Interface X

On the Xbox, both controllers – the old design and the controller s – work perfectly. Many cross-platform titles seem designed specifically for the PlayStation controllers, which can lead to mixed results on the Xbox, but not so with X-Men Legends 2. We can’t say the same for the default PC controls. Whether you choose pure keyboard or mouse and keyboard, the control setup leaves a lot to be desired. Keys are oddly spaced – with WASD being the controls and numberpad 4/6 the default attacks, but special powers fall under the P, E, and Esc keys. Meanwhile, camera controls are reduced to I, J, K, and L. It’s not a very satisfactory solution; PC gamers should look into getting an Xbox or PS2 controller and USB adapter. Should you decide to stick with the keyboard, you’ll be glad to hear that the keymapper is quite robust.

Graphically, there’s no comparison. Between the washed-out, low-res images on a TV and a nice, crisp 1600x1200 display on a monitor, only the most slavishly loyal Sony or Microsoft fanboy could prefer the console versions to the PC. In fact, given a decent-sized monitor, the weirdness of playing on your PC with a gamepad goes away almost immediately.

Even on the consoles though, there’s a bit too much menu-hopping for our tastes. This is especially noticeable early on when the levels accrue with alarming rapidity; going in and changing stats and powers manually can be a real chore. It’s possible to let the AI doing it but it generally doesn’t distribute the points like we liked. Fortunately, the player can pay Forge or Beast to reset character and power points, though this gets exponentially more expensive each time you do it.

What never quite goes away is the need to manage the inventory. Later on, with the level gains being spaced out to more decent intervals, the player’s primary reason for fiddling with the menus is to equip new items and sell or drop the rest. The game AI is really not that great at equipping your characters, it seems rather random actually. To be fair, the effectiveness of most items is limited relative to the core strength of the character, but there are exceptions. The only truly remarkable upgrades are damage boosts to melee attacks on a tank that has focused a lot of points on the striking stat to increase his damage multiplier. Otherwise the items are usually not that impressive, even if they’re “rare” or specifically designed for that character.

The raw amount of destruction in the game is not to be underestimated. Characters can pick up objects and throw them, smash through certain walls, pick up enemies and your stronger characters can even pick up Wolverine and throw him at someone. That last bit is mostly for gags, but it’s still a damned cool trick if you actually hit your target.

Above all, it’s the cacophony of sounds – from an announcer yelling “SUPER COMBO!” as two mutant power attacks hit an enemy at the same time, to the regular explosions, optic blasts, massive punches and slashing claw sounds. Like Diablo, it’s mindless but ultimately satisfying in its own way – always working towards that better attack next level, or hoping to get a good item. There aren’t many tactical challenges to strain the brain, but at higher difficulties, management of health and mana potions as well as super powers is vital. Certain character types are also a must in the party, but Nightcrawler in particular. While most of your party’s super attacks are radial in nature and affect everyone equally or attack one opponent at a time, Nightcrawler’s Master of Chaos attack can repeatedly hit the same target if there are no other enemies in his radius, making him perfect for knocking out bosses.


Boss characters are interspersed across the various maps. Most, like Grizzly, Sauron, or Omega Red are minor. The major bosses are are Apocalypse and his Horsemen, and they are at the end of every act. Unlike the minor bosses, these fights always have a trick or hook to make them more difficult and intricate. Major bosses also tend to enjoy the support of minor minions. Generally the fights are well done and even the ones that are very frustrating at first end up having a trick to them.