""Aww... look at you, all busted up.""

If there's one thing you can be sure of about the X-Men, it's that they have produced some of the coolest heroes and villains in comic book history. In X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse you get a chance to play with both the X-Men and the Brotherhood, in an action-RPG packed full of fun, deception, betrayal, and corruption.

Gameplay

Centering around a team of four mutants you tackle many levels using mutant powers and skills. An abundance of enemies are found on every stage and it's fun to take them all on. One of the few RPG related games that I can say I enjoyed killing everything in sight, this one delivers on that end. Each mutant has their own unique abilities and move sets, some share a few things like flight, and super strength though so character specifics aren't required too much. Depending how you play the game, you may just want to use your favorites, or you can switch off every so often thanks to the leveling system. Characters you don't use level up as you do, just slower. The playable characters also have a wide assortment of costumes to use and unlock. So you'll never get tired of looking at the same character, because there is much variety to be seen. Plus, aside from the 13 or so playable characters you have 3 hidden unlockable ones as well. The missions in the game are all done when the player decides on it. Not to mention that anytime during the mission a player can quit and come back to his base of operations to buy things such as gear or play side missions or other things of the sort. Equipment is distributed to each character based on compatibility and level requirements, so customization is very broad. Customizing a character's attributes such as strength and focus are also well in the hands of the player. I tended to try and balance most things, but it's completely up to the user. Using R2 commands and the designated circle, square, triangle, or x, one can use each mutants special abilities. To ensure that play does not get stale with the same use of moves, there are a way to swap out moves as well using the directional pad. Play is actually quite diverse and enjoyable. Many enemy encounters give way to dropped items such as equipment and tech bits (used to purchase various things in the game) so stocking up on everything is a good idea. Maintaining your health and focus (special meter for powers) is done through health/energy specific packs. Upon running low in a certain area requires one to replenish their character using this method. It's rather quite simple. Puzzles in the game usually aren't too difficult and are as simple as using a certain character's power to progress or exploring more for a key or switch. Boss fights can be difficult depending how leveled and skilled you are in battle. Playing smart is a key to victory, you would do well to remember that. As for a few problems with the game play. You have a dodgy camera, which tends to get stuck sometimes and can be annoying because of it. Plus the loading times are a bit slow. Aside from that it's pretty solid.

8/10

Story

Apocalypse is an all powerful mutant trying to take over the world and destroy any and all opposition. But he is not alone, he has recruited some of most infamous and evil villains the X-Men have ever had. Slowly crippling Apocalypse's growing army and power is the way to go, and you need the Brotherhood (led by Magneto) to accomplish this. Aside from spoken dialect with voice acting, there are some CGI integrated cut scenes which tell the story to the character. They look really good and the story is great. I'm not entirely sure but, I would say that the story of this game takes place in the comics as well. When I used to watch the X-Men on TV as a child I somewhat remember parts of this game. So it acted like a bit of a refresher and a great flashback to a happy childhood.

9/10

Graphics and Sound

The graphics of the characters and enemies are presented in a cel-shaded cartoon-like look. While the environments are more solid and realistic in appearance. It flows together very well, but still the camera is a pain. As for the sound the voice actors for all the mutants are great. Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, Professor X they all sound like they should and the sound effects are a winner. The background music fits perfectly in with each level and the game play as you proceed onwards as well. Some levels that are darker in theme have a creepier tune, while jungle like areas have a more animalistic sound to them. Perfectly done I would say.

9/10

Playtime-Re-Playability

I spent around 40 hours in the game trying to find and get everything I could and powering up my characters to take on the enemy. Plus the many side missions add onto the game's length giving it a true RPG feel. I'd recommend replaying it for the unlockables you get, plus the game itself is quite fun.

10/10

Final Verdict

Rent or buy? Buy. It's the best X-Men game to date, and it makes those terrible X-Men the movie games look like the garbage they are. If you love the X-Men or RPG's, this game shouldn't provide you with any doubts so go out and spend the 40 bucks.

8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/18/06