A few years ago Raven Software graced the world with X-Men Legends, a spectacular Diablo-styled action role-playing game that centered on the exploits of Marvel's band of merry mutants. The same developer followed that up a year later with the equally stupendous X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse. This time, it has pulled out all the stops by delivering the largest roster of Marvel heroes ever assembled in one game. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance contains over 140 Marvel characters.. Some are household names; others will only be recognized by the comic fanboy (like Moon Knight and Luke Cage).

Players will need almost all of them to succeed, because Dr. Doom is up to his old world domination tricks of evil again. This time, he's managed to bring together some of the greatest super villains of all time (i.e. Ultron, Galactus, Mephisto, Loki and dozens more), and call themselves "The Masters of Evil (MoE)." The game opens with a fantastic CGI cut scene of an attack by MoE forces against a S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Hazard Intervention, Espionage and Logistics Directorate) helicarrier (yes, an airport aircraft carrier) piloted by Nick Fury. Facing certain "doom," he sends out a distress call to all nearby superheroes. Fortunately, the fully controllable four-man team of superheroes answers the call and the saga begins. The grandiose story unfolds like a comic book should - fast and furious, and comes with several clichéd moments that will positively bring a smile to anyone's face. Twists and turns abound as the heroes fight their way through swarms of enemies and battle Super Villains across 17+ (earthly and intergalactic) locations, most of which will be instantly recognized by long time Marvel-ites.

The initial squad of heroes consists of Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, and Wolverine, and they can be switched at any time. The longer the game's played, the more playable characters will be unlocked. Every hero can perform simple melee combos as well as grapple and toss enemies, block and dodge attacks, and wield the oft-encountered weapon. Plus, each hero has at least eight unique "special powers." These powers are unlocked gradually as they earn experience points and level up. For instance Spider-Man has an array of web-slinging powers, Captain America can toss his shield with deadly accuracy, and Wolverine does what he does best with his adamantium claws. Some heroes -- like Thor and Ms. Marvel -- can fly (others, like Deadpool, can teleport), which can be used in conjunction with their special powers.

When given the opportunity to tweak a team, players can either create their own or pick a pre-existing one (i.e., the Fantastic Four or the Avengers). They can exchange other heroes at will, but they'll lose out on the Team Reputation bonus that increases the longer they stay together. Additionally, picking certain members includes an added bonus. For instance, playing with Captain America, Iron Man, Luke Cage and Spider-Man will earn the "New Avengers" bonus (+5 to Resistance), or playing with all female heroes will earn the "Femme Fatale" bonus. Also, every time a new hero is yanked into battle, Alliance artificially increases their experience level to roughly one level below the rest of the team as the team member learns how to work with the team. It's a simple solution to an otherwise nasty dilemma.

Controlling teammates is as simple as hitting the "C" key and issuing one of four very basic commands: Normal, Aggressive, Defensive and Assist. When a team mate falls during battle, that hero can not be brought back until the time penalty runs out. Plus, they can only be brought back when players reach Access Points.

Continue...