Iron Man 2 The Video Game

SCORE: 69

The recently released Iron Man 2 will be one of the biggest summer blockbusters this year, and perhaps all-time. With summer blockbusters come movie tie-in video games – and Iron Man 2 is no exception. Iron Man 2: The Video Game has been released on all the major platforms and handheld gaming devices. All of the game versions use the characters and some of the background from the Iron Man 2 movie, but they stand alone from the movie. The Nintendo DS version of Iron Man 2 : The Video Game perhaps does this best. The story finds Tony Stark battling various new enemies and trying to work on his always-entertaining relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury.

Gamers have the opportunity to use Iron Man, or his trusted friend and alley James “Rhodey” Rhodes as the powerful War Machine. Each character has their own fighting style, and this is even designed into the gameplay and controls. Gamers will learn two distinct control systems for each hero. This is worth mentioning because in some games different characters may have different moves or fighting styles, but the controls are the same. But with Iron Man 2 : The Video Game for the Nintendo DS the gamer will actually feel the difference thanks to the two separate control systems. Iron Man is faster and more mobile than War Machine, however, War Machine can eliminate enemies much quicker using his full arsenal of weapons. Kudos to the developers for this fun gaming experience using the two different characters.

The graphical presentation and sound are what you might expect from a DS title. There is nothing in either department that will take your breath away. The focus here was on the story and the gameplay, most noticeably the control system. The game will be a great alternative for younger gamers, as opposed to the more graphic console versions. One game mode worth mentioning (that is exclusive to the DS), is being able to battle Iron Man against War Machine. Fun!

The story mode is not very difficult, but can be a lot of fun. It will not take experienced gamers very long to get through the game. The premise of the game is to shoot and destroy the enemies at hand. This can get somewhat repetitive as you get through the game, although there are enough unlockables and extras to look for that it should not grow tiresome. Stark Tower is used as Iron Man’s base during the game. There are opportunities to research technologies and try various training exercises.

If super hero games are your thing, the game is fun to play and easy to pick up on the go. Even with the bland graphics and lackluster sound quality, there is enough here to keep younger gamers busy for a while. Parents will have the opportunity to discuss violence, as well as the arrogance of Tony Stark and his relationships with others. One thing I appreciate from the developers at Sega is how they handle when Iron Man or War Machine is defeated in battle. They do not die as in other games, rather they are in need of recharging.

Overall, Iron Man 2 : The Video Game for the Nintendo DS is a fun, entertaining superhero game that is a great alternative to the console versions.
- Alan

Graphics: 60%
Sound: 55%
Replay/Extras: 79%
Gameplay: 84%
Family Friendly Factor: 71%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Sega
Rating: 'E10+' for Everyone 10+
{Fantasy Violence}

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