Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects Review (no fat)

Game Description

In a world of ordinary people, Marvel unleashed some extraordinary ones through their comic books. Their stable of super heroes consists of heavyweights like The Avengers, the X-men, Fantastic Four, DareDevil and that legendary web-slinger - Spiderman. Having woven a web of intrigue over young and old minds alike for decades, Marvel teamed up with the gaming giant Electronic Arts to produce this fighting game featuring a bunch of superheroes.

It's typical good vs. evil fare with Spiderman, The Thing from Fantastic Four, Wolverine from the X-men etc. on one side and six spawns of evil known as The Imperfects on the other. For those who have played Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter style games, this one should be a decent experience.

This version is a port from the original release which was designed for consoles. The developers have done a good job reformatting it for the PSP's smaller screen but at the cost of some of the elements from the console versions. The lack of cut scenes and narratives destroys continuity and the game ends up as being more of a fancy wrestling match with mindless action rather than a comic book tale of justice.

Despite the fact that the game lacks a plot, it still brings some legendary characters to the dance and the thrill of stepping into the boots of a superhero and wielding their superpowers is a huge one, even if its on a small rectangular view port. Decent graphics and some sensitive tweaks to the PSP version all add to increased playability.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects Gameplay

Flick on the game's campaign mode and you start off as either The Thing or The Human Dynamo. Win the initial set of 10 individual clashes and you get to unlock the rest of the characters. With each character possessing it's own superpowers, the challenge here would be utilizing those powers to gain victories.

EA implemented a simple control system that makes playing this game relatively easy. It does take time to master combo moves and once you get a grip, you'll be able to unleash some of the devastating attacks that these superheroes possess. As far as attacks go, you can also use props that are scattered around and these can bring forth some serious damage.

The focus has been on character qualities and animation, and in this regard, the developers do a great job. Every character has fluid movement, attacks are very well executed and physical definition is comic book perfect.

The implementation of a card system adds a unique touch to the game. These cards act as power-ups that can be used during a fight (e.g. a health boost). To get these cards, you have to use the medals that you win when you beat an opponent (gold, silver or bronze medal). Sometimes, cards unlock a new arena or character.

Online multiplayer gaming is out of the question, but you can use the WiFi to connect with other PSP owners for some one on one action.

This game rates high in the gameplay department but the lack of a good storyline might just make players lose interest after a while.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects Graphics & Sound

Excellent detailing on each superhero and realistic looking attack sequences combine to create some incredible fight sequences. The camera tries its best to grab every aspect of the encounters and succeeds to an extent, given the PSP's tiny screen.

Arenas are functional with minimal detail and in this game, that's not a bad thing as the focus is on the superheroes and their antics. The interactive elements are also good.

The game's sound is non-intrusive and is just meant to fill in the space rather than dominate the action. The lack of voices is a bit disappointing though, but owing to the PSP's limitations, this is expected.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects – 2 cent

The game has only one thing to offer and that is the unique experience of playing superhero and beating up opponents with your super powers.

The fight sequences offer great action but eventually, it can get a bit monotonous as there's nothing much to do other than fight. A good plot and some good video footage would have added immense value to the game. The developers do score in the graphics department and the port from the larger sized console screens to the tiny PSP screen is a very good effort. For every feature that EA was forced to axe out to fit the game into the PSP, they compensate by adding a new feature.

Overall, It's a game that has its fair shares of pros and cons. The big question is whether it pulls its weight with a 50 dollar price tag? hmmm... not very likely.

Cost

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects retails at $49.99US at the time of writing.