Tools for this page
Print

Marvel Super Hero Squad

(2009, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E10+, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, PSP, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DSi)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Loads of fighting with heroes but has funny, spoofy vibe.

In this game kids can:   battle others, become a hero, play with others, whack cartoon characters

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–12

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    Controls are simple to grasp, although there are some unfortunate camera problems that make it difficult to see where you are going at certain times.There's an easy mode that lives up to its name, and plentiful health-bar power-ups make staying conscious a simpler task.

  • Messages:

    While fighting is at the heart of the game, the team spirit and camaraderie between the characters is actually very sweetly good-natured. Playing cooperatively in "adventure mode" forces kids to get along in the same way.
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models:

    It's hard to call anyone who resorts to physical fighting a role model, but these heroes -- in these incarnations -- are very likable. They always express desire to help one another, as well as the populace at large.

  • Violence:

    Superheroes punch, kick, and shoot energy beams at villains (and each other during "battle mode"). Wolverine has sharp claws, but his attacks don't appear to damage people in a  way different from other combatants. Some villains use laser rifles and energy bazookas (all beams, no bullets). There are grunts and shouts of pain when characters are hit, but defeated villains simply disappear.

  • Sex:

    Some of the female heroes wear slightly revealing uniforms (mostly in the thigh area), but the characters are all depicted in a very unrealistic, cartoony style.

  • Language:

    Silly (and sometimes hard to decipher) insults, like "canary head."

  • Consumerism:

    The game features the long-running Marvel Comics characters. More specifically, it ties into the new Cartoon Network series, The Super Hero Squad Show, which is animated in a spoofy, unrealistic style that this game shares.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Marvel Super Hero Squad was written by Christopher Healy

Parents need to know that this bright, colorful adventure, featuring a pantheon of well-known superheroes -- depicted in more childlike, cartoonish style than usual -- will appeal to kids far younger than its intended audience. In comparison to other superhero games -- especially other Marvel hero games, like the recent Ultimate Alliance 2 -- Super Hero Squad is far more family-friendly. However, it is still a fighting game, full of beatings and explosions and laser gunfire. Parents should just know what's in store if they plan to let children younger than the targeted audiance of age 10 play.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about what it means to be a hero. The heroes in this game act very differently -- the dimwitted Hulk, the wisecracking Wolverine, the noble Thor, etc. -- and yet, they are all heroes.
  • Parents can also discuss violence in the media in general. Why do so many shows, movies, and games revolve around fighting and conflict. Could there be another way for superheroes to have adventures without violence?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Marvel Super Hero Squad

What’s the Story?

MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD takes familiar characters from Marvel Comics and presents them in humorous, half-spoofy adventures. The game's main plot revolves around the evil Dr. Doom, who resides in Villainsville, and his search for the pieces of a special crystal which he wants to use to power a giant ray gun. He plans to use the ray to threaten the good people of Super Hero City. Fortunately, those folks are protected by the Super Hero Squad -- Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Wolverine, Falcon, Silver Surfer, and other surprise heroes -- who race to collect the crystal shards before Doom's henchmen can find them. Close

Is It Any Good?

Marvel Super Hero Squad is a good, solid game that attempts to put some techni-color fun back into the superhero genre. Co-op play adds to the enjoyment, and the arena battles (for those who want to eschew the story and just go toe-to-toe) are well done.

Just like comic book movies, comic-based games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 have gotten darker and grittier of late, but Super Hero Squad goes in the opposite direction. The heroes are depicted as squat, almost toy-like figures; the villains are hapless goons with squeaky voices; and jokes fly along with the punches. Sure, there's still plenty of fighting in the game, but it's nice that (slightly) younger fans can finally have a chance to play with their favorite heroes. It might not be the greatest superhero game ever made, but it's a truly refreshing change of pace.

Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/20/2009, price $39.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Cartoon Violence)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Marvel Super Hero Squad?

  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    dochnwillow
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Easy to play

    Neat Game Lots of FUN!!!

    Kids get to work together as their favorite super heroes.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.