Before I breakdown the initial plot, get into the level descriptions, and discuss the gameplay, I want to talk about the elements of the game that appealed to me as a comic-book fan. There were so many cool touches that my inner fanboy giggled the entire time I spent with the game. For a description of the basic game mechanics, some initial impressions, and a run down of my favorite characters, check out my Comic Con 2004 preview.
Juggernaut, it's called knocking. Look into it.
One of the features of X-Men Legends that made me giddy were the numerous costumes. You can unlock multiple costumes for each character and use them at any time after they're unlocked. Cyclops has his Ultimate X-Men uniform, his initial costume, and the classic Claremont / Byrnes look. Wolverine has his Ultimate look, the yellow and blue costume, the brown and tan costume, and the Weapon X outfit. Jean has her Marvel Girl costume, Phoenix costume, Dark Phoenix costume, and Ultimate outfit. There are even goofy looks that are hard to believe ever existed, such as the classic version of Ice-Man, where he looked more like a snow man. It's super cool to be able to play as your favorite X-Man wearing the costume you think he or she looked best in.
In one of the early portions of the game you have the option to tour Professor Xavier's Mansion. The mansion was chock full of small touches that helped define each character and pay tribute to the comics. Wolverine's room had all sorts of Canadian paraphernalia, including a flag that's signed by the members of Alpha Flight (Canada's finest heroes and his old pals). Colossus' room had sketch books and an easel that displayed his gentle, artistic side. Ice-Man had my favorite room. Since he's kind of a horn dog, he had girlie posters in his room. They weren't just any girlie posters though -- the designers cleverly used shots of Marvel's swimsuit issue as his posters.
Okay, now that I've gushed about the aspects of X-Men Legends that gave me the giggles I'll get to my gameplay session. The game kicks off with a newscast of a mutant disturbance in New York. A young girl, Allison Crestmere (who eventually becomes Magma), has just discovered her powers and is about to be lynched. Thankfully Wolverine is on the scene to rescue her, but the Brotherhood of Mutants is also around and wants to "recruit" Crestmere for their devious causes. A scuffle ensues, leaving Wolverine stunned while the Brotherhood's Mystique and Blob kidnap the girl.
