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{{Short description|2006 video game}} | |||
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{{ |
{{Infobox video game | ||
| title = Marvel Ultimate Alliance | |||
{{Infobox CVG | |||
| |
| image = Ultimate alliance.PNG | ||
| 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.}} | |||
|image = ] | |||
| publisher = ] | |||
|developer = ]<br/p>]<br/p>Beenox Studios<br/p>]<br/p> | |||
| director = Dan Vondrak | |||
|publisher = ] | |||
|designer = | | designer = Keith Fuller | ||
| producer = Matthew Paul | |||
|engine = | |||
| artist = Dan Hay | |||
|released = {{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (], ], ], ], ])<br/p>{{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (])<br/p>{{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (] ])<br/p>{{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (] ])<br/p>{{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (]) | |||
| writer = Robert Love | |||
|genre = ]/ Adventure | |||
| programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Daniel Edwards|Gil Gribb}} | |||
|modes = ], ], Online | |||
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|]|]|]}} | |||
|ratings = ESRB : Teen (T) | |||
| engine = ] | |||
ESRB: Everyone +10 (E+10) (Game Boy Advance version) | |||
| series = ''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance'' | |||
|platforms = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| platforms = {{Plainlist| | |||
|media = ], ], ], ] | |||
* ] | |||
|requirements = ] support, ], ], Internet | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}}<!-- 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 ] announced by ] and ] for Fall 2006. The companies said the game, previously referred to as ''Marvel Legends'', features over 20 playable characters and more than 140 cameo appearances. | |||
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== | |||
] has formed a new ] in order to steal ]'s power. 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. The heroes then travel to various locations in order to stop Doom's plan and, of course, save the world. | |||
== |
==Gameplay== | ||
===Consoles, PC and PSP=== | |||
The game will have over 140 characters from the Marvel Universe appear. Players will be able to create teams, and have online and co-operative play, for up to 4 players. In co-operative mode players will have to fight for the most kills in order to get the experience points at the end of the level. Unlike '']'', in which players can only play danger rooms that have been unlocked or single player progress, players can now play through the whole level from start to finish. There will also be special comic book missions, revisiting a moment in a character's past and facing a classic arch rival. Characters will have four skins, which can alter stats of the character, as well as unique controllable powers | |||
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 destructable and interactive environments in over 17+ locations, travelling around the ] and universe back and forth by the end of the game. The game will have alternative endings, affected by the decisions the player(s) make. | |||
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> | |||
There will be exclusive characters for the PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3. | |||
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. | |||
==Versions== | |||
The game is due to be released for 6th and 7th generation consoles, as well as the PC. The graphical engine and looks will differ between the various platforms. For the 6th gen consoles, characters models will be similar to X-Men Legends: cel-shaded and almost cartoonish. The 7th generation versions will feature more detailed character models and environments. The PC version will vary depending on the customization of a user's settings, though at the best settings, the graphics will be at least par with the 7th generation versions. The PC version will also feature "intuitive mouse controls". | |||
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"/> | |||
===GBA=== | |||
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance's graphics will be reduced to a lower graphics quality for the ] version. | |||
*Just like the other versions, players can switch between any character during the game. Players can also create their own team involving only 3 characters. Also, some characters will not be available on the GBA, such as Black Panther. | |||
*The same exact gameplay as in other versions; players can do major upgradings on characters and tactics, as well as build their reputation points. | |||
*Exclusive to the GBA version: players can call in a striker, which performs devastating attacks on-screen enemies. | |||
*Interactive environments; players can take advantages and use this to track their enemies. | |||
*Some additional gameplay modes added including: Shield Simulator, Time Challenges, Scavenger Hunts, and a Survival mode. | |||
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. | |||
===PSP=== | |||
The ] version will feature simplified graphics, different characters, and extra features: | |||
*4 exclusive playable Marvel characters. | |||
*6 special comic book missions | |||
*Microphone support ''(voice chat)'', via which players can speak with other players online | |||
*Player Statistics | |||
*Exclusive prequel missions | |||
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> | |||
===Wii=== | |||
] | |||
The ] version will feature: | |||
*Specific motion-sensitive controls for normal moves | |||
*Motion-sensitive controlled Special attacks, unique for each character | |||
*All gained powers can be accessed at any time. | |||
*Access to any special move at any time, which is unavailable for any other build. (Menu selection must be used for other builds.) | |||
*There is no online play, but there is normal multiplayer | |||
===Game Boy Advance=== | |||
==Characters== | |||
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"/> | |||
Characters that appear as alternate skins are listed under the original character. | |||
<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness--> | |||
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{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! colspan="6" | '''Playable Characters''' | |||
|- | |||
|<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness--> | |||
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*] | |||
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|<!--Do not add any refference to Venom or the symbiote costume, as Venom is not confirmed and the Spider-Man in the symbiote costume is still Spider-Man--> | |||
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|- | |||
!| '''Unlockable Characters'''||'''PSP Exclusives'''||'''Next-Gen Exclusives''' | |||
|- | |||
|<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness--> | |||
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<!--This section is for special unlockables, who require special circumstances to be unlocked, unlike all the main playable characters who are unlocked as the game progresses on just like X-Men Legends--> | |||
*] | |||
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==Plot== | |||
<!--The VIP site has said that the Black Panther is not exclusive, it was a mistake. Check the forums.--> | |||
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> | |||
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! colspan="6" | '''NPCs''' | |||
<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness--> | |||
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|- | |||
! colspan="6" | '''Villains''' | |||
<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness--> | |||
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<!--Due not add Onslaught, there has been no word that he is in the game--> | |||
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|- | |||
! colspan="6" | '''Heroes (Playable Status Unknown)''' <!--This section is for characters who have been CONFIRMED to be in the game, but PLAYABLE status is unknown. As such, do not add the Hulk, the Punisher, Beast, Shadowcat or Emma Frost as they HAVE NOT been confirmed to be in the game. The only form in which Beast, Shadowcat and Emma Frost have been confirmed is in wild speculation over a cinematic in which Hulk is clearly visible.--> | |||
|- | |||
|<!--Please keep the table neat, orderly and balanced to prevent lopsidedness--> | |||
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*] | |||
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. | |||
|} | |||
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. | |||
*A screenshot from IGN.com profiling ] showed ] fighting alongside him. The screenshot has since been removed. | |||
] characters.]] | |||
*] also briefly appeared in the newly released The Thing trailer found on the official Marvel website. ] has also recently released two Storm wallpapers that confirm her status as a playable character and the inclusion of her much anticipated Mohawk costume and a capeless version of her most recent Uncanny X-Men outfit. Why her status as a playable character and two of her many wallpapers were revelead on IGN before the official site is unknown. New screenshots have shown her to be able to ride upon a tornado and summon multiple lightning strikes. Also, a new trailer for her character has been released, confirming her character yet again. | |||
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 ]. | |||
*Recent screenshots (seen here ) confirm ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] as villains. Also, in these screenshots ], ] and ] are reconfirmed. | |||
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. | |||
*At the VIP section, one of the administrators revealed that some non-playable characters will be unlockable at some point of the game. | |||
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. | |||
*] was confirmed by Raven as playable for at least a portion of the game in an interview in the May 2006 issue of Game Informer. The preorder code offered by several retailers is not required to access him in this portion of the game. It was later revealed by IGN that the Silver Surfer would be unlocked after the player had defeated Galactus. | |||
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> | |||
*], ], ], and ] have all been confirmed as unlockables at . Also, the website that showed the 4 unlockables showed ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] as villains on the website as gamer points that shows you how many points you get if you defeat one or many more of them or even all of them. | |||
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. | |||
*], ], ] and ] are visible as fighters who have been beaten by Dr. Doom in a newly released behind-the-Scenes video. Whether these characters will be only in the cinematics, NPCs or playable/unlockable is still uncertain. | |||
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. | |||
*Several screenshots were revealed on a italian site that revealed ] and ] to be in the game. The VIP site has also confirmed these character's inclusion in the game. | |||
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> | |||
*] and ] have been confirmed in an article of Nintendo Power Magazine. Mysterio was confirmed on the VIP site recently as well. Dragon Man has been confirmed on the official site also. | |||
Meanwhile, Galactus vows revenge on the heroes who stole from him and plans to destroy Earth. | |||
*According to the VIP section of the website, ''In fact, one of Iron Man’s costumes turns him into a different playable character entirely… if you’ve been clamoring for an exclusive piece of information only the VIPs know, now you have it. Iron Man can become War Machine in the game!'' . | |||
===Characters=== | |||
*An IGN playtest featured a preview of various heroes' alternate costumes, where ] was confirmed as a costume for Thor, and that ] would be one of Spider-Man's available costumes. In interviews with the developer, it was remarked that Spider-Man will also have the black ] costume. It was also noted that all the characters will have at least four skins. Many of these costumes have been released on the VIP site. | |||
''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. | |||
==== Playable characters ==== | |||
*A Worthplaying article confirms ] as next gen exclusive, as well as ] (who is PSP exclusive) and ]. Colossus was also confirmed as playable by an AMN article and the VIP website. | |||
{{div col|colwidth=10em}} | |||
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA|Not playable in the Game Boy Advance version}} | |||
* ]{{efn-lr|name=PSP|Exclusive to the PSP version}} | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ]{{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}} | |||
* ]{{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}} | |||
* ]{{efn-lr|name=NoGBA}} | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ]{{efn-lr|name=X360}} | |||
* ] | |||
{{div col end}} | |||
{{Notelist-lr}} | |||
*] and ] were revealed the VIP page as alternate costumes for ]. | |||
==Development and marketing== | |||
*] was confirmed as the second next-gen console exclusive character, as well as having ] as an alternate skin, on the VIP site's forum. | |||
].]] | |||
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> | |||
''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> | |||
*] was mentioned as being playable in an article at GameSpy, however it has yet to be confirmed by other sources and if he is among the generic console cast or if he is a PSP exclusive. He was later confirmed as a PSP exlcusive. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
==Reception and awards== | |||
*], ] and ] have been confirmed on the VIP website. | |||
{{Video game reviews | |||
| 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> | |||
| 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> | |||
| 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> | |||
| 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}} | |||
*] was confirmed at the VIP website, along with ] as an alternate costume. | |||
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"/> | |||
*] was confirmed by Marvel Legends Forum, and stated to be most likely an NPC. | |||
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> | |||
==Voice actors== | |||
*] - Elektra | |||
*] - Uatu the Watcher, Black Panther | |||
*] - Spider-Man | |||
*] - Wolverine | |||
*] - Iceman | |||
*] - Invisible Woman | |||
*] - Dr. Bruce Banner, Crimson Dynamo | |||
*] - Siryn | |||
*] - Thor | |||
*] - Cyclops | |||
*] - Nightcrawler | |||
==Sequel and reboot== | |||
==Locations== | |||
{{Main|Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2|Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order}} | |||
<!-- Unsourced speculation will be removed, per WP's Verfiability and What Misplaced Pages is Not guidelines !--> | |||
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> | |||
From the early screenshots and preview provided through out the early stages and works, certain locations are already confirmed (it is known that there will be more than 17 locales in total). 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 definitivly takes place in the ] universe, or the same world as '']''. | |||
'']'' 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 ]. | |||
;Confirmed Locations<nowiki>:</nowiki> | |||
{{clear}} | |||
{| | |||
|valign="top"| | |||
*]'s HQ | |||
*] | |||
*] Throneworld | |||
*] (] HQ) | |||
*] | |||
|width="50"| | |||
|valign="top"| | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] Palace | |||
*] Murderworld | |||
*Quentin Carnival | |||
|width="50"| | |||
|valign="top"| | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] (Mephisto's realm) | |||
*] | |||
|} | |||
== |
==Notes== | ||
{{Notelist}} | |||
*'']'' | |||
*'']'' | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|30em}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{wikiquote}} | |||
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* {{IMDb title|814207}} | |||
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* at ] | |||
{{Raven Software}} | |||
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{{Marvel Video Game Crossovers}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 07:56, 13 December 2024
2006 video game 2006 video gameMarvel Ultimate Alliance | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Raven Software |
Publisher(s) | Activision |
Director(s) | Dan Vondrak |
Producer(s) | Matthew Paul |
Designer(s) | Keith Fuller |
Programmer(s) |
|
Artist(s) | Dan Hay |
Writer(s) | Robert Love |
Composer(s) | |
Series | Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |
Engine | Vicarious Visions Alchemy |
Platform(s) | |
Release |
October 24, 2006
|
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.
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
- Black Panther
- Black Widow
- Blade
- Captain America
- Captain Marvel
- Colossus
- Cyclops
- Daredevil
- Deadpool
- Doctor Doom
- Doctor Strange
- Elektra
- Ghost Rider
- Hawkeye
- Human Torch
- Hulk
- Iceman
- Invisible Woman
- Iron Man
- Luke Cage
- Magneto
- Mister Fantastic
- Moon Knight
- Ms. Marvel
- Namor
- Nick Fury
- Nightcrawler
- Jean Grey
- Ronin
- Sabretooth
- Silver Surfer
- Spider-Man
- Spider-Woman
- Storm
- Thing
- Thor
- Venom
- Wolverine
- ^ Not playable in the Game Boy Advance version
- ^ Exclusive to the PSP version
- ^ Exclusive to the 7th-generation console (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii) and the 2016 re-released versions
- ^ Exclusive to the Xbox 360 Latest Editions and the 2016 re-released versions
- ^ Striker in Game Boy Advance version
- ^ Exclusive to Game Boy Advance version
Development and marketing
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
ReceptionAggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | XBOX: 83% PC: 83% PS2: 82% X360: 82% PSP: 82% WII: 74% PS3: 78% |
Metacritic | XBOX: 83/100 PC: 82/100 PS2: 81/100 X360: 82/100 PSP: 81/100 WII: 73/100 PS3: 78/100 |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | B− |
Game Informer | 9.25/10 |
GameSpot | 8.3/10 |
IGN | 8.1/10 |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | 9.0/10 |
Publication | Award |
---|---|
GameSpot | Best Use of a Creative License in 2006 |
Wizard magazine | Video Game of the Year |
IGN | Best 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 OrderA 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
- 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.
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Also known as: Marvel Legends, Marvel Comics RPG
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External links
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