 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
- Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox
- Price: $40
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Heaps of heroes enliven comic book action.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this action game features dozens of heroes and villains from Marvel Comics. Players guide four heroes through hundreds of bloodless battles as they attempt to save Earth. The fighting is nonstop, but it's mostly presented as comic book fantasy; a couple of cut scenes show intense sword fights and decapitations of humanoid robots. Parents also need to know the game has an online mode -- Common Sense doesn't recommend online play for anyone under 12.
What's it about?
MARVEL: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE pits the forces of good -- in this case, a collection of Marvel greats -- against dark powers, here represented by Dr. Doom and a legion of baddies calling themselves Masters of Evil. Players guide a small team of heroes in a fight to save the world, traveling from hi-tech hideouts on Earth to remote locations like Atlantis, the banquet halls of Valhalla, and distant planets. The team comprises four characters from a pool of over 20. Three are under computer control, although players can take over control of any one team member at any time. The team must battle its way through hundreds of enemies, including many classic villains from Marvel's catalog.
Is it any good?
The most satisfying part of Ultimate Alliance is mixing different heroes in the quest for the perfect fighting force. Players can experiment with different heroes and power-ups until they find a set they like. The team-building is even more fun when two or more players participate in co-op play, which is available both online and offline. The single-player mission should last between 15 and 20 hours, and plenty of side-challenges add even more playtime.
Unfortunately, a few problems mar this otherwise solid game. The bulk of the game involves repetitive button-mashing battles against small groups of grunts, and the smashing of innumerable boxes, vases, and barrels in a hunt for money and power-ups. The game also has a few glitches, from a camera that occasionally gets caught on walls and ledges in the environment to more serious issues, like poor teammate AI that can send heroes off cliffs or into traps. Yet for those who enjoy action games or the Marvel Universe, Ultimate Alliance has a lot to offer.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the marketing of Marvel characters. Are you more likely to buy games or see movies that star your favorite comic book heroes? How often are these games good? How often are you disappointed? What is your favorite combination of heroes and why? Parents will also want to discuss online etiquette.
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AGE
A clever game which is sort of a big commircial for Marvel comics.
You may have to fight in hell, but kids definatly won't care. Other than that, this game is commpletly clean.
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AGE
pepole say hell in the game.not a big deal.Elecktra wears raged clothes.Not a big deal.Like seeing a girl in tube tops or mini skirts.
all together its ok for kids my age
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AGE
To Hell and Back
This game is very fun. You get to play with all the different superheroes and find which team is the best team for you to play with to beat up the bad guys.
Thhe part that is not fun is Mephisto's Realm. You actually get taken to hell and encounter all these pagan and witchcraft symbols there. You also have to complete a pentagram to free a hero! This is definitely not something a Christian would have fun doing. You are beating up the little imps down there so I guess that's fun, it's just the surroundings. I don't enjoy seeing pentagrams all over the place and having to read at altars. Because of this part (that is unavoidable if you want to beat the game) I dropped the rating on this. This is a worldly game so what do I expect?
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AGE
There is a hidden danger
I can't believe I'm the only one pinging this game on sexuality. I knew there would probably be super-heroines; but while they are empowering as they hold their own against the bad guys in gameplay, the cutscenes portray them as hyper-sexualized trucker babes in provocative poses. Also negative is the anti-Biblical view that women most certainly are NOT the weaker vessel: let 'em slug it out like the guys. The clear message to our boys: girls are an object to be ogled; other than that they can be beat on just like the boys.
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AGE
People really need to get real
This is an excellent game with a good message. All of your Marvel heroes team up against the evil Dr. Doom. The only thing that children might be frightened off is the Murderworld level. Even I was a little scared of this level. It consisted of crazed clowns and some pretty weird villains. Also those who are obsessing over the "hell" level really need to calm down. It is not going to forever scar your child.
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AGE
The best superhero game ever.
Okay, first of all, the story is great, the graphics are great, and the gameplay is great.
Playing co-op with your friends with each of you as your favorite Marvel superhero is priceless.
While the heroes are very similar in many ways, the spirit of each is captured excellently through unique animations an abilities. For example, Elektra and The Human Torch have difficulties lifting some of the heavier objects, but Iron Man and The Thing have no difficulties lifting anything. That ceases to mention the flying abilities of some, and all the different powers.
The heroes are done so well that you might not mind playing the whole game as just one hero.
Although most of it's comprised of clobbering simple enemies, the game is so fun I found myself constantly hoping for another wave of enemies or two.
And the puzzles, some were simple and easy to figure out, some were challenging even to me.
For Marvel fans and action game lovers, this game is a must-have. If you are mostly unfamiliar with the Marvel Universe, don't fret. This game will make a "marvelous" learning experience for those who have the interest.
Basically, buy this game. You won't regret it.
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AGE
Why in Hell?
I allowed my children to play this game, while I was in the room. I was very sad, disappointed, angry that they are required to fight in Hell - and there are occult symbols, pentagrams, and "altars" all over it. There are also demonic symbols and creatures all over. I would have liked a warning on the label - not appropriate for those that do not want to "play in hell." Otherwise, a very fun game.
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AGE
Satanic theme at end of game - dissapointing
My 9 year old son LOVED this game. He was on the last level when his mom noticed that Captain America was standing in the middle of a pentagram with candles around it. I checked it out online & the final battle is with Mephisto (short for Mephistopholes / Satan / Lucifer). Myself & his mother were very upset & immediately made him stop playing. Now we have to explain to him why. They need to add a category for rating video games called "questionable morals".
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Activision |
| Release date: | November 13, 2006 |
| Price: | $40 |
| ESRB rating: | T for mild language, violence |
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