What’s better than having one superhero in a game? Having over 140, that’s what. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance brings together some of the best (and some of the worst) heroes and villains that the comic book publisher has to offer.

Dr. Doom and the Masters of Evil – like Masters of the Universe only with lower aspirations – launch a surprise attack on a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier and Nick Fury sends out the call for any available superheroes to step in. That’s where the game kicks off as you take control of Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Wolverine.

If you’ve played either of Raven’s XMen Legends games then you’ll know what the deal is here: progress through somewhat linear levels kicking the hell out of a perpetual stream of bad guys until you reach a boss, then do it again. The X-Men games provided some entertainment but were nothing stellar, so fortunately Raven has tweaked some aspects to ensure Ultimate Alliance doesn’t make the same mistakes.

Obviously the graphics are a vast improvement and we are treated to some nice-looking and faithfully realised characters. Some gorgeous cut-scenes have also been thrown in to advance the plot between missions and the roster of playable characters is much greater than that of X-Men’s, although it still isn’t huge and is filled with a few duds. There are plenty of decent ones, however, and if you’re a fanboy then inclusions like Moon Knight and Deadpool should keep you happy. The lack of the Hulk is a disappointment, though.

Just like X-Men Legends, your characters upgrade the more you use them and even get new costumes if you play for long enough. The health and energy system has been changed slightly now and orbs are dropped by enemies that are instantly absorbed by your team, so you don’t have to keep such a close eye on their meters and can therefore just get on with the action.

The said action really is the strong point of this game, as the puzzles are ridiculously easy and the levels simplistic. Despite that however, there’s still plenty to do and hours of fun to be had with Ultimate Alliance, especially if you’re a comic book fan.

Simon Griffin