Game on: superhero complex

The world's greatest superheroes go up against each other in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, an all-out action role-playing game from publisher Activision.

The game, a sequel to Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, released in 2006, was jointly created by developers Vicarious Visions (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3), n-Space (Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2) and Savage Entertainment (PlayStation Portable).

The storyline combines elements from the five-issue Marvel Comics book Secret War (2004-2005) and the seven-issue Civil War (2006-2007), which features the introduction of a "Superhuman Registration Act".

In the game, the new law means superheroes must register as weapons of mass destruction, becoming licensed government agents. It inevitably stirs up conflict.

Iron Man leads the pro-registration side, while Captain America champions anti-registration.

Gamers can customise characters and lead a four-man squad picked from a pool of 24 playable superheroes and supervillains, such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, the Hulk (pictured), Deadpool, Venom, the Green Goblin and Captain America.

Users control one character at a time, with the ability to switch between the four during battles. Two regular attack buttons let you pound the enemy into submission.

Each superhero has four special moves. If battles get too tough, you can unleash a fusion attack combining the powers of two superheroes, such as a fiery tornado between the Human Torch and Storm. There are more than 250 fusions. You can also go to multiplayer mode and invite up to three friends to join in.

Wanton destruction of property is encouraged in Ultimate Alliance 2 and points can be earned to receive boosts and upgrade the characters' powers. There are character dossiers, artwork, audio clips, simulator missions and items to unlock additional playable characters.

The game has a few minor letdowns: flawed rendering of character models when in close-up and fewer alternate costumes for each superhero (two each in the sequel and four in the original).

The game clocks in at about eight hours of play. Though short, it offers a high replay value since you can choose different teammates each time. Comic book fans may have mixed feelings about the plot and presentation but Ultimate Alliance 2 is certainly fun to play.

Pros: Furious battles with a dream team of superheroes.

Cons: Minor technical issues.