In many ways, the Pseudo-RPG Superhero Beat-em-up can't help but be cool. It's a pretty safe bet that if you're going to compile a roster of the biggest names in comics and then let players pick up to 4 costumed badasses at a time to plow through bad guys with, that you're going to sell some games and fulfill some very primal desires. That being said, Marvel Ultimate Alliance does the aforementioned exceptionally well, but it doesn't venture out into any unexplored territory afterwards.
The plot is semi-interesting, but seems to harken back to the comics of the Silver or *possibly* Bronze Age, when Dr. Doom would actually try to steal Odin's power, no matter how convoluted or mind-bendingly ridiculous that would seem even in the world of comics. One of the benefits of playing fast and loose with the plot, is that the game was able to showcase a wide array of areas in the Marvel universe, as well as a nice lineup of baddies. For that I can't fault them, though I wonder who told them that Submariner was anything other than a pretentious scaly man-fish.
The customization elements of Ultimate Alliance are sound, if uninspired. The multiple costumes and unique character boosts that they provide (3-4 costumes per character, with an immense roster), are interesting and effective for exciting for those wishing to try out teams centered around particular themes (the dodge squad, a gun group, an all-regen team, etc.). The biggest weakness in customization comes from the equipment, where a hero can only hold one piece of equipment and the means by which you obtain them (boss fights and random loot chests) are wonky and limiting.
In terms of sheer fun-factor, and should-I-buy-this-or-the-sequel considerations, never fear. If you've ever wanted to assemble a team of badass heroes and completely trash everything in front of you, then you will be satisfied with the game. The faults are not imaginary, but they do not get in the way of the player's enjoyment. If anything, I consider Marvel Ultimate Alliance to (hopefully) be a touchstone in a line of games, and I expect the sequel to have refined some of the weaker points of what I consider to be a winning formula.
The Verdict: Fun, Superhero mayhem that is a must-buy for Marvel fans or lovers of snazzy costumes. Not a perfect game, but has extreme replayability, great characters, and some moments of genius.
