In a need for an action RPG, I picked up this game after hearing some very positive comments from a friend about XML2. I just recently played through the game, and here are my thoughts on it.

The graphics in this game aren’t mind-blowingly real graphics, but in fact similar to what I imagine a video comic would look like (if that makes any sense). The character models are slightly less detailed than they should be, but they really grow on you; each character is easily identified and actually look great. The only downside I can think of is the fact that the cutscenes feature a totally different style of graphics, making them seem slightly out of place. The audio is also great, especially the voice acting. The music, however, like many other games isn’t that great.

The gameplay is similar to most other isometric action-RPGs like Baldur’s Gate on the PS2 or Dungeon Siege on the PC. The main difference is that you’re always in control of 4 characters, no matter how many human gamers are playing. This is good, but a lot of the time, the characters get in the way. The only other thing worth to note here is the fact that some characters are a lot more useful than others (Emma Frost, I’m looking at you). Besides that fact, though, the game is rather balanced.

The game took me right at 20 hours to complete, which is really short for a game. However, replayability is rather high as there are 14 playable characters (making a total of around 3 different party combinations). This would clock in as 60 hours, which is really good for this type of game. I’m not getting XML2 for the GC, but I’m really set on getting the game for the PSP. In another, slightly off key note, I’m really excited about getting Dungeon Siege for PSP.

I recommend this game to anyone who likes X-Men or action games in general, you will be extremely pleased (even if my review sounded negative, like they all do).