X-Men Legends

[dperceful]

Opening a thread on X-Men Legends...a lot of positive reviews. Have you got one?

Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/xmenlegends/index.html?tag=mp_2to9)

IGN (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549704p1.html)

Gamespy (http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/x-men-legends/550552p1.html?fromint=1)


dan

[WonderWomanGoddess]

I'm dying to play this game...it's just such a cool concept to me. I hope there is unlockable multiple costumes!

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by WonderWomanGoddess:
I'm dying to play this game...it's just such a cool concept to me. I hope there is unlockable multiple costumes! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

there is...i'll come back with an impressions review. one of the flashback missions has you stop juggernaut in the x-mansion. you play as beast (no fur), marvel girl, iceman (the snowman outfit), and cyclops. it was fun. another flashback mission had you defeat sentinels in new york, it was the 70's costumes.

so far i like it....again i'll come back later with some initial impressions of the game.

dan

[dperceful]

X-Men Legends Mini-Review

Since I'm not a professional reviewer and this is an Action/RPG game I'm not close to being done but I can offer some insight and initial impressions about the game.

X-Men Legends is the best realization of the mutants on any console, period. I've played a lot of X-Men games, and so far this one is the best (right up there with the team up arcade game). What makes this game good, Raven (the delveloper) actually respects and honors the source material. The game is told thru the viewpoint of a new mutant, Magma (much like the first X-Men movie is told thru Rogue). The Brotherhood want her for some plan, but while in the midst of trying to kidnap her the X-Men rescue her and bring her back to the mansion. The story is good so far, written by some of the X-Men writers, but again this is a 20 hour RPG...and I'm barely into it.

Gameplay wise this is an action RPG. There is no turn based system. The combat is much like Kingdom Hearts, you have buttons for attacks, buttons for mutant powers, jump buttons, etc. When you go out on missions or flashback episodes you choose your team of 4 X-Men (which there is a WIDE variety). You can switch on the fly using the dpad (press up to switch off to Wolverine, right for Cyclops, etc), this is helpful for combatting lets say Juggernaut who is physically resistant but once his helmet is off you can switch to Marvel Girl to really lay down the mental attacks. Right now the combat is pretty mash the buttons, but it is still fun and visually pleasing to keep me involve. The part I hate is your powers are limited to your amount of energy (does Cyclops or Iceman run out of power in the comics...not really) as well as your level. You can only use your mutant powers as long as you have enough energy, each time you use power, energy is depleted. However there are energy and health packs laying around, and trust me you will need them. I understand the use of power restrictions, I hope their is a mode to turn it off and just go crazy with them. You also don't get the BIG flashy powers until later, this is based on level. For example, Jean cannot use her Phoenix power until the 15th level, so you can build on lower powers like TK. The powers portion is largely the RPG element of the game, you pick which powers to unlock and which to beef up....don't want to do that...set it to auto and the game does your power beefing and slotting for you. There is a lot to do in this game. You can explore the X-Mansion as Magma, you can hit the Danger Room, you can go out on missions, review enemy bios, take X-Men Trivia, etc. My favorite part of the game has to be the Danger Room. You can have flashback training sequences in there as I have mentioned earlier, as well as getting to know your powers, and you can also have a VS. game with the PC or your buddy. That's where the real pick up and play aspect of the game is, don't have time to complete a mission, but want to kick some Sentinel butt, then whip it up in the Danger Room and play away. This is what a lot of RPG games are lacking, a quick pick up and play portion, and I have to say I hope others incorporate an element like this into their games. There are some minor issues with your AI team blocking a doorway or not attacking enough, but for the most part you can work around it. You also have the ability to set the AI team's abilities. Let's say you want Cyclops to be aggressive and attack at will, fine just set him that way. Or you could have him be more defensive so he can recover health. Again, it's another RPG element to the game, but it's not overkill. I could go on, but I won't. The gameplay at first takes some getting used to, but once you got it down...the game is fun and easy to play.

It's a very interesting choice of graphics. It's 3d models with cel shading, and it works. There is a heavy black line outlining your character, just like the comics, which it what they were trying to replicate. The effects are flashy, the textures don't seem dull of repetitive (yet), and it all seems to flow nicely. The camera work is done from a top down view...I wish they would have include a third person over th shoulder view so you could get up close for the action. I understand the top down camera....there are just so many times when I am fighting that I want to feel closer to the action, I want to be clawing into a sentinel and out of the corner of my eye see an optic blast or lightning strike, i really want to be that close to it. still the camera works and you do have control of it, thank heavens.

If your and X-Men fan and a gamer..then here is a game for you. I think it's written well, the gameplay is intuitive, and most of all....this game does not feel like an RPG. The X-Men history to the game is the best part...they take the opportunity to delve into the comic past. WWG was wondering about costumes, they are all there, just might take you some time to unlock them. Danger Room sessions are based off of comic stories, that is one of the coolest things, so it's like playing the comic.

I've spent a weekend with the game and i would recommend it. if your a power gamer, you might get thru it in a weekend or two (the game is hard....so be prepared). if your a casual player then it will take longer and you might think about a purchase or an extended/on and off rentals.

check out the site for the game, X-Men Legends (http://www.xmenlegends.com/).

dan

[Kevin Newburn]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dperceful:
<B>X-Men Legends Mini-Review
I've spent a weekend with the game and i would recommend it. if your a power gamer, you might get thru it in a weekend or two (the game is hard....so be prepared). if your a casual player then it will take longer and you might think about a purchase or an extended/on and off rentals.

</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

yeah a buddy of mine bought the game and we started playing it friday night. sure enough I was back at his place at about 10am saturday morning. stuff like being able to execute the fastball special is just to cool for words. Dan's review is pretty much right on


there are a couple negatives about the game I thought. the camera doesn't zoom out enough. because there are four players on screen at the same time it would be nice if the camera would pull out a bit when everyone spreads out. kind of like WWE smackdown does when all the wrestlers are on opposite sides of the ring. this really is a problem when you're playing with 3 other people who all want to go different directions.

I'd also argue the point that the cel shading is a bit dissapointing. the characters don't have a lot of detail. I also would've liked to have seen a few more pre-rendered sequences. something I'm usually not a huge fan of, but I'm not a big fan of developing the plot by having to run around the mansion finding people to talk to.

last minor gripe is that I wasn't thrilled with the choice of characters or costumes. did they really think anyone would want to play as Jubilation lee? they give me her instead of angel? andy why is bobby wearing a headband? I'm not a huge fan of the ultimate book and it seems they use a lot of those costumes instead of the classic looks. still It's a real fun game, I'm sure there'll be a sequel and I'm crossing my fingers they throw in about 20 more guys.

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kevin Newburn:
last minor gripe is that I wasn't thrilled with the choice of characters or costumes. did they really think anyone would want to play as Jubilation lee? they give me her instead of angel? andy why is bobby wearing a headband? I'm not a huge fan of the ultimate book and it seems they use a lot of those costumes instead of the classic looks. still It's a real fun game, I'm sure there'll be a sequel and I'm crossing my fingers they throw in about 20 more guys.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

i do agree a lot of fans will not like the inclusion of certain characters and the omission of others. but i'm happy enough with the gameplay and the overall feel of the game to let that go. hopefully there is a sequel and they go a little more deep. i did forget to mention or at least make clear, you can play the missions with up to 4 people. if you have an xbox or a multi tap ps2 then you can go crazy in the missions with up to 4 people. again....it's a solid game and i think any comic book fan who is a gamer will be pleased.

dan

[dperceful]

X-Men Legends Sequel news at Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/10/21/news_6111077.html)
<I>
X-Men Legends sequel in development

Raven Software hard at work on follow-up to Activision's recently released Marvel superhero RPG.
Hot-off-the-press copies of X-Men Legends haven't even cooled down yet, but Activision isn't resting on its laurels. The company today announced that a sequel to the superhero role-playing game is currently in development at Raven Software. Based on the classic team of Marvel super heroes, who have recently experienced a surge in popularity on the back of a pair of live-action feature films, X-Men Legends is available now for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube.


"For 40 years Marvel's X-Men have captivated consumers worldwide and today the brand is stronger than ever," said Activision CEO Ron Doornink. "X-Men Legends is already on track to be the best selling game in the franchise's history."

In addition to X-Men Legends, Raven Software has been responsible for some major franchises and original hits, from early PC first-person shooters like Hexen and Heretic II to contemporary series such as Soldier of Fortune and Star Wars: Jedi Knight. No additional information on the sequel has been announced. By Chris Kohler -- GameSpot
</I>

cool. this game really deserves it.....i can't wait to see what chracters they add and what new innovations they bring tot he sequel.

dan

[bottleHeD]

Damn, is this going to get ported to the pc?

------------------
HeD t r i p p i n '

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bottleHeD:
<B>Damn, is this going to get ported to the pc?

</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

probably not. haven't seen any news on it, i was surprised the gamecube got a copy of it.

[Znluvx]

With the successful launch of X-Men Legends, does anyone think similar RPG comic based games (maybe an "Avengers Assemble" or "Justice League Unleashed") are on the horizon?

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Znluvx:
With the successful launch of X-Men Legends, does anyone think similar RPG comic based games (maybe an "Avengers Assemble" or "Justice League Unleashed") are on the horizon?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

it's a good possibility. the game was good and i think any of those mentioned properties would work in that "legends" type of play. there is already a sequel in the works for xmen legends.....so obviously the formula works. the only thing that would hold it back are possible licensing issues (who owns the rights to develop the characters right now) and the popularity factor. xmen are popular and with the movies, there is a new audience, you cannot say that about every superhero team.

dan

[Sonic1002]

*pouts*
I HAVE THE GAME...
...But my PS2... it won't work...
*cries*

------------------
"I won't be just a memory."
-Sephiroth

[The Xenos]

Ah, good ole Sony Playstation durability. Is it any wonder I chose the DS over their upcoming PSP portable? The game works on my PS2, but the multitap I bought for four player aciton doesn't. Neither does any vibration with a single controller and the second memory slot doesn't work. Didn't ntoice that till after the short return date passed and we didn't get a warrenty on it. Plus I know friends who ahve had to buy whole new systems.

-Xenos

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by The Xenos:
<B>Ah, good ole Sony Playstation durability. Is it any wonder I chose the DS over their upcoming PSP portable? The game works on my PS2, but the multitap I bought for four player aciton doesn't. Neither does any vibration with a single controller and the second memory slot doesn't work. Didn't ntoice that till after the short return date passed and we didn't get a warrenty on it. Plus I know friends who ahve had to buy whole new systems.

-Xenos</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

very odd. i've had mine since day one they were on sale, never a problem with the console or controller. i have even modded it. look at the bright side, at least the ps2 isn't $299 anymore. the multitap is a very lame thing....i think if your a big party gamer (meaning you have more than one person over playing a game) then the xbox or gamecube are the way to go....less stuff to buy to get all 4 players going at once.

Sonic:

What's wrong with your PS2, i have some sites i can send you too if it's a disc read error or something like that.


dan

[Sonic1002]

To Dan:
Okay. You know when you cut on the station, you get the screen that has the lil floaty quares and everything and then it goes to the browswer menu?
Well, the squares don't pop up. And therefore, the whole thing doesn't start. It sits there black. and occasionally, the floating squares DO pop up, but then it goes blank after that.
Then there are times the damn things get me exctied that the PS2 logo comes up, and then waiting for a minute, I realize that it isn't going to work.
I have to continually press the reset button anywhere between 30 to an hour to get the dang thing to work.
Anything you got would be marvelous!

------------------
"I won't be just a memory."
-Sephiroth

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sonic1002:
<B>To Dan:
Okay. You know when you cut on the station, you get the screen that has the lil floaty quares and everything and then it goes to the browswer menu?
Well, the squares don't pop up. And therefore, the whole thing doesn't start. It sits there black. and occasionally, the floating squares DO pop up, but then it goes blank after that.
Then there are times the damn things get me exctied that the PS2 logo comes up, and then waiting for a minute, I realize that it isn't going to work.
I have to continually press the reset button anywhere between 30 to an hour to get the dang thing to work.
Anything you got would be marvelous!

</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ewwww that sounds bad. so you never even get to the browser? i was hoping it was just a read error, but it sounds worse. try this first
http://www.g4techtv.com/xplay/features/45797/PlayStation_2_Disc_Read_Error_Fix.html


i'll do some more research.

dan

[Sonic1002]

Thank you so much for what you are doing.

It's still not working... Heh, I could have only prayed for a simple read disk error...

But I am really appreciating the help.

------------------
"I won't be just a memory."
-Sephiroth

[This message has been edited by Sonic1002 (edited 12-28-2004).]

[dperceful]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sonic1002:
<B>Thank you so much for what you are doing.

It's still not working... Heh, I could have only prayed for a simple read disk error...

But I am really appreciating the help.

</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

well honestly i was hoping that would do it. it sounds like the BIOS (for lack of a better term) for the PS2 is whacked. that's my guess....and it's only a guess. you can try this site

http://forums.afterdawn.com/


and see if they have anything to say. i did a search on google and mostly just got stuff about not booting off of modchips, etc. the above site has a lot of stuff about modding, but perhaps someone there can steer you in the right direction.

dan



[This message has been edited by dperceful (edited 12-28-2004).]

[Sonic1002]

Thank you so much.
I'm going to check that out a lil bit later.


THANK YOU!!

------------------
"I won't be just a memory."
-Sephiroth