An easy contender for the longest game title of 2010, Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gene is a game that takes its cues from the popular NickToons cartoon, The Marvel Super Hero Squad Show, which itself was inspired by the range of child friendly action figures of the same name.
The whole game supports two-player co-op - so why not make the most of it?
Making the transition into games, Marvel Super Hero Squad takes the form of a platform game that's borrowed more than a few pointers from the LEGO series - including the ability to play through the game in two player co-op. Playing as chunkier, blockier, and cartoonier versions of the Marvel heroes that everyone's heard of, from The Incredible Hulk, through to Spiderman, and Thor, the wise talking bunch of doo-gooders find themselves getting roped up in a world-threatening crisis in the strangest of ways. While doing a bit of shopping at an inter-galactic shoe store, Iron Man and Hulk go to pick up a present they've bought for Thor's birthday, only to discover that there's been a bit of a mix-up, as instead of having Thor's boots, their box contains Super-Skrull's laundry. Not willing to let their present get away that easily, the heroes head off in pursuit of Super-Skrull, only to witness him giving the even eviler Thanos a gift, of the Infinity Gauntlet - a magical glove that would allow him to rule the entire universe - if he has all of the infinity gems.
OK, so it's a bit of a weird set up for a plot, but it does provide a decent excuse for a family friendly adventure, as the Super Hero Squad races against the baddies to find all of the Infinity Gems (and handily, there's one per level), and stop Thanos' evil plans before they even get started.
The rubbish enemies, marching to their doom.
As it's a game that's been heavily aimed at children, the difficulty level has been adjusted to suit. Any platforming in the game is simple enough to pull off, with few frustrating deaths, while the enemies that you come across are, for the most part, easily defeated - even when it comes to the boss characters. We played through the game on the hardest difficulty, and only died a few times - so children should have no problem with the easier difficulty levels.
These being a squad of Super Heroes, each character has a different special ability at their fingertips, which can be used to either solve puzzles, or access different parts of the levels. The Falcon has access to super speed, which lets him zip from switch to switch in the blink of an eye (which is handy for unlocking doors), while the more technically minded characters can hack consoles. Again, all of the puzzles here are fairly basic, but it's thoroughly child friendly fare, and should hopefully mean that you aren't constantly being badgered with "Mom/Dad, how do I do this?". As each character has their own specific trait, and when you first play a level, you'll only have access to two characters, there are many parts of the level that you won't be able to access on your first play through, as you'll need to use a different character's powers, which also adds a nice bit of replay value to the otherwise short game's 12 levels (we finished in around four or five hours).
Quicksilver can use his speed to zip past hazards, like this flame. Quick!
Of course, just because it's a game that's been aimed at children doesn't mean that adults can't find something they'll enjoy here too. Much like the LEGO games, there's plenty for people of all ages, as although the game's simplistic, and the story's a bit naff, you'll find yourself having a fair amount of fun with the admittedly repetitive combat. If you're looking to team up with your child to take on the story, or to simply sit down with your other half for a super-hero-themed game session that's not too taxing, Marvel Super Hero Squad will deliver.
As part of THQ's Great Games, Great Value range, Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet can currently be found online for as little as £9.99. For that price, you'd almost be crazy not to, as for a tenner, this is well worth a flutter.
Format Reviewed: Xbox 360
