Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox Reviews by Gamers

This game is exactly like 'Justice League Heros' (I don't know who ripped off who), and much like 'Justice League Heros' I didn't care for it at all. The characters are small and shot from overhead (I swear it almost felt like I was playing an old SNES game). Weak gameplay, it's very tedious and every stage is like a darn maze (you run around like a chicken with it's head cut off the entire game!) However the game is pretty fun with xbox live, but I don't think that's enough to salvage the game. This game is just not for me. But if you like the old style of games like 'Gauntlet' or 'Ikari Warriors' then I recommend it for you, but if your like me and prefer more of the Next Gen style of games then you'd better avoid this one.

From comics to television shows, both animated and live-action, (I still remember the old Spider-Man theme song) and the movies that have come out in the past few years, I've enjoyed the Marvel franchise as long as I can remember. Their games, however, have always been a roller coaster ride for me. It seemed that there would be a really good Marvel game (in both story and game play), and then, they would simply drop the ball and a game would come out which lacked in both areas. But, nevertheless, we would march forward with our heads held high and rent the next game only to be surprised at how things had turned around. Well, after years of waiting for it to happen, Marvel games are now on a roll. X-Men Legends was a great game; as was its sequel. And, while Marvel: Ultimate Alliance looked to be just a re-hash of XML with new characters in the previews, I was pleasantly surprised when I actually sat down and played it.
If you enjoyed XML I&II, then you'll like MUA for the same reasons: options, options, and more options. The game fits well in the "hack and slash" style while still requiring some level of strategy in choosing powers and when to use them, so a new player could sit down next to a seasoned veteran and be just as useful. Also, the "support characters" have been given some good "front line" abilities. You don't have to resort to fighting over who gets to play Wolverine just because "he hits hard". Any character, when built correctly, can take that spot on the team. The flexibility of the characters really lets you create your "Dream Team" of the Marvel universe.
A few things have been simplified to let you get back to the game sooner such as health and energy packs. They've been eliminated and replaced with orbs that are used immediately as you defeat enemies. No more wasting time wondering if you should spend your last bit on that health pack.
All-in-all, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance has something for new and old fans, alike. So, bring a friend.

~T.S.