Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer

Life

12 November 2007

Everyone loves movie tie-in games. Let’s face it, we know that 90% of these games will disappoint yet will still buy them, if only to show loyalty to the host franchise. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer is based on sequel to 2005’s lacklustre Marvel Comics adaptation. Before we get too far in the review you should know its not on PC. Why review it then you ask? Simple: It really should be, and if you have a console it is an enjoyable romp.

Heavily reminiscent of the recent Marvel Ultimate Alliance and X-Men Legends games, you play as the four members of the Fantastic Four fighting their way though the sequel movie’s plot and against comic characters. The game takes a third person brawler style identical to X-Men Legends with the same controls for the most part too. This is not a bad thing as the controls are simple to use and effective. Mission locations are varied and include not just team missions but ones which require you to play solo as a single character completing objectives. Each solo mission is set to use the characters unique abilities – like Sue Storm’s Invisible Woman playing through missions requiring stealth and the Human Torch flying.

Combat is simple button mashing for the most part. Apart from the solo missions, you could play through most of the game without needing to change character. Combo attacks also work well. The only issue with this game is when playing is you gain experience points (xp) to upgrade or “level up” your characters. The problem is at the highest level the main powers of the FF are time limited, definitely at odds with the comics. It’s so bad that at the highest level the Invisible Woman can only be invisible for about 10-15 seconds a time. This, plus the game’s quick completion time are the only downsides to a very enjoyable title. As one of the movie to game tie-ins of the year, so far it’s the best one of 2007 and well worth trying.