at, it serves its purpose as a fast, multiplayer friendly old school beat-em up, even if its all been done before.
75
Gamer's Hell
It's a bright shiny toy of a game and so many of the heroes are familiar to even the least comic book savvy, that one can't help but enjoy mixing and matching teams and playing with special powers and cool abilities. The boss battles and the level design are derivative of titles we've seen before, and the camera never really pulls us into the action, but my hours spent with the game so far have been button mashing heaven.
75
Game Revolution
A must for Marvel fans, a good buy for everyone else, Ultimate Alliance is an epic in an old package, kind of like those massy boxes of comics you have hidden away in your attic, gathering ebay value like dust.
75
ZTGameDomain
Plays like Raven Software’s love letter to the Marvel Universe and improves on a tiring game formula with more depth and customization. Though not that pretty to look at, it serves its purpose as a fast, multiplayer friendly old school beat-em up, even if its all been done before.
75
GameShark
Marvel Ultimate Alliance does what few do – it actually improves on the two original games and adds something new to the series.
73
Electronic Gaming Monthly
The backdrops are more diverse, the "God of War"-like quick-time events add some much-needed flavor to boss encounters, and item maintenance is now kept to a minimum. [Jan. 2007, p.102]
70
Gamestyle
Fans of the Marvel universe will no doubt lap it up.
70
X360 Magazine UK
It's got potential but it needs less linear gameplay. [Issue 14, p.89]
70
Eurogamer
With an excellent atmosphere, diverse set of characters, intriguing storyline and endless unlockables it's the sort of game that's essential for comic book obsessives, and great fun for everyone else.
70
Official Xbox Magazine UK
The actual action-adventure gameplay and the plot is pretty boring for all but hardcore comic book guys, but it's obscured behind a gloss of heroic RPG add-ons. [Christmas 2006, p.84]
70
360 Gamer Magazine UK
Don't buy it looking for huge innovations, but by all means expect entertainment by the superhero-load. [Issue 18, p.72]
70
Total Video Games
Having such a wide collection of super heroes to choose from certainly lifts this above the likes of X-Men Legends, and it's storyline (and the underlying question of a traitor in the ranks) certainly offers something quite engaging.
70
1UP
More than enough fun to last through the main story -- especially if you bring a couple friends -- but whether you'll be returning to it again and again over the course of months is dependent largely on your superhero obsession and tolerance for repetition.
70
Sydney Morning Herald
Some locations are dreary trudges through dull space-station corridors, but others show more imagination, such as giant pinball tables and underwater in Atlantis.
John G. gave it a9: Darren D. gave it a5: David H. gave it a6: Sebastian S. gave it a9: John A. gave it a1: Jacque R. gave it a10: Falak D. gave it an8: |
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