X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse - T

This game gives fans something to cheer about.

Publisher: Activision Category/Genre: Video Games - Action/Adventure Platform: Xbox Price: $49.99 Graphics: High. Cell shading is distinctive and adds to the comic-book look. Playability: Medium. Lots of replay potential, but some bad camera angles. Reading Level: 7+ Release Date: 09/21/2005 ESRB Rating: T

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that comic-book style action abounds, but there is little blood and gore. The fighting is in the third-person, making it seem less visceral, and corpses melt away and vanish. Minor profanity is pretty much restricted to a few cut scenes (Wolverine makes an obscene gesture using his middle, um, claw). There is some commercialism : during the game players can find comic books, which then allows them to view different Marvel comic book artwork. Parents should also be aware that this game is online enabled. Common Sense Media does not recommend online play for anyone under 12.

Families who do play this game may want to talk about how the game works with other X-Men products. Why do you think developers introduce unlockable content, such as comic book covers? Does playing the game add to your interest in purchasing the comics or watching the movies? Do games based on other products (like movies) live up to your expectations -- or do they often end up feeling more like marketing tools?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jeremy Gieske

Despite a fair amount of violence, X-MEN LEGENDS 2: RISE OF APOCALYPSE offers a great balance between strategy and action, all the while staying true to its comic book roots.

Players familiar with the X-men franchise will be happy to see many of their favorite mutants, from Magneto to Wolverine, ready to battle it out. Here's the twist: A new evil forces an uneasy alliance between X-Men and The Brotherhood.

Diabolical Apocalypse is determined to create a new super-mutant race, and he, along with his minions, have overrun The Brotherhood's refuge. In desperation, Magneto frees Professor Xavier from prison, offering a temporary truce to take on this new threat. Players are given the option of using both X-Men and Brotherhood characters to defeat Apocalypse.

There is a lot to like in the game. For one, it offers a lot of flexibility for players, letting them decide if they want a more strategic role-playing experience or constant action. Secondly, it offers many multi-player options. It's a lot of fun to partner up either with someone on the same machine, or through Xbox Live (Microsoft's online service for the Xbox). Players can take each other on in skirmishes, or play cooperatively through any of the single-player campaign levels.

Ultimately, this is a great game for fans of the X-Men series or comic book fans in general. With plenty of characters to choose from, a good storyline and great multi-player options, the game provides hours of entertainment.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some female characters wear tight clothing.
Violence While the battles aren't all that bloody, players fight enemies, other mutants and boss characters.
Language Some light language, mostly limited to cut scenes.
Message
	Social Behavior Some missions involve helping others. The overall goal is to stop a tyrant from destroying the world
	Commercialism Part of the X-Men franchise. The game promotes the comics and the movies.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value