X-Men Mutant Academy (GB) (X-Men Mutant Academy (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	X-Men Mutant Academy (GB)
Date:	03/04/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good background scenes

Disadvantages: Gameplay, Sound

"X-Men Mutant Academy" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 2000 by Activision. It is a fighting genre title featuring many of the hit comic book characters of the "X-Men" series. It is the first of two titles with "Mutant Wars" following after "Academy". The game received an age rating of "E" by the ESRB panel in the United States which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The game features various modes of play ranging from a full "story" mode, with the result simply "unlocking" a password to a further two playable characters, to simple one player versus computer combat. There is also an added option to have player versus player combat through a game-link cable. Mutant Academy features a good set of X-Men characters including Wolverine, Gambit and Phoenix which the player can opt to play as in combat.

Gameplay is regarded as disappointing in this title. There is little by the way of variation in the game, with each character being equipped with the same punches and kicks, controlled by using the A and B buttons. There is a chance to deal heavier amounts to damage through holding the respective buttons to build a "rage" metre but this does not come across as being something which would be beneficial in combat. Mutant Academy may appeal to a younger audience through its more "button smashing" style of play without requiring any sense of cerebral prowess or combination memorization. An obvious flaw that has been noted is a glitch within gameplay. It is possible to win any contest by simply crouching and punching repeatedly throughout the contest; the computer opponent will not be able to counter this.

Graphics could have used further attention with the visuals not being particularly appealing. There is a good sense of detailing given to the characters, and each represent their appropriate attire and other cosmetic features, but I did not find them to be truly noteworthy. The background sections come across as well rendered and made for an enjoyable gander. The sound, however, comes across as being poorer in quality, and this is typical to most handheld fighting games with the same screeching tones being repeated with each button smashed.

I would be hesitant about recommending this to a prospective buyer. Mutant Academy does have some appeal with the second player option but it is not likely that this function would be utilized much in favour of other fighting titles which made more enjoyable use of it.

Summary: Thumbs down