Marvel Super Hero Squad Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii, PS2, PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Blue Tongue	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: THQ	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 20, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Voice over work is done by the cast of the show. This is a blessing and a curse. The over-the-top nature of the show, while nicely recaptured here, leads to the over use of certain lines, which does get bothersome and even downright annoying at times. While this is a minor complaint, having certain lines repeated well after the game has been powered off by young ones can irritate even the most steeled parent. The score for the game is done in the same vein as the show but is impeccably looped.

Marvel Super Hero Squad screenshot

The camera is a huge problem with the game, though. More noticeable in the battle mode, the camera becomes jerky and nauseating. It carries over in to adventure mode with its own problems. In single-player action, the camera can lose you thus creating problems for players trying to find their own way through the game. The camera also assists enemies in hiding from players, as they will hide in nooks and crannies throughout the environment that you may end up missing several times due to the flow of the camera. Plus, it is also astounding how innately stupid the enemies can be. Several times they will just stand still while you pummel them, and others will appear as if they are running toward you to avenge their fallen comrades only to jump to their own deaths in areas where that seems impossible. I again understand this is intended for a younger audience, but when a four year old looks at you and says "Why are they so stupid?" you have to start to wonder the same thing.

Marvel Super Hero Squad does not build bridges as far as game concept; however, it does give a younger audience the chance to play as some of their favorite heroes and villains without the often adult-themed story elements of other superhero games. Simplistic combat and an accessible storyline will entertain them well beyond the initial glory of their favorites in a game just for them. Even as an adult who disliked the idea of the show itself, I easily found myself enjoying the game for its simplicity. Issues aside, this is a game that should be on every young heroes Christmas list as well as a few Super Hero Squad action figures.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Project Coordinator

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
Solid representations of the characters and the playful theme of the show.

3.4

Control
Simplistic in execution. The audience that this is intended for will have no problems smashing through the game.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
If you can dig on the sounds from the show, then there's no problem here for you.

3.1

Play Value
There's not much to this game, but what is there is done well enough. The younger audiences will have hours of fun with the pint-sized heroes.

3.0

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Choose Your Epic Battles - Whether your squad is fighting through six extensive campaigns in adventure mode with up to two players, or involved in intense action with up to four players in battle mode, it will be a fight to the finish.

Unleash Your Inner Hero or Villain - Save the city… or destroy it! With the ability to play as heroes or villains, the choice is yours. Mix and match heroes and villains in your squad and use their own unique powers for good or for evil.

Attack and Defend with Signature Superhero Moves & Weapons - With great power comes great… attack moves! Smash, bash and zap your opponents! Create your own combos using the unique powers of each Marvel character. Use the Wii Remote to swirl up a storm or flick a web as you become your favorite superhero or villain.

Dynamic Environments - Watch out for seemingly ordinary elements of the environment because there's more than meets the eye! Battle arenas are equipped with triggers that activate interactive events. Hulk's smash may bring down more than just Magneto.