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PlayStation2 Superman: Shadow of Apokolips Developer: Infogrames | Publisher: Infogrames
Rating: B+EveryoneBahn
Type: Action Players: 1
Difficulty: Intermediate Released: 9-24-02

Fans of the Man of Steel were served an unforgettable blow to their hearts and wallets from the release of Superman 64. It's an understatement to simply acknowledge it as just a bad game. Its low-grade production values and awkward gameplay elements qualified it as one of the worst examples of video game development - in history.

Fast forward several years later, Infogrames bravely steps into the foray to create an all-new game based upon the Metropolis hero. Superman: The Shadow of Apokolips captures the essence of the animated series, supported by its masterfully executed gameplay engine and various nuances designed to satisfy die-hard comic book fans.

"Look up in the sky..."

I suppose it was due to the fact I hadn't been closely following the current events of the game's release which led to minimal (and realistic) expectations. In similar respects to Batman: Vengeance, Superman is faithfully recreated with the same care and integrity (perhaps higher), featuring an authentic deco, over 40 minutes of animated sequences, and the original voice acting cast. In short, you've basically got a mini-episode unleashed within your PS2.

There's a number of tangible comparisons which I subconsciously made between The Shadow of Apokolips and Batman: Vengenace. Both are ambitious in scope and aim to give players an interactive experience. For obvious reasons, Superman's mobility isn't nearly as limited as you maneuver him throughout Metropolis (among other areas). Each level, while relatively straightforward, features a variety of different objectives which Superman must complete in order to advance to the next area. Some objectives are time-based (making the tasks at hand more challenging, if at the very least -- diverse). The time-based objectives are a nice touch, since their aim is to essentially recreate the essence of thwarting disaster at "super speed".

"This is a job for...(well, you of course!)"

The first level acts as a interactive tutorial to educate the player on how to utilize Superman's powers during certain situations. All of his trademark contemporary abilities are present rranging from his X-Ray vision to the most important one of all - flying. Some will be used more than others (or better yet, you'll consider more useful). The X-Ray vision for example has very limited use throughout the game, whereas abilities such as the Heat Vision will likely be used the most often. However, using these abilities (in whichever preference or situation you choose) requires energy (ok, at least in the game --- I KNOW he gets his power from the sun!) Be sure to monitor the Super Energy meter closely or you'll have to take a few minutes to allow it to recharge. Although Superman is capable of well, superhuman abilities...he's not invincible, and he's bound to take damage from the bevy of enemies you'll encounter. Generally, you'll never have a problem until some of the later enemies when you're getting gunned down by the dozens. This particular aspect of the game seems to have been inbalanced just a tad. He takes damage like a punk and it's bound to irritate you a few times (certainly happened to me with my battle against Livewire).

Overall, the objective-based levels are varied and unique. A few levels will test your might (or rather your mashing skills) as you are required to rapidly tap the buttons to complete the designated challenge. Your first experience with this feature will occur in the level in which Superman must save a dam foundation from disaster. In addition, Clark Kent will briefly go into disguise in search of clues behind the source of a robotic army linked to an infamous crime syndicate known as Intergang. Sure it's a plot device - so what? It makes for an intriguing change of pace.

"Faster than a speeding bullet..."

Speaking of which, it won't take you no more than a day (if that long) to complete the game in one sitting. The difficulty level is intermediate at best (an option should've been incorporated to adjust the parameters for more experienced players). Plus, even if you fail to complete a level, the game is loaded with infinite continues (where in some cases, you can restart at a midpoint). Easy to finish? You bet. Minor quips aside, this doesn't add too many points in the replay value department. Even with the time trial mode, character profiles and a movie gallery allowing players the ability to replay their favorite cinematic game sequences on the fly, it's hardly enough incentive to sit through the entire game again.

Superman doesn't possess any major significant flaws, although I occasionally felt the response time between button commands were too slow or the collision was misaligned (i.e. picking up objects). There's also an extensive number of dialogue which Superman will utter throughout the game which makes the entire experience much more interactive and exciting (quite unlike his Gotham counterpart, who barely speaks at all).

"More powerful than (its peers?)"

Comic book enthusiasts are still eagerly awaiting the ideal video game package which delivers a relatively solid entertaining experience. Fortunately, Superman stands as the best example of favorable things to come. If you were burned by the N64 installment, consider this to be divine salvation - courtesy of Infogrames. Avid collectors should be especially fond of the game, due to its high level of authencity and faitfulness to the animated series. However, due to a limited replay value, its novelty is truly the only strong point that can be factored into a warranted purchase. With each new licensed title based on comic book franchises, marks a new strand of improvement - for now, this edition has surpassed its predecessors in a single bound. Indulge it.

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· · · Bahn


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Rating: B+Bahn
Graphics: 9 Sound: 10
Gameplay: 8 Replay: 6
  © 2002 The Next Level