First off…

Let’s begin this review with an apology, we didn’t mean to spend so much time playing the game but we decided that this was an important review so we wanted as much time with the title as possible. If you’ve been on the fence about this title, then maybe we will help you make up your mind. So here we go with our better late than never review of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2.

Is the game fun?

The answer to the first question is a resounding "yes." The game is a blast to play, especially when you play with a friend. There are a lot of improvements that we’ll touch on throughout the review, but for now just know that if you found the first game enjoyable then the second game manages to build on that.

What I like about the game's fun factor is the endless amount of approaches to the game and how it plays, from the various teams you build to the boss battles. If you didn’t care for the first title then I think you should probably shy away from this one too, but we’ll get to that issue as well.

Can I play it again?

This is one of the aspects where there is definite improvement over the first game. Without spoiling anything, just know that the game can be played through at least twice. The game covers the 'Marvel Civil War,’ pitting the heroes of the Marvel Universe against one another and gives you at least two ways to play (pro-registration and anti-registration) to unlock different characters.

Online: If it ain’t broke…

Matchmaking should be a standard for any online game, yes even MUA 2. Any game that doesn’t feature matchmaking loses points.  Sure, it’s not impossible to find people to play with, but it could be a whole lot easier. I don’t care about individuality when it comes to online play, go with what works and Halo simply nailed it the first time. Every game that features online play should have matchmaking, no exceptions.

The RPG issue or WTF level 1 Cap?!?!?

This could be a blog in and of itself. I understand you want to give me an RPG experience, but do it with another game, not a game with established fictional characters. What the hell is level one Captain America about? How can you explain the living legend of WWII who has been on countless adventures being stuck on level one until I, the user, get my chubby paws on him? If you want to give me a reason to play the game then give me a ton of unlockables, not powers to unlock, it completely ruins the narrative.

If there was a character generation feature where I could play the game as a brand new character then the level system is fine, but not with established characters, in a sequel no less.  What did I play part one for if I have to start over from scratch in the sequel?

There have been games in the past, and present, that don’t use the level system and most of them worked out fine. In fact, the games I’m thinking of are: Batman Arkham Asylum, Captain America and the Avengers, The Spider-Man action side-scroller (It had Namor, Hawkeye, and a few others and played like Captain America and the Avengers), The X-Men Arcade Game, etc. etc.

I’ll hold further complaint to when we talk about the story.