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{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{Infobox video game
|title = Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
| title = Marvel Ultimate Alliance
|image = ]
| image = Ultimate alliance.PNG
|developer = ]<br/p>]<br/p>Beenox Studios<br/p>]<br/p>
| developer = ]{{efn|] ported the 2006 Windows version, ] ported the Wii and PlayStation Portable versions, and re-release version ported by ]. ] developed the Game Boy Advance version.}}
|publisher = ]
| publisher = ]
|designer =
| director = Dan Vondrak
|engine =]
| designer = Keith Fuller
|released = {{flagicon|USA}} {{flagicon|Europe}} {{flagicon|Australia}} ], ] ('''], ], ], ], ], ]''')<br/>{{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (''']''') <br>
| producer = Matthew Paul
''']''': <br>
| artist = Dan Hay
{{flagicon|USA}} ], ]<br>
| writer = Robert Love
{{flagicon|AUS}} ], ]<br>
| programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Daniel Edwards|Gil Gribb}}
{{flagicon|EU}} ], ]
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|]|]|]}}
| engine = ]
|genre = ]/ Adventure
| series = ''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance''
|modes = ], ]
| platforms = {{Plainlist|
|ratings = ESRB : Teen (T) (For Violence and Mild Language.)
* ]
ESRB: Everyone +10 (E+10) (Game Boy Advance version) (For Violence.)
* ]
|platforms = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
* ]
|media = ], ], ], ]
* ]
|requirements =
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}<!-- IN RELEASE DATE ORDER -->
| released ={{collapsible list|title=October 24, 2006| '''Xbox'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 24, 2006|EU|October 27, 2006|AU|November 1, 2006}}'''Microsoft Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 24, 2006|AU|November 1, 2006|EU|November 3, 2006|WW|July 26, 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/video_games/26503/sdcc_2016_marvel_ultimate_alliance|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160808150619/http://marvel.com/news/video_games/26503/sdcc_2016_marvel_ultimate_alliance|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-08-08|title=SDCC 2016: MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE|publisher=Marvel|date=2016-07-23|access-date=2016-07-23}}</ref><small> (2016 re-release)</small>}}'''PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 24, 2006|AU|November 1, 2006|EU|November 3, 2006}}'''PlayStation Portable'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 24, 2006|EU|December 1, 2006|AU|December 6, 2006}}'''Wii'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 19, 2006|AU|December 21, 2006|EU|December 22, 2006}}'''PlayStation 3'''
{{vgrelease|NA|November 17, 2006|EU|March 23, 2007|AU|March 23, 2007}}'''PlayStation 4'''{{vgrelease|WW|July 26, 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/video_games/26503/sdcc_2016_marvel_ultimate_alliance|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160808150619/http://marvel.com/news/video_games/26503/sdcc_2016_marvel_ultimate_alliance|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-08-08|title=SDCC 2016: MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE|publisher=Marvel|date=2016-07-23|access-date=2016-07-23}}</ref>}}'''Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|July 28, 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/heres-what-the-updated-marvel-ultimate-alliance-1-/1100-6442174/|title=Here's What the Updated Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 and 2 Look Like|website=GameSpot|date=2016-07-24|access-date=2016-07-24|archive-date=2016-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729071743/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/heres-what-the-updated-marvel-ultimate-alliance-1-/1100-6442174/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
}} }}
| genre = ]
| modes = ], ]
}}
'''''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance''''' is a 2006 ] ] published by ] for various gaming systems. Developed by ], ''Ultimate Alliance'' is set within the fictional ] and features many of the ]es, ]s, and supporting characters that appear in publications by ]. It shares many similarities with Raven Software's previous Marvel titles, '']'' and '']'', in that it allows players to select from its vast cast to create the ultimate superhero team. The game features an original plot in which the heroes of the Marvel Universe must join forces to defeat ] and his ] and foil their plans for global domination.


Raven Software developed and released it on ], ] and ] on October 24, 2006, while additionally versions for ] (] by ]) and ] (ported by ]) were also released on the same day, as well as a distinctly different ] version, developed by ]. Shortly thereafter, ''Ultimate Alliance'' was released as a ] for both the ] and ] consoles in November 2006, the latter ported by Vicarious Visions; the PlayStation 3 version was one of three launch games for the system (along with '']'' and '']'') to run at 1080p resolution.
'''''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance''''' is an ] released by ] and ] in October 2006 in U.S. Previously referred to as ''''']''''', this game features more than 20 characters which are available to players and 140 character appearances in total. The name was changed to avoid confusion with the ] (And later, ]) toylines of the same name.


Upon release, the game was met with largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its simple but entertaining gameplay, and its impressive selection of Marvel characters. A sequel, '']'', was developed for multiple platforms by ], ] and Savage Entertainment and released in 2009. A third game, '']'', was developed by ]'s ] and published by ] for the ] in 2019. ''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance'' was re-released in 2016, ported by ], on Windows, ], and ].
==Story==
{{spoiler}}
] has formed a new ] in pursuit of an unknown goal. They then launch an attack on a ] ]. ] sends out a distress call to all available meta-humans. ], ], ] and ] respond and proceed to eliminate Doom's forces. After saving the helicarrier, Nick is given the OK by the government to create a special task force of superhumans to counter the Masters of Evil.


==Features== ==Gameplay==
===Consoles, PC and PSP===
The game features over 140 characters from the Marvel Universe. Players are able to create teams, and have online and co-operative play, for up to 4 players. In arcade mode players will have to fight for the most kills in order to get the experience points at the end of the level. There are also special comic book missions, revisiting a moment in a character's past and facing a classic arch rival. Characters may have up to four costumes, which can alter the stats of the character.
Players can select teams of four from a range of more than twenty-two ] (although some characters are not initially available and need to be unlocked, or exclusive to specific versions), allowing them to create their own superhero teams or recreate famous teams from the publications. Bonuses are also available if forming certain groups (e.g. the ], ], ], ], ]). The game has alternative endings, dictated by the number of optional missions the player completes. Included are trivia, artwork, and "simulator discs", which unlock non-story-related missions for characters.


Each character also has a variety set of four alternate costumes that offer different advantages, with the latter three costumes must be unlocked through specific conditions. Some of the costumes change the character's appearance to that of a different Marvel Universe, including Iron Man as ], Thor as ], Spider-Woman as ] and ] from '']'', Ghost Rider as ], and Ms. Marvel as ].
Players will fight in mid air, underwater and on the ground, with fully destructible and interactive environments in over 17 locations, traveling around different locales on planet Earth, different dimensions, and even the depths of space by the end of the game. The game has alternative endings, affected by the decisions the player(s) make throughout the game. These endings are based on whether or not the player chooses to complete optional missions.


The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are virtually identical, with no major differences. Both platforms include Colossus, Moon Knight, and five additional comic book missions. Activision released eight additional downloadable characters on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace on April 26, 2007 in a set of packs: a ''Hero Pack'', consisting of ], ], ], and the ], and a ''Villain Pack'', which includes ], ], ], and a playable ]. Both packs are also available in a bundle pack for 800 MSP, which adds 12 new ] to the game.<ref name="DLC">{{cite web|title=Activision to Release New Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Heroes and Villains on Xbox Live Marketplace |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/marvelultimatealliance/news.html?sid=6167963 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124124921/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/marvelultimatealliance/news.html?sid=6167963 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2007-03-27}}</ref> The ''Gold Edition'' was released for the Xbox 360 in May 2007 which includes the standard game bundled with all ].<ref name="gold edition">{{cite web |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/908/908243.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition |access-date=2007-07-26 |website=IGN |archive-date=2007-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101105334/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/908/908243.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Special Edition'' version was released in September 2007, and is included in the '']'' list for the Xbox 360. The set includes all elements of the Gold Edition of the game and a bonus DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/xbox360/data/932586.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |access-date=2007-09-16 |website=] |archive-date=2007-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922162917/http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/xbox360/data/932586.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As of December 2009, the DLC was removed from the ] by Activision, meaning the only way to play as the downloadable characters was to purchase the Gold Edition or the Platinum Hits version. The Xbox 360 ] version now bundles the full game with all previously downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.xboxachievements.com/news/news-22920-Marvel-Ultimate-Alliance-Digital-Versions-Now-Include-Previously-Delisted-DLC.html |date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=December 31, 2015 |title=Marvel Ultimate Alliance Digital Versions Now Include Previously Delisted DLC |first=Alan |last=Pettit |publisher=Xbox Achievements |archive-date=December 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230053212/http://www.xboxachievements.com/news/news-22920-Marvel-Ultimate-Alliance-Digital-Versions-Now-Include-Previously-Delisted-DLC.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The game is quite rewarding for fans of Marvel's characters, providing lots of bonuses and nods to knowledgeable fans who know their comic history. Putting together teams of characters who have a shared history together, for example, may give team bonuses (ex. using ], ], ] and ] on the same team would yield you the ], giving you a boost in attack damage for all team members). Using particular characters to interact with other NPCs can also yield additional dialogue, and villains will also react accordingly when met with their nemeses (for example, ] will talk directly to ] or ] upon seeing those characters in the first chapter). The game also features trivia games, artwork and many more references to the Marvel Universe.


The Wii version has a few features unique to itself including specific motion-sensitive controls for normal moves, motion-sensitive controlled special attacks (the attacks are unique for each character, but not the motions), and access to any special move at any time. This version contains no online play but has a local multiplayer mode in which up to four players may play at once. It also features the characters ] and ], as well as five additional comic book missions.
While many characters in the game by default are rendered with the appearance they have in the ] line of comics, the world of the game is predominantly based upon that of the ], with many villains, character designs and references to events that exist only in that continuity (for example, ] is the original Marvel Universe's version, not Ultimate Marvel's hive-minded robotic version).


While the graphics are virtually identical to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the ] version is customizable, and many characters (including those who are exclusive to specific versions) and their modifications can be obtained from community sites for play within the game.<ref name="marvelmods PC">{{cite web |url=http://marvelmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=399.0 |title=Additional Characters for Marvel Ultimate Alliance PC |access-date=2009-08-13 |publisher=marvelmods.com |archive-date=2009-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806031051/http://marvelmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=399.0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The PC version's graphics vary depending on the customization of a user's settings. The PC version also features "intuitive mouse controls" and works with a ].<ref name="official site">{{cite web |url=http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/ |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance official site |publisher=] |access-date=2009-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427074518/http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/ |archive-date=2009-04-27 }}</ref> A number of custom characters (including ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]) are available.<ref name="marvelmods PC"/>
==Versions==
The game is available for the ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and PC. The graphical engine and looks differ between the various platforms. For the ], ], and ], characters models are similar to '']'' style. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions feature more detailed character models and environments. The PC version vary depending on the customization of a user's settings, at maximum settings and shaders with premium hardware, the PC graphics will be similar to or better than the 7th gen. The PC version also features "intuitive mouse controls" <ref></ref> and works with a gamepad.


The re-release version of the game which came to ], ] and Microsoft Windows via ] is solely based on Xbox 360’s Gold Edition. However, the re-release was initially released with the contents which were exclusive to seventh-generation consoles (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii), but without the DLC featured originally on Xbox 360. On August 30, 2016, an update was released on these three systems which contained the eight downloadable characters previously featured on the Xbox 360.
There are exclusive characters on the GBA, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3. The PSP has four exclusive characters, the GBA has two exclusive characters, and the three next-gen systems share two exclusive characters. ] and ] (the next-gen exclusive characters) are now playable on the PC version as well with a game mod. MUA VIP site has officially announced that there will be downloadable characters on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace at some point in March(No specific date has yet to be announced other than 'March') no other details have been announced and it has not been said whether any other platforms will have access to these characters.


The PSP version features simplified graphics, different characters, and extra features including the four exclusive playable Marvel characters ], ], ], and ].<ref name="IGN PSP review">{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/744/744059p1.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Review (PSP) |first=Hillary |last=Goldstein |date=2009-11-03 |access-date=2010-01-19 |website=IGN |archive-date=2012-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529135358/http://psp.ign.com/articles/744/744059p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Other things unique to this version are 6 exclusive comic book missions including one which contains ], an exclusive prequel mission, and three exclusive single-player gameplay modes.<ref name="official site PSP">{{cite web |url=http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/game_info.php?c=psp |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - PSP System Info |publisher=] |access-date=2010-01-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714043550/http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/game_info.php?c=psp |archive-date=2011-07-14 }}</ref> Added features include online play, microphone support ''(voice chat)'', and online-recordable player statistics.<ref name="official site PSP"/> The PlayStation 2 version of the game has the same features as the ] versions of the game, albeit without Colossus, Moon Knight and the five bonus simulator missions. In August 2007, a ''Greatest Hits'' version was released which included a bonus DVD containing a making-of featurette. The Xbox version of the game has no changes from the standard PlayStation 2 edition. However, it is possible to play as Colossus and Moon Knight via a glitch which can be accessed through a series of steps.<ref name="Pop Fiction">{{cite video|url = http://www.gametrailers.com/video/episode-14-pop-fiction/718387|title = Pop-Fiction Episode 9: The Invisible Man|publisher = ]|format = Flash video|date = 2011-07-29|access-date = 2011-08-02|archive-date = 2011-08-17|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817123822/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/episode-14-pop-fiction/718387|url-status = live}}</ref>
===GBA===
"Marvel: Ultimate Alliance" is drastically altered for the Game Boy Advance Port. The game is now a side-scrolling fighting game, with minor RPG elements (such as the ability to alter your characters stats). Also the graphics are compressed qualitywise for system and the character selection has been drastically reduced.


===Game Boy Advance===
Teams consist of three characters and a striker, a non-playable fourth character who can be summoned to perform a devastating attack directed toward on-screen enemies.
The Game Boy Advance version of ''Ultimate Alliance'' features significant differences from the other console versions. Most notably, the basic gameplay takes the form of a 2D side-scrolling beat’em up game with minor RPG elements, such as the ability to alter the player characters' stats. The graphics are simplified for this system and the selection of characters has also been reduced. Some additional gameplay modes were added to this version of the game including a ] Simulator, Time Challenges, Scavenger Hunts, and a Survival mode.<ref name="official site GBA">{{cite web |url=http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/game_info.php?c=handheld |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - GBA Info |access-date=2010-01-19 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714043814/http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/game_info.php?c=handheld |archive-date=2011-07-14 }}</ref> Teams for this port consist of three characters and a non-playable fourth character called a "striker", who can be summoned to perform a powerful attack directed toward on-screen enemies.<ref name="official site GBA"/>


==Plot==
Playable characters include:
The game begins with ] and the ] launching an attack on the S.H.I.E.L.D. ] U.N.N. ''Alpha''. ] sends out a distress call to all available superheroes for assistance. ], ], ] and ] respond to the call. Along with the other heroes, they save the Helicarrier from the forces led by ], ], ], ], and ]. In the wake of the attack, Nick Fury is given permission to start a task force to confront the Masters of Evil and ] allows them to use Stark Tower as their headquarters.<ref>'''Nick Fury''': I've been empowered by S.H.I.E.L.D. to create a task force to stop the Masters of Evil. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref>
* Spider-Man (Starter Character)
* Wolverine (Starter Character)
* Iceman (Starter Character)
* Blade
* Captain America
* Deadpool
* Elektra
* Thing (Must be Unlocked)
* Ms. Marvel (Must Be Unlocked)
* Thor


Fury asks the heroes to investigate an odd message received from ] on the Omega Base, a S.H.I.E.L.D. mobile research facility. The team defeats supervillains ], ], and ] as well as ] and failed Super Soldier experiments to prevent the Omega Base from crashing into a dam and launching several gamma bombs.
Strikers include:
* Dr. Strange (starter striker)
* Ghost Rider
* Iron Man
* Dark Phoenix
* Namor the Sub-Mariner
* Vision


With their mission successful, the heroes travel to Atlantis, where the inhabitants are being mind-controlled by ], who has usurped ] from his throne.<ref>'''Captain America''': Namorita sent a message saying a riot's taking place. A crowd broke into the throne room of Atlantis and dragged Namor off his throne. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref> With the help of nano-technology that enables them to breathe and move freely underwater, the heroes fight the mind-controlled Atlanteans, destroy the towers which are guarded by ] and ], rescue Namor, and defeat Attuma and ]. After defeating Attuma, the heroes encounter ], who unleashes the ], which the team defeats by toppling pillars on it.
Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iceman are the game's starter team with Dr. Strange as your striker. Blade, Deadpool, Captain America, Elektra, and Thor become unlockable after completing the first mission, along with striker Ghost Rider. As the game progresses, characters become unlocked as more missions are completed.


] characters.]]
Some additional gameplay modes are also included for additional gameplay: S.H.I.E.L.D. Simulator, Time Challenges, Scavenger Hunts, and a Survival mode.
They then travel to the Valley of Spirits to confront Mandarin in his palace. After his defeat, he reveals that he attempted to take command of the Masters of Evil and, upon failing, left the group. He suggests that the Mandarin they saw in the catacombs was actually ], Thor's adoptive brother and the god of mischief.<ref>'''Mandarin''': Most likely it was that pompous Loki. He has the ability to shapeshift. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref>


Upon returning to base, the team learns that ] and ] have been kidnapped. Due to the involvement of mystical forces, Fury has the team relocated to the ], offered as a temporary headquarters by a grateful ], who they rescued in the Valley of Spirits. ] tracks Nightcrawler to Castle Doom, but upon trying to transport the heroes there they are sent to ] by a spell from ]. After defeating a mind-controlled Jean Grey, ], and ], the heroes battle a large ], piloted by ].
===PSP===
The ] version features simplified graphics, different characters, and extra features:
*Four exclusive playable Marvel characters: ], ], ] and ]
*One exclusive comic book villain: ]
*6 special comic book missions
*Microphone support ''(voice chat)'', via which players can speak with other players online
*Online-recordable player statistics
*Exclusive prequel missions
*Three exclusive single-player gameplay modes


Victorious, the heroes learn that Doctor Doom has used Nightcrawler to access ]'s Realm, and the team is sent in pursuit.<ref>'''Elektra''': Why is Nightcrawler in Mephisto's realm? '''Nick Fury''': Dr. Doom somehow forced him to teleport a group of them to that dimension. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref> Upon arriving, minions of Mephisto kidnap Jean Grey and Nightcrawler. Mephisto's son ] puts them in separate cages above the Infinity Vortex, stating one must be saved and the other sacrificed before the team can defeat Mephisto. During their battle with Mephisto the sacrificed hero returns, resurrected by Mephisto, but now under his control. As a final effort, the resurrected hero sacrifices their life to defeat Mephisto and allow the team to escape.
===Wii===
]
The ] version features:
*Specific motion-sensitive controls for normal moves
*Motion-sensitive controlled Special attacks, unique for each character
*Access to any special move at any time, which is unavailable for any other build.
*There is no online play, but there is a normal multiplayer mode in which up to four players may play at once.
*Does not have the five exclusive simulator missions available on the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.


Meanwhile, in Asgard, a massive army of Super Soldiers attacks and imprisons the ] gods.<ref>'''Thor''': My friends, these are indeed dark times. The Masters of Evil have overwhelmed the armies of Asgard. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref> The heroes travel to ] to liberate it from its invading force and free ] (who is guarded by Rhino and Shocker), ] (who is guarded by Scorpion and ]), and ] (who is guarded by ] and ]). Then they fight the ] and undead soldiers unleashed by ] to open ] in order for reinforcements to arrive. Looking for ] in ] following a fight with ] and ], they find his shattered Twilight Sword and learn from ] that Doctor Doom and Loki have taken Odin to Raven's Spire. After Loki is seemingly defeated at Raven's Spire, the team frees the ] to use against Doctor Doom. Loki, disguised as Fury, reveals himself and his plot to have the heroes free the armor for nefarious purposes. As heroes defeat Loki and the armor, Doctor Doom appears and reveals that he has stolen Odin's power. He uses it to attempt to eliminate the heroes, but ] the ] saves them and transports them to the ]' base on the moon.
==Characters==
While ''Ultimate Alliance'' follows in the footsteps of Raven Software's '']'' games, it has a broader scope of inclusion, adding playable heroes from ]' other popular comics, including ], many different members of the ], and the entire ]. In addition, each character has four different costumes. Most of these extra costumes are different costumes characters have had in their comics appearances; for example, Spider-Man has his black symbiote costume and his red and gold ] costume, as well as his classic red and blue costume. Some of the costumes are alternate versions of the same character or even entirely separate characters with similar powers or appearance: for example, many characters appear in their ] versions, and both versions of the character ] as well as the ] character ] are available via the costume change feature.


Uatu reveals that Doom's unrestricted use of Odin's power will eventually destroy the universe and that the only way to defeat him is to acquire a piece of the ] and steal the Muonic Inducer from ] (who is currently attacking the ] homeworld).<ref>'''Uatu''': Dr. Doom's unrestrained use of Odin's power will soon tear the fabric of reality beyond repair. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref>
One major thing to note is that the version of Nick Fury used for Alliance is not the same as previously appeared in the X-Men Legends game. However, the ] model that was previously used is still available as an alternate costume for Fury.


The team is sent to the Shi'ar Empire where they fight ] and the ] in order to restore ] to the throne and gain a portion of the M'Kraan Crystal. After retrieving the crystal, the heroes travel to the Skrull homeworld. With the help of the ], the heroes disable Galactus and steal the Muonic Inducer.
While all versions of ''Ultimate Alliance'' share a common core of initially-available and unlockable characters, many of the different versions have exclusive characters. The PC, ], and ] versions have only the basic core, while the PlayStation Portable version adds four characters, the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii versions share a pair of exclusive characters, and the Game Boy Advance version has two exclusive characters while lacking some of the unlockable characters.


Meanwhile, Doctor Doom conquers Earth, killing, corrupting and creating clones of many of the heroes who attempted but failed to stop him, such as ] and ]. In a final effort, the team travels to Latveria to confront Doom. The heroes use the M'Kraan Crystal and Muonic Inducer to weaken Doom. As the heroes weaken Doom, he is blasted by a bolt of lightning sent by a rejuvenated Odin, leaving nothing but his mask behind.
The ] was going to be the final playable character, but as the rights to use the character are held by ], this was not possible. However, the player meets Bruce Banner in the Omega Base & sees a defeated Hulk in a cinematic prior to the final mission.


As the heroes meet on the repaired Helicarrier, Fury asks Thor to thank Odin for undoing the damages to which Thor states that Odin is currently busy punishing Doctor Doom and Loki. Fury informs the heroes that the team must disband and asks if S.H.I.E.L.D. can count on them when another threat happens. Captain America assures him that all worlds can count on them.<ref>'''Nick Fury''': Listen fellas, I don't care if you like me. But if a threat like this comes again, can S.H.I.E.L.D. count on your help? '''Captain America''': The world can count us, sir. {{cite video game | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2010-01-19 }}</ref>
It has been reported that in March, there will be new characters available for download on the next-gen systems. No word yet on exactly which characters it will be.


Meanwhile, Galactus vows revenge on the heroes who stole from him and plans to destroy Earth.
]


===Characters===
{{spoiler}}
''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance'' features over 140 Marvel characters, either as playable characters, bosses, or other ].<ref name="game info">{{cite web|url=http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/game_info.php |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - Game Info |access-date=2009-07-16 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629080846/http://mua1.marvelultimatealliance.com/game_info.php |archive-date=2010-06-29 }}</ref> The primary version of the game developed by Raven Software version features 23 default playable characters, with some systems have additional playable characters not present in other versions. However, the Gameboy Advance version features 10 playable characters and 6 striker characters.
Characters that appear as alternate costumes are listed under the original character.<br>

:''All playable characters have four different costumes, except ], who has three.''<br>
==== Playable characters ====
:''In the case of ], all of his alternate costumes look the same.''
{{div col|colwidth=10em}}
All characters in italics are costume changes for other characters that are of different personas altogether. Daredevil, Black Panther, Nick Fury, Silver Surfer, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider and Blade are not available at the beginning of the game.
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA|Not playable in the Game Boy Advance version}}
<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness-->
* ]{{efn-lr|name=PSP|Exclusive to the PSP version}}
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* ]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="5" | '''Playable Characters'''
|-
|<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness-->
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<!--Do not write character names in bold text-->
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=PSP}}
** '']''
* ]{{efn-lr|name=7thGen|Exclusive to the ] (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii) and the 2016 re-released versions}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360|Exclusive to the Xbox 360 Latest Editions and the 2016 re-released versions}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
* ]
* ]
|
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=GBAStriker|Striker in Game Boy Advance version}}
** '']''
** '']'' * ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=GBAStriker}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=PSP}}{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
|
* ]
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
** '']''
* ]{{efn-lr|name=GBAStriker}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
* ]{{efn-lr|name=7thGen}}
* ] * ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=GBA|Exclusive to Game Boy Advance version}}{{efn-lr|name=GBAStriker}}
** '']''
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
<!--Do not add the Binary , as that is still Carol Danvers, not another person-->
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
* ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=GBA}}{{efn-lr|name=GBAStriker}}
|
* ]{{efn-lr|name=PSP}}
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
* ]{{efn-lr|name=GBAStriker}}
* ] * ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
<!--Do not add the Symbiote suit, as that is still Peter Parker, not another person-->
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}}
** '']''
* ] * ]
** '']''
** '']''
|
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}}
** '']''
* ] * ]
{{div col end}}
|-
!| '''Unlockable Characters'''
! colspan="2" |'''PSP Only'''||'''PS3, Xbox 360 & Wii Only'''||'''GameBoy Advance Only'''
|-
|<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness-->
<!--Unsourced additions will be removed per above-->
* ]
* ]
* ]
** '']''
<!--General Fury is a fundamentally different character than Colonel Fury, from history to ethnicity, making him a different character altogether-->
* ]
|
* ]
** '']''
* ]
** '']''
|
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
<!--Do not add Khonshu, as it is Moon Knight in his 'Fist of Khonshu' gear, not another person-->
|
* ] (Non-Playable Striker Character)
* ] (Non-Playable Striker Character)
|-
<!--Unsourced additions will be removed per above-->
! colspan="5" | '''Non Playable Characters'''
|-
<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness-->
<!--Unsourced additions will be removed per above-->
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|-
! colspan="5" | '''Villains'''
<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness-->
<!--Unsourced additions will be removed per above-->
|-
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
* ]
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* ]
* ]
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* ]
|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
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* ]s
* ]
* ]
|
* ]
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* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|}


{{Notelist-lr}}
==Voice actors==
{|
|valign="top"|
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - Additional Voices
* Arin Hanson - ] (PS3, PSP and Wii)<ref>Credits section in the game manuals for the PS3, PSP and Wii versions.</ref>
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ], ]
|width="50"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ], ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - Additional Voices/Game voice-over director
|}


==Development and marketing==
==Locations==
].]]
<!-- Unsourced speculation will be removed, per WP's Verifiability and What Misplaced Pages is Not guidelines !-->
Most versions of ''Ultimate Alliance'' were developed using ]' Alchemy engine,<ref name="alchemy">{{cite web | url=http://www.devmaster.net/engines/engine_details.php?id=260 | title=DevMaster.net - Alchemy engine details | publisher=devmaster.net | access-date=2008-08-31 | archive-date=2012-03-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325173218/http://devmaster.net/devdb/engines/intrinsic-alchemy | url-status=live }}</ref> which was purchased from the now-defunct Intrinsic Graphics in May 2003.<ref name="alchemy purchase">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/05_13_03_09_51AM.htm | title=Vicarious Visions, Inc. Announces Purchase Of Intrinsic Alchemy Technology Assets From Intrinsic Graphics, Inc | publisher=GameZone | access-date=2008-08-13 | date=2003-05-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510162353/http://www.gamezone.com/news/05_13_03_09_51AM.htm | archive-date=2010-05-10 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Raven Software developed the primary version of the game on the PS2, PS3, Xbox and Xbox 360. Vicarious Visions simultaneously ported the game to the PSP, and later to the Wii to coincide with its launch, and ] ported the game to Windows. During early development ''Ultimate Alliance'' used ] technology, similar to Raven's previous Marvel Comics games, '']'' and '']''; however, this was dropped at some point during development.<ref name="celshade">{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/dor/objects/762707/marvel-ultimate-alliance/images/marvel-ultimate-alliance-20061101050453387.html |title=GameSpy - Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Screenshots (Xbox) |publisher=] |access-date=2008-08-13 |quote=(screenshots 1-4, 6-8) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617004707/http://xbox.gamespy.com/dor/objects/762707/marvel-ultimate-alliance/images/marvel-ultimate-alliance-20061101050453387.html |archive-date=2011-06-17 }}</ref> ] used their Whiptail engine to develop the GBA version independently.<ref name="whiptail">{{cite web | url=http://www.barkinglizards.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=42&Itemid=71 | title=BarkingLizards.com - Whiptail engine details |publisher=] |access-date=2008-08-13 }} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The game was originally known as ''Marvel Legends'', and had an internal working title of ''Marvel Comics RPG''.<ref name="reavealing">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t2dFzI3Upg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/2t2dFzI3Upg |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Revealing The Origins of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |publisher=] via ] |date=May 10, 2019 |access-date=August 28, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="GameSpy overview">{{cite web |url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/marvel-ultimate-alliance/ |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Wii) - Overview |access-date=2009-08-13 |publisher=] |quote=''Also known as: Marvel Legends, Marvel Comics RPG '' |archive-date=2009-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415221017/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/marvel-ultimate-alliance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At one point, both ] from '']'' series and ] from the '']'' series were planned to be playable characters for the Wii version; however, both characters were removed prior to release.<ref name="Pop Fiction"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5011761/footage-of-samus-in-marvel-ultimate-alliance |title=Footage of Samus in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |date=30 May 2008 |access-date=2016-08-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008114102/http://kotaku.com/5011761/footage-of-samus-in-marvel-ultimate-alliance |archive-date=2016-10-08 }}</ref> The music for the game was composed by ], ] and ]. Over 50 minutes of music was composed by the trio, including gameplay and cutscene tracks.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/news_32462.html |publisher=Gamers Hell |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Soundtrack Details |date=August 30, 2006 |access-date=March 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912015748/http://www.gamershell.com/news_32462.html |archive-date=September 12, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
It's important to note that despite the game's title, the game does not take place in the ]. Also, there is no word that it definitively takes place in the ] universe or the ] universe. Curiously, like the previous X-Men Legends games, the game employs the ''look'' of the Ultimate Universe and the ''plots'' of the Earth-616 universe.


''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance'' was first released on October 24, 2006 in North America. Regional releases followed throughout 2006 and 2007. The standard edition of ''Ultimate Alliance'' was also released as a companion with '']'' in specially marked Xbox 360 consoles in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/mole-report-xbox-360-to-get-forza-2-and-marvel-ultimate-alliance-pack-in/ |title=Mole report: Xbox 360 to get Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance pack-in |date=26 September 2007 |access-date=2016-08-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008125423/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/mole-report-xbox-360-to-get-forza-2-and-marvel-ultimate-alliance-pack-in/ |archive-date=2016-10-08 }}</ref> The Gold Edition of the game was released on May 22, 2007 exclusively for the Xbox 360. This version included the two DLC packs available at the time.<ref>{{cite web |website=] |url=http://www.ign.com/games/marvel-ultimate-alliance/xbox-360-908243 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Gold Edition) |access-date=March 19, 2017 |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227225219/http://www.ign.com/games/marvel-ultimate-alliance/xbox-360-908243 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 2016 version was released for ], ], and Microsoft Windows on July 26, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/marvel-ultimate-alliance-coming-to-playstation-4-xbox-1784192280 |website=] |date=July 23, 2016 |access-date=March 19, 2017 |first=Mike |last=Fahey |title=Marvel Ultimate Alliance Coming To PS4, Xbox One And PC On Tuesday |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901101258/http://kotaku.com/marvel-ultimate-alliance-coming-to-playstation-4-xbox-1784192280 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2018, the remaster of the game, along with the re-released sequel, were removed due to licensing issues from Activision. The game is currently not available to buy and download from either console or PC marketplaces, unless the user already bought the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-27-marvel-ultimate-alliance-games-snapped-out-of-digital-existence|title=Marvel Ultimate Alliance games snapped out of digital existence|date=27 July 2018|work=Eurogamer.net|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607200752/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-27-marvel-ultimate-alliance-games-snapped-out-of-digital-existence|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lemon|first1=Marshall|title=Marvel Ultimate Alliance games removed from digital platforms|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/07/27/marvel-ultimate-alliance-games-removed-digital-platforms/|website=VG247|access-date=7 June 2019|date=July 27, 2018|archive-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607200746/https://www.vg247.com/2018/07/27/marvel-ultimate-alliance-games-removed-digital-platforms/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-marvel-ultimate-alliance-games-are-the-latest-to-vanish-from-steam/|title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 1 and 2 are the latest licensed games to leave Steam|last=ROBERTS|first=SAMUEL|date=2018-12-14|website=PC Gamer|access-date=2019-06-07|archive-date=2019-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607200746/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-marvel-ultimate-alliance-games-are-the-latest-to-vanish-from-steam/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{|
{{Clear}}
|valign="top"|
;Locations (in order of appearance)
*] ]
*S.H.I.E.L.D. Omega Base
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*] Galaxy
*] Throneworld
*]
|width="50"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|
;Hubs (in order of appearance)
*]
*]
*]
*]
*Doomstark Tower (After taking Odin's power, Doom warps the earth to fit his idealized vision.)
|}


==Reception== ==Reception and awards==
{{Video game reviews
===Awards===
| GR = XBOX: 83%<ref name="GR_XBOX">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/932587-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2009-05-28 |archive-date=2009-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527040946/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/932587-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PC: 83%<ref name="GR_PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/932592-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PC |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-date=2019-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415191812/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/932592-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PS2: 82%<ref name="GR_PS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/932588-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PlayStation 2 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-date=2019-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415191813/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/932588-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>X360: 82%<ref name="GR_X360">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/932586-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox 360 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-date=2015-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228113147/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/932586-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PSP: 82%<ref name="GR_PSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/psp/932590-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PSP |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-date=2019-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415191818/https://www.gamerankings.com/psp/932590-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>WII: 74%<ref name="GR_WII">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/wii/932591-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Wii |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-date=2019-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415191814/https://www.gamerankings.com/wii/932591-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PS3: 78%<ref name="GR_PS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/932589-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PlayStation 3 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-date=2016-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115133221/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/932589-marvel-ultimate-alliance/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Received the Video Game of the Year award from ] issue 183.
| MC = XBOX: 83/100<ref name="MC_XBOX">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708105017/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbx/marvelultimatealliance |archive-date=2009-07-08 |url-status=live}}</ref><br/>PC: 82/100<ref name="MC_PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PC Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-date=2016-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115133221/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/marvel-ultimate-alliance |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PS2: 81/100<ref name="MC_PS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-date=2015-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205090658/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/marvel-ultimate-alliance |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>X360: 82/100<ref name="MC_X360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-date=2019-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329151442/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/marvel-ultimate-alliance |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PSP: 81/100<ref name="MC_PSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PSP Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2019-04-15 |archive-date=2019-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316113111/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/marvel-ultimate-alliance |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>WII: 73/100<ref name="MC_WII">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Wii Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-date=2016-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115133221/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/marvel-ultimate-alliance |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PS3: 78/100<ref name="MC_PS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-ultimate-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-date=2016-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115133221/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/marvel-ultimate-alliance |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Received the IGN Award for Best Story on PlayStation 3 in 2006.
| 1UP = B−<ref name="1UP.com review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105165431/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155010 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-01-05 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |first=Scott |last=Sharkey |date=2006-11-07 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=] }}</ref>
*] - 52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2006 selection .
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="gaminformer review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/6AFF8814-0EAC-4E65-B0C3-495ADA591E55.htm |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY |access-date=2009-05-29 |last=Reiner |first=Andrew|magazine=]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080228203930/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/6AFF8814-0EAC-4E65-B0C3-495ADA591E55.htm |archive-date = February 28, 2008}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3/10<ref name="Gamespot Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/rpg/marvelultimatealliance/review.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Review |first=Ryan |last=Davis |date=2006-10-30 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=] |archive-date=2009-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517134714/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/rpg/marvelultimatealliance/review.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN = 8.1/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web |url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/741/741752p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108015637/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/741/741752p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2006 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Review |first=Hilary |last=Goldstein |date=2006-10-26 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=IGN}}</ref>
| OXM = 9.0/10<ref name="Official Xbox Magazine">"Official Xbox Magazine" (Holiday 2005). ''page 82''</ref>
| award1Pub = ]
| award1 = Best Use of a Creative License in 2006<ref name="gamespot bestuse award">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/0/6163372 |title=Best and Worst of 2006: Best Use of a Creative License |date=2006-12-18 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108051741/http://www.gamespot.com/video/0/6163372 |archive-date=2012-11-08 }}</ref>
| award2Pub = '']'' magazine
| award2 = Video Game of the Year<ref name="Wizard Magazine GotY">"Wizard Magazine" (Issue #183)</ref>
| award3Pub = ]
| award3 = Best Story on PlayStation 3 in 2006<ref name="IGN bestStory PS3">{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps3/26.html |title=PlayStation 3: Best Story - Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |date=2006-12-18 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109075005/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps3/26.html |archive-date=2009-11-09 }}</ref>
| award4Pub = Gaming Target
| award4 = "52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2006" selection<ref name="gamingtarget 52 games">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=6370 |title=52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2006: Part 2 |access-date=2007-07-26 |publisher=gamingtarget.com |archive-date=2007-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070729194439/http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=6370 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}


Reviews for Raven and Vicarious Visions' version of ''Marvel Ultimate Alliance'' received generally favorable reviews from critics. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions received 78% and 82% at ],{{r|GR_PS3|GR_X360}} and 78/100 and 82/100 at ], respectively.{{r|MC_X360|MC_PS3}} The Windows version received an 83% at GameRankings and 82/100 at Metacritic.{{r|GR_PC|MC_PC}} GameRankings' scores for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii and Xbox versions were 82%, 82%, 74%, and 83%,{{r|GR_XBOX|GR_PS2|GR_PSP|GR_WII}} while Metacritic scored those same consoles 81/100, 81/100, 73/100 and 83/100, respectively.{{r|MC_XBOX|MC_PS2|MC_PSP|MC_WII}}
== References to Other Media ==
* Post-credits, a phone call is heard between Black Widow & Weasel, leading to the game's final twist. This is possibly a homage to the '']'' series, which has done this at the end of each game since '']''.


Several reviewers praised the character cast,<ref name="1UP.com review"/><ref name="gaminformer review"/><ref name="Gamespot Review"/> with '']''{{'s}} Scott Sharkey stating "even if your favorite character isn't playable, there's a good chance they'll show up at some point through the course of the story as an NPC".<ref name="1UP.com review"/> '']''{{'s}} Ryan Davis applauded the Xbox 360's graphics, saying that it "features a lot of great lighting, particle, and bump-mapping effects absent from the other versions". He went on to comment: "Even without those advanced graphical effects, the PC and Xbox versions still look pretty sharp".<ref name="Gamespot Review"/> '']'' thought the game improved upon the "excellent X-Men Legends games from which it was born", giving the game a 9.25/10.<ref name="gaminformer review"/>
==References==
<div class="references-2column">


The Game Boy Advance version received the poorest reception. ''GameSpot'' thought poorly of the game, calling "uninteresting and sloppy", and rating the game a 2.5/10 "terrible".<ref name="Gamespot Review GBA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/marvelultimatealliance/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-reviewl |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Review - GBA |first=Frank |last=Provo |date=2006-11-02 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=] |archive-date=2022-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621014716/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/marvel-ultimate-alliance-review/1900-6160736/ |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' also disliked the game, giving it a 2.0/10. Reviewer Chris Adams stated: "Everything is awful. From sprites to backgrounds to effects, it shames the Marvel license".<ref name="IGN review GBA">{{cite web |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/745/745701p1.html |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Review - GBA |first=Chris |last=Adams |date=2006-11-13 |access-date=2009-05-29 |website=IGN |archive-date=2009-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112081518/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/745/745701p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Gamer 2.0'' gave the game an 8.1/10, however, citing a large number of bonus missions and unlockables as incentive to play.<ref name="Gamer 2.0 review GBA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/marvel-ultimate-alliance-gba/review/1008 |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Review - GBA |first=Andrew |last=Giese |date=2006-11-13 |access-date=2007-07-26 |publisher=Gamer 2.0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818122201/http://blog.gamer20.com/ |archive-date=2012-08-18 }}</ref>
<references/>
</div>


==See also== ==Sequel and reboot==
{{Main|Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2|Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order}}
*'']''
A sequel to ''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance'' was announced by Activision on February 8, 2008. It was released in North America on September 15, 2009,<ref name="JeanTrailer">{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14233937/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2/videos/sdcc09_marvel2_trl_jeangrey_72109.htmljsessionid=2mocrxufxaj1q |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 PlayStation 3 Trailer - SDCC09: Jean Grey Vignette |access-date=2009-07-22 |website=IGN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726144236/http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14233937/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2/videos/sdcc09_marvel2_trl_jeangrey_72109.htmljsessionid=2mocrxufxaj1q |archive-date=2009-07-26 }}</ref><ref name="GambitTrailer">{{cite web | url=http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14233937/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2/videos/sdcc09_marvel2_trl_gambit_72109.html | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 PlayStation 3 Trailer - SDCC09: Gambit Vignette | access-date=2009-07-22 | website=IGN | date=21 July 2009 | archive-date=2012-09-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924052303/http://www.ign.com/videos/2009/07/21/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-x360-sdcc09-gambit-vignette?objectid=14233937 | url-status=live }}</ref> and follows closely the events of the '']'' storyline: an explosion in ] caused by ] prompts a ].<ref name="CivilWar Comic">''Civil War'' #1–7 (July 2006 – January 2007)</ref> In the game, players are able to choose between the Pro-Registration side, headed by Iron Man, or the Anti-Registration side, headed by Captain America up to the point where the heroes end up uniting against a new common enemy called The Fold.<ref name="acts">{{cite web | url=https://twitter.com/Dan_Tanguay/status/3368105068 | title=Twitter / Dan Tanguay | access-date=2009-08-14 | publisher=] | quote=Re: Acts. There are 3 major acts. Act I = Secret War & Road to Civil War, Act II = Civil War, Act III = the aftermath of Civil War. | archive-date=2016-01-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115133221/https://twitter.com/Dan_Tanguay/status/3368105068 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*'']''

'']'' was announced at ] on December 6, 2018. The game was developed by ]'s ] and published by ] for ] on July 19, 2019.<ref>{{Citation|last=Marvel Entertainment|title=MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order - Announcement Trailer (Nintendo Switch™)|date=6 December 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RohG-JzXiM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/1RohG-JzXiM |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-12-07}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The game is a ] of the series, set in a different continuity from the first two games, and involves a team of heroes uniting to prevent ] and the ] from collecting the ].
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
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* {{IMDb title|814207}}
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*{{moby game|id=/marvel-ultimate-alliance_}}
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{{wikiquotepar|Marvel: Ultimate Alliance}}
{{Marvel Video Game Crossovers}}


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Latest revision as of 07:56, 13 December 2024

2006 video game 2006 video game
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Developer(s)Raven Software
Publisher(s)Activision
Director(s)Dan Vondrak
Producer(s)Matthew Paul
Designer(s)Keith Fuller
Programmer(s)
  • Daniel Edwards
  • Gil Gribb
Artist(s)Dan Hay
Writer(s)Robert Love
Composer(s)
SeriesMarvel: Ultimate Alliance
EngineVicarious Visions Alchemy
Platform(s)
Release October 24, 2006
  • Xbox
    • NA: October 24, 2006
    • EU: October 27, 2006
    • AU: November 1, 2006
    Microsoft Windows
    • NA: October 24, 2006
    • AU: November 1, 2006
    • EU: November 3, 2006
    • WW: July 26, 2016 (2016 re-release)
    PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance
    • NA: October 24, 2006
    • AU: November 1, 2006
    • EU: November 3, 2006
    PlayStation Portable
    • NA: October 24, 2006
    • EU: December 1, 2006
    • AU: December 6, 2006
    Wii
    • NA: November 19, 2006
    • AU: December 21, 2006
    • EU: December 22, 2006
    PlayStation 3
    • NA: November 17, 2006
    • EU: March 23, 2007
    • AU: March 23, 2007
    PlayStation 4
    • WW: July 26, 2016
    Xbox One
    • WW: July 28, 2016
Genre(s)Action role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a 2006 action role-playing video game published by Activision for various gaming systems. Developed by Raven Software, Ultimate Alliance is set within the fictional Marvel Universe and features many of the superheroes, supervillains, and supporting characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics. It shares many similarities with Raven Software's previous Marvel titles, X-Men Legends and X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, in that it allows players to select from its vast cast to create the ultimate superhero team. The game features an original plot in which the heroes of the Marvel Universe must join forces to defeat Doctor Doom and his Masters of Evil and foil their plans for global domination.

Raven Software developed and released it on PlayStation 2, Xbox and Xbox 360 on October 24, 2006, while additionally versions for PlayStation Portable (ported by Vicarious Visions) and Microsoft Windows (ported by Beenox) were also released on the same day, as well as a distinctly different Game Boy Advance version, developed by Barking Lizards Technologies. Shortly thereafter, Ultimate Alliance was released as a launch title for both the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles in November 2006, the latter ported by Vicarious Visions; the PlayStation 3 version was one of three launch games for the system (along with NBA 07 and Ridge Racer 7) to run at 1080p resolution.

Upon release, the game was met with largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its simple but entertaining gameplay, and its impressive selection of Marvel characters. A sequel, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, was developed for multiple platforms by Vicarious Visions, n-Space and Savage Entertainment and released in 2009. A third game, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, was developed by Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was re-released in 2016, ported by Zoë Mode, on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Gameplay

Consoles, PC and PSP

Players can select teams of four from a range of more than twenty-two playable characters (although some characters are not initially available and need to be unlocked, or exclusive to specific versions), allowing them to create their own superhero teams or recreate famous teams from the publications. Bonuses are also available if forming certain groups (e.g. the Avengers, Defenders, Fantastic Four, Marvel Knights, X-Men). The game has alternative endings, dictated by the number of optional missions the player completes. Included are trivia, artwork, and "simulator discs", which unlock non-story-related missions for characters.

Each character also has a variety set of four alternate costumes that offer different advantages, with the latter three costumes must be unlocked through specific conditions. Some of the costumes change the character's appearance to that of a different Marvel Universe, including Iron Man as War Machine, Thor as Beta Ray Bill, Spider-Woman as Spider-Girl and Julia Carpenter from Secret Wars, Ghost Rider as Phantom Rider, and Ms. Marvel as Sharon Ventura.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are virtually identical, with no major differences. Both platforms include Colossus, Moon Knight, and five additional comic book missions. Activision released eight additional downloadable characters on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace on April 26, 2007 in a set of packs: a Hero Pack, consisting of Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Hawkeye, and the Hulk, and a Villain Pack, which includes Magneto, Sabretooth, Venom, and a playable Doctor Doom. Both packs are also available in a bundle pack for 800 MSP, which adds 12 new achievements to the game. The Gold Edition was released for the Xbox 360 in May 2007 which includes the standard game bundled with all downloadable content. The Special Edition version was released in September 2007, and is included in the Platinum Hits list for the Xbox 360. The set includes all elements of the Gold Edition of the game and a bonus DVD. As of December 2009, the DLC was removed from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace by Activision, meaning the only way to play as the downloadable characters was to purchase the Gold Edition or the Platinum Hits version. The Xbox 360 Games on Demand version now bundles the full game with all previously downloadable content.

The Wii version has a few features unique to itself including specific motion-sensitive controls for normal moves, motion-sensitive controlled special attacks (the attacks are unique for each character, but not the motions), and access to any special move at any time. This version contains no online play but has a local multiplayer mode in which up to four players may play at once. It also features the characters Colossus and Moon Knight, as well as five additional comic book missions.

While the graphics are virtually identical to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the PC version is customizable, and many characters (including those who are exclusive to specific versions) and their modifications can be obtained from community sites for play within the game. The PC version's graphics vary depending on the customization of a user's settings. The PC version also features "intuitive mouse controls" and works with a gamepad. A number of custom characters (including Jean Grey, Psylocke, Scarlet Witch, War Machine, Vision, Dazzler, and Punisher) are available.

The re-release version of the game which came to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows via Steam is solely based on Xbox 360’s Gold Edition. However, the re-release was initially released with the contents which were exclusive to seventh-generation consoles (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii), but without the DLC featured originally on Xbox 360. On August 30, 2016, an update was released on these three systems which contained the eight downloadable characters previously featured on the Xbox 360.

The PSP version features simplified graphics, different characters, and extra features including the four exclusive playable Marvel characters Black Widow, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, and Ronin. Other things unique to this version are 6 exclusive comic book missions including one which contains Swordsman, an exclusive prequel mission, and three exclusive single-player gameplay modes. Added features include online play, microphone support (voice chat), and online-recordable player statistics. The PlayStation 2 version of the game has the same features as the next-gen versions of the game, albeit without Colossus, Moon Knight and the five bonus simulator missions. In August 2007, a Greatest Hits version was released which included a bonus DVD containing a making-of featurette. The Xbox version of the game has no changes from the standard PlayStation 2 edition. However, it is possible to play as Colossus and Moon Knight via a glitch which can be accessed through a series of steps.

Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance version of Ultimate Alliance features significant differences from the other console versions. Most notably, the basic gameplay takes the form of a 2D side-scrolling beat’em up game with minor RPG elements, such as the ability to alter the player characters' stats. The graphics are simplified for this system and the selection of characters has also been reduced. Some additional gameplay modes were added to this version of the game including a S.H.I.E.L.D. Simulator, Time Challenges, Scavenger Hunts, and a Survival mode. Teams for this port consist of three characters and a non-playable fourth character called a "striker", who can be summoned to perform a powerful attack directed toward on-screen enemies.

Plot

The game begins with Doctor Doom and the Masters of Evil launching an attack on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier U.N.N. Alpha. Nick Fury sends out a distress call to all available superheroes for assistance. Captain America, Spider-Man, Thor and Wolverine respond to the call. Along with the other heroes, they save the Helicarrier from the forces led by Scorpion, Bullseye, Winter Soldier, Radioactive Man, and Fin Fang Foom. In the wake of the attack, Nick Fury is given permission to start a task force to confront the Masters of Evil and Iron Man allows them to use Stark Tower as their headquarters.

Fury asks the heroes to investigate an odd message received from Dum Dum Dugan on the Omega Base, a S.H.I.E.L.D. mobile research facility. The team defeats supervillains MODOK, Crimson Dynamo, and Mysterio as well as A.I.M. Agents and failed Super Soldier experiments to prevent the Omega Base from crashing into a dam and launching several gamma bombs.

With their mission successful, the heroes travel to Atlantis, where the inhabitants are being mind-controlled by Attuma, who has usurped Namor from his throne. With the help of nano-technology that enables them to breathe and move freely underwater, the heroes fight the mind-controlled Atlanteans, destroy the towers which are guarded by Warlord Krang and Byrrah, rescue Namor, and defeat Attuma and Tiger Shark. After defeating Attuma, the heroes encounter Mandarin, who unleashes the Kraken, which the team defeats by toppling pillars on it.

The Xbox 360 version of the game features eight downloadable content characters.

They then travel to the Valley of Spirits to confront Mandarin in his palace. After his defeat, he reveals that he attempted to take command of the Masters of Evil and, upon failing, left the group. He suggests that the Mandarin they saw in the catacombs was actually Loki, Thor's adoptive brother and the god of mischief.

Upon returning to base, the team learns that Nightcrawler and Jean Grey have been kidnapped. Due to the involvement of mystical forces, Fury has the team relocated to the Sanctum Sanctorum, offered as a temporary headquarters by a grateful Doctor Strange, who they rescued in the Valley of Spirits. Professor X tracks Nightcrawler to Castle Doom, but upon trying to transport the heroes there they are sent to Murderworld by a spell from Baron Mordo. After defeating a mind-controlled Jean Grey, Rhino, and Shocker, the heroes battle a large mech, piloted by Arcade.

Victorious, the heroes learn that Doctor Doom has used Nightcrawler to access Mephisto's Realm, and the team is sent in pursuit. Upon arriving, minions of Mephisto kidnap Jean Grey and Nightcrawler. Mephisto's son Blackheart puts them in separate cages above the Infinity Vortex, stating one must be saved and the other sacrificed before the team can defeat Mephisto. During their battle with Mephisto the sacrificed hero returns, resurrected by Mephisto, but now under his control. As a final effort, the resurrected hero sacrifices their life to defeat Mephisto and allow the team to escape.

Meanwhile, in Asgard, a massive army of Super Soldiers attacks and imprisons the Asgardian gods. The heroes travel to Valhalla to liberate it from its invading force and free Heimdall (who is guarded by Rhino and Shocker), Tyr (who is guarded by Scorpion and Lizard), and Balder (who is guarded by Enchantress and Executioner). Then they fight the Wrecking Crew and undead soldiers unleashed by Hela to open Bifrost Bridge in order for reinforcements to arrive. Looking for Odin in Niffleheim following a fight with Kurse and Ulik, they find his shattered Twilight Sword and learn from Ymir that Doctor Doom and Loki have taken Odin to Raven's Spire. After Loki is seemingly defeated at Raven's Spire, the team frees the Destroyer Armor to use against Doctor Doom. Loki, disguised as Fury, reveals himself and his plot to have the heroes free the armor for nefarious purposes. As heroes defeat Loki and the armor, Doctor Doom appears and reveals that he has stolen Odin's power. He uses it to attempt to eliminate the heroes, but Uatu the Watcher saves them and transports them to the Inhumans' base on the moon.

Uatu reveals that Doom's unrestricted use of Odin's power will eventually destroy the universe and that the only way to defeat him is to acquire a piece of the M'Kraan Crystal and steal the Muonic Inducer from Galactus (who is currently attacking the Skrull homeworld).

The team is sent to the Shi'ar Empire where they fight Deathbird and the Imperial Guard in order to restore Lilandra Neramani to the throne and gain a portion of the M'Kraan Crystal. After retrieving the crystal, the heroes travel to the Skrull homeworld. With the help of the Silver Surfer, the heroes disable Galactus and steal the Muonic Inducer.

Meanwhile, Doctor Doom conquers Earth, killing, corrupting and creating clones of many of the heroes who attempted but failed to stop him, such as Colossus and Cyclops. In a final effort, the team travels to Latveria to confront Doom. The heroes use the M'Kraan Crystal and Muonic Inducer to weaken Doom. As the heroes weaken Doom, he is blasted by a bolt of lightning sent by a rejuvenated Odin, leaving nothing but his mask behind.

As the heroes meet on the repaired Helicarrier, Fury asks Thor to thank Odin for undoing the damages to which Thor states that Odin is currently busy punishing Doctor Doom and Loki. Fury informs the heroes that the team must disband and asks if S.H.I.E.L.D. can count on them when another threat happens. Captain America assures him that all worlds can count on them.

Meanwhile, Galactus vows revenge on the heroes who stole from him and plans to destroy Earth.

Characters

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance features over 140 Marvel characters, either as playable characters, bosses, or other non-player characters. The primary version of the game developed by Raven Software version features 23 default playable characters, with some systems have additional playable characters not present in other versions. However, the Gameboy Advance version features 10 playable characters and 6 striker characters.

Playable characters

  1. ^ Not playable in the Game Boy Advance version
  2. ^ Exclusive to the PSP version
  3. ^ Exclusive to the 7th-generation console (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii) and the 2016 re-released versions
  4. ^ Exclusive to the Xbox 360 Latest Editions and the 2016 re-released versions
  5. ^ Striker in Game Boy Advance version
  6. ^ Exclusive to Game Boy Advance version

Development and marketing

During early development, Ultimate Alliance was cel shaded.

Most versions of Ultimate Alliance were developed using Vicarious Visions' Alchemy engine, which was purchased from the now-defunct Intrinsic Graphics in May 2003. Raven Software developed the primary version of the game on the PS2, PS3, Xbox and Xbox 360. Vicarious Visions simultaneously ported the game to the PSP, and later to the Wii to coincide with its launch, and Beenox ported the game to Windows. During early development Ultimate Alliance used cel-shading technology, similar to Raven's previous Marvel Comics games, X-Men Legends and X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse; however, this was dropped at some point during development. Barking Lizards Technologies used their Whiptail engine to develop the GBA version independently. The game was originally known as Marvel Legends, and had an internal working title of Marvel Comics RPG. At one point, both Link from The Legend of Zelda series and Samus Aran from the Metroid series were planned to be playable characters for the Wii version; however, both characters were removed prior to release. The music for the game was composed by Mark Griskey, Chance Thomas and Cris Velasco. Over 50 minutes of music was composed by the trio, including gameplay and cutscene tracks.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was first released on October 24, 2006 in North America. Regional releases followed throughout 2006 and 2007. The standard edition of Ultimate Alliance was also released as a companion with Forza Motorsport 2 in specially marked Xbox 360 consoles in 2007. The Gold Edition of the game was released on May 22, 2007 exclusively for the Xbox 360. This version included the two DLC packs available at the time. A 2016 version was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows on July 26, 2016. In July 2018, the remaster of the game, along with the re-released sequel, were removed due to licensing issues from Activision. The game is currently not available to buy and download from either console or PC marketplaces, unless the user already bought the game.

Reception and awards

Reception
Aggregate scores
AggregatorScore
GameRankingsXBOX: 83%
PC: 83%
PS2: 82%
X360: 82%
PSP: 82%
WII: 74%
PS3: 78%
MetacriticXBOX: 83/100
PC: 82/100
PS2: 81/100
X360: 82/100
PSP: 81/100
WII: 73/100
PS3: 78/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
1Up.comB−
Game Informer9.25/10
GameSpot8.3/10
IGN8.1/10
Official Xbox Magazine (US)9.0/10
Awards
PublicationAward
GameSpotBest Use of a Creative License in 2006
Wizard magazineVideo Game of the Year
IGNBest Story on PlayStation 3 in 2006
Gaming Target"52 Games We'll Still Be Playing From 2006" selection

Reviews for Raven and Vicarious Visions' version of Marvel Ultimate Alliance received generally favorable reviews from critics. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions received 78% and 82% at GameRankings, and 78/100 and 82/100 at Metacritic, respectively. The Windows version received an 83% at GameRankings and 82/100 at Metacritic. GameRankings' scores for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii and Xbox versions were 82%, 82%, 74%, and 83%, while Metacritic scored those same consoles 81/100, 81/100, 73/100 and 83/100, respectively.

Several reviewers praised the character cast, with 1UP.com's Scott Sharkey stating "even if your favorite character isn't playable, there's a good chance they'll show up at some point through the course of the story as an NPC". GameSpot's Ryan Davis applauded the Xbox 360's graphics, saying that it "features a lot of great lighting, particle, and bump-mapping effects absent from the other versions". He went on to comment: "Even without those advanced graphical effects, the PC and Xbox versions still look pretty sharp". Game Informer thought the game improved upon the "excellent X-Men Legends games from which it was born", giving the game a 9.25/10.

The Game Boy Advance version received the poorest reception. GameSpot thought poorly of the game, calling "uninteresting and sloppy", and rating the game a 2.5/10 "terrible". IGN also disliked the game, giving it a 2.0/10. Reviewer Chris Adams stated: "Everything is awful. From sprites to backgrounds to effects, it shames the Marvel license". Gamer 2.0 gave the game an 8.1/10, however, citing a large number of bonus missions and unlockables as incentive to play.

Sequel and reboot

Main articles: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

A sequel to Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was announced by Activision on February 8, 2008. It was released in North America on September 15, 2009, and follows closely the events of the Civil War storyline: an explosion in Stamford, Connecticut caused by a supervillain prompts a Superhuman Registration Act. In the game, players are able to choose between the Pro-Registration side, headed by Iron Man, or the Anti-Registration side, headed by Captain America up to the point where the heroes end up uniting against a new common enemy called The Fold.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order was announced at The Game Awards on December 6, 2018. The game was developed by Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja and published by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch on July 19, 2019. The game is a reboot of the series, set in a different continuity from the first two games, and involves a team of heroes uniting to prevent Thanos and the Black Order from collecting the Infinity Stones.

Notes

  1. Beenox ported the 2006 Windows version, Vicarious Visions ported the Wii and PlayStation Portable versions, and re-release version ported by Zoë Mode. Barking Lizards Technologies developed the Game Boy Advance version.

References

  1. "SDCC 2016: MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE". Marvel. 2016-07-23. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2016-07-23.
  2. "SDCC 2016: MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE". Marvel. 2016-07-23. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2016-07-23.
  3. "Here's What the Updated Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 and 2 Look Like". GameSpot. 2016-07-24. Archived from the original on 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
  4. "Activision to Release New Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Heroes and Villains on Xbox Live Marketplace". Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
  5. "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition". IGN. Archived from the original on 2007-11-01. Retrieved 2007-07-26.
  6. "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance". GameFAQs. Archived from the original on 2007-09-22. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
  7. Pettit, Alan (December 27, 2015). "Marvel Ultimate Alliance Digital Versions Now Include Previously Delisted DLC". Xbox Achievements. Archived from the original on December 30, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
  8. ^ "Additional Characters for Marvel Ultimate Alliance PC". marvelmods.com. Archived from the original on 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
  9. "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance official site". Marvel Comics. Archived from the original on 2009-04-27. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
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