LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is a big game. New York City big. Players have a lot of territory to cover and a lot of character to cover it with.
While the story will take players to other parts of the Marvel universe, it is New York City that is the heart of the game. It is also where Stark Tower is, the S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier is based, as well as being home to so many of the Marvel heroes. The Avengers film takes place in large part in New York City, and that film and other Marvel cinematic offerings are referenced directly. In a way, this game can be thought of as a sequel to the film.
Galactus is coming, but his herald, Silver Surfer loses his board and his cosmic power finds its way into the hands of Doctor Doom. An evil alliance is forged and … well, it’s LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, so you can guess what happens next. And this is one of the best features of the game. Sure the story is fun, but it’s all the characters, many familiar, some not, that players collect as they go through different missions.
Over 100 characters are available for players to gather up throughout the game. Almost every major hero and villain make the cut and are introduced in appropriate missions. Spider-Man shows up to help battle Sandman and Doctor Octopus. Hulk and Wolverine team up against Abomination and Sabretooth. You get the idea – at least if you’re familiar with the Marvel heroes and their primary foes. Because much of the action takes place in New York City, you get a cross section of heroes and villains teaming up. Of course the action heads out to Latveria (Doctor Doom’s home) as well as Asgard and more.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is best played as a cooperative game. There are two heroes to use in every scenario and mission, and often more, allowing players to switch out to which character they wish to use. Of course every character has their own special abilities, these are all different superheroes of course. From Cyclops and his vision blast to She-Hulk’s strength, to Emma Frost’s telepathy to Iceman’s powers, there’s a wide variety of characters and skills. I do have to say I was surprised Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch were not available, however. I assume these (and others) are being held back because of future films in development or as downloadable content.
There are some problems with the game, mostly to do with the camera. Often the screen will split diagonally when players get separated, and it creates an awkward visual and can be disorienting, especially for younger players. Because players can’t really get separated too much, this can be a bit of a problem if you lose your bearings. I would have preferred a simple “straight down the middle” split screen.
And why isn’t there any online multiplayer, especially for 4 players? If any games in the LEGO video game franchise had the potential for online play, this is it.
Bottom line, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is fun. Adults may get bored running around collecting bricks but I highly doubt many adults are going to pick this up on their own unless they have kids. This is a great game to play with your kids, or to occupy two kids at once. The gameplay can be repetitive, but then again, who is this game made for?