Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 review (PS3, Xbox 360) By Sayed Islam Published: 10/10/09 PrintEmail
With a few sequels under its belt, it was only a matter of time before yet another iteration would come to fruition. For what it is worth, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 does not stray too far from its predecessors. The storyline transpires with the multitude of mutants and the United States government; the government is adamant about enforcing a registration law for superheroes everywhere. This new law would mandate that superheroes must register legally (think of it like becoming a legal citizen, filing taxes, or even filing for a social security number). As a result, countless mutants are flustered, and chaos ensues. On the whole, the narrative is more tailor-made for Marvel fanboys than anything else with its acquired taste.
The gameplay is eerily reminiscent to previous titles in the series, and it plays it safe without taking a myriad of chances on lurking variables. One thing that leaps out at you will be the initial decision of picking between the Anti-registration faction or the Pro-registration faction. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2’s most conspicuous distinction revolves around the utilization of fusion attacks. This would be analogous to combination attacks taken to another level. You have a fusion gauge that increases as you crush the opposing forces. When the fusion bar is at maximum capacity, a fusion attack can be unleashed. Albeit there are crowd control and area specific fusion attacks, some of the fusion attacks are indistinguishable regardless of the superheroes performing the fusion attack. A little variety would have been nice. Another addition is Marvel’s version of a discourse tree. Each choice is presumably different (assertive, aloof, and logical), yet they all feel like they have the same result. Countless times, the available lines are utterly incongruous. In regards to the replay value, there are multiple branching plots to discover with a fair amount of Marvel tidbits like hidden costumes. Nonetheless, the real potential of multiplayer is regrettably unexplored due to the incoherent frame rate.
The art direction is virtually identical to Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Lighting effects and some locations have been given a slight improvement; however, many of the rooms are too generic. Certain powers such as Storm’s mutant abilities are appealing to watch, but the character models themselves are average at best. This is further exacerbated by the frame rate glitches during some intense combat sequences.
Much akin to the visuals, the audio is also just adequate. The voice acting is as insipid as watching Jennifer Garner's film Elektra, and you will be hysterically chuckling at some esoteric comments by Spider-Man. Nevertheless, the strongest aspect of the sound is the upbeat music that can underscore the action well.
Overall, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is just another generic button mashing title. If you can dismiss some of its monotony, then there is some enjoyment to come out of it.
Art Direction 7 The art direction is virtually identical to Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Lighting effects and some locations have been given a slight improvement; however, many of the rooms are too generic. Certain powers such as Storm’s mutant abilities are appealing to watch, but the character models themselves are average at best. This is further exacerbated by the frame rate glitches during some intense combat sequences. Audio 7 Much akin to the visuals, the audio is also just adequate. The voice acting is as insipid as watching Jennifer Garner’s film Elektra, and you will be hysterically chuckling at some esoteric comments by Spider-Man. Nevertheless, the strongest aspect of the sound is the upbeat music that can underscore the action well. Gameplay 7 Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is just another generic button mashing title. If you can dismiss some of its monotony, then there is some enjoyment to come out of it. Presentation 7 On the whole, the narrative is more tailor-made for Marvel fanboys than anything else with its acquired taste. Replay Value 7 In regards to the replay value, there are multiple branching plots to discover with a fair amount of Marvel tidbits like hidden costumes. Nonetheless, the real potential of multiplayer is regrettably unexplored due to the incoherent frame rate. Final Verdict 7 out of 10
With a few sequels under its belt, it was only a matter of time before yet another iteration would come to fruition. For what it is worth, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 does not stray too far from its predecessors. The storyline transpires with the multitude of mutants and the United States government; the government is adamant about enforcing a registration law for superheroes everywhere. This new law would mandate that superheroes must register legally (think of it like becoming a legal citizen, filing taxes, or even filing for a social security number). As a result, countless mutants are flustered, and chaos ensues. On the whole, the narrative is more tailor-made for Marvel fanboys than anything else with its acquired taste. 
