The Hidden Gem of Marvel's Past

There have been numerous video games based off of comic book properties, the most popular of which are easily the Batman: Arkham series.  While this series has gained a lot of critical praise, there is one comic book game I hold in a higher light, and it came from Marvel.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a great example of what a comic book game should be.  While the Arkham games benefit heavily by focusing on one character, it leaves out the rest of the rest of the greater DC universe.  MUA brings in over 30 playable characters and travels to many places within the Marvel universe.  The player -or players, if a few friends are tagging along- visit areas like the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, Atlantis, and Mephisto's Realm, just to name a few.

It's like a tour of the Marvel universe, all tied together with an amazing plot.  Dr. Doom has gathered every notable super villain to help aid him in his scheme.  Doom wishes to steal the power of Odin and warp the universe to fall under his rule.  The player(s) must create a team of four super heroes to stop Doom from achieving his goal.


The roster to choose the four heroes appears small at first, but grows very quickly.  Each platform the game was released on had some exclusive characters (Xbox 360 had Moon Knight and Colossus) but there are a large number of main-stays (i.e. Spider-Man and Captain America) to choose from.  Some others can be unlocked through finding collectibles, progressing through the story, or completing the training simulations.

One of the best aspects for me is more of a retroactive one.  The game was released before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even an idea, so it wasn't tied down with any art style restrictions or studio-mandated characters.  The only character to feel like he was forced in the game is Moon Knight, and it was only because the character made a return in the comics after a decade of silence.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is pure fun.  Friends can play as their favorite super heroes and assemble both established teams, or create a completely new one on their own.  The plot is enjoyable and completely original, and dialogue between characters ranges from insightful to downright hilarious (there's a particular moment where the player can get Dr. Doom to talk to himself).  While it isn't strictly a comic book, it certainly feels like one through it's writing alone.