Picking which hero or villain you'll use to unleash a little smashy-smashy on the world is one of the most important decisions you can make in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, and this time, the line between good and evil is blurred a bit. Loosely following the storylines introduced in the popular Secret War and Civil War comic series, the game revolves around the Superhuman Registration Act, which breaks down the traditional roles played by Marvels' heroes, villains and mutants. To help you navigate these supercharged waters, here's a breakdown on each of the game's announced playable characters:

Captain America

The symbol of freedom and justice doubles as the spearhead against the Superhuman Registration Act, and, in the comics, an opponent of Iron Man. With an indestructible shield at the ready, Cap is a balanced character who can both engage in close-combat and hurl his shield as a ranged weapon. He's also great on the receiving end of various Fusion combos, perfect for electrifying enemies en masse.

Daredevil

Who would have thought one of the greatest fighters ever would be blind? In MUA2, Daredevil's decked out with very fast, very strong physical attacks as well as a little bad guy boxing. While Iron Fist subbed in as Daredevil for the comic storyline, both will be able to fight side by side in the game for a nice one-two punch.

Deadpool

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2's version of the Merc with the Mouth channels the Deadpool comic fans know and love. Guns and martial arts are his weapons of choice, and usually a mix of the two can be found in his fighting style. His combat moves are over-the-top, with dialog to match: Deadpool is the only in-game character to recognize that he's actually inside a video game.

Gambit

Though absent from the original Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Gambit's back with a vengeance. A vengeance of kinetic energy, that is, as he has a host of charging abilities and loads of deadly playing cards. We're hoping he left the overly strong Cajun accent behind, though.

Green Goblin

As if they needed something more to be unhappy about, super villains are also taking up arms against the Superhuman Registration Act. Case in point: the Green Goblin, who brings a basketful of pumpkin bombs to the game. The Goblin may boast speed and strength, but we're itching to take a ride on the Goblin Glider!

Hulk

Hulk was jettisoned from Earth in the comic storyline, so being able to play him during the Civil War sequence of events is a first. As a fugitive, we suspect he'll side with Cap, lending his ground smashes and thunder claps to the cause. And who needs powers when you can simply pick up a car and toss it your enemies' way? Better yet, chuck some concrete infused with a partner's special, like Deadpool's grenades, and Hulk make even bigger bang!

Human Torch

Where Iceman wields the power of cold, Johnny Storm can ignite any situation, shooting streams of fire at his opponents. When combined with other characters' powers, though, it becomes exceptionally lethal. Flaming on at Storm's tornado, for example, is perfect for taking out hordes of enemies, but not as effective in putting down a single boss.

Iceman

The coolest member of the X-Men can wield the power of cryokinesis, which allows him to freeze enemies, surf on ice slides and transform his body into wicked ice weapons. But while Iceman can get up close and personal, it's his ranged ice shards and ice pillars that are best leveraged to put out a firefight. Mixing the Human Torch with him can make one interesting duo, too.

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Posted: 11 Sep 2009

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