
Each hero has a different color, so only that particular hero can perform a specific action. So, instead of lifting up a truck to throw at an enemy as the Thing, you'll need to stand in front of the truck, initiate the mini-game by pressing a button, then tap "A" rapidly to fill up a meter. Only then will you watch the Thing do his, uh, thing
All four champsions needs to perform a mini-game at some time or another to clear obstacles and maneuver the environment too, but none of them are very fun and most don't make sense within the context of the game. During one sequence, for example, Mr. Fantastic needs to navigate a series of platforms. Instead of stretching him to safety yourself, you simply stand on a beacon and press a button to watch him do it.
In one extreme example, you need to use each hero to save a fire truck from plummeting into the ocean. Only you don't really do anything, just send each hero to the right beacon, perform the mini-games, and watch as they save the day. Sections like these only emphasize the lack of freedom you have with a hero's superpowers. It would have been far cooler to perform these heroic deeds than just play the role of spectator. Imagine playing Spider-Man 2 to see that you could only swing when standing in the right spot, and then, only watching Spidey swing as you sat there. It's just nowhere near as immersive as it needs to be.
Fantastic 4 includes a slew of unlockable extras. Comic fans will spaz over the covers, concept art and bios available. What's more, you can unlock video cast interviews of everyone in the movie, plus an interview with creator Stan Lee as he plays the game and offers his impressions. In addition to all this, you can unlock two bonus stages by finishing the game on Medium and Hard.
There are also Arena Fights, where you and a friend can battle different enemy types (of your choice) in a practice room or in Survival Mode, where you need to fight waves of enemies. You can only use the powers and combos you've unlocked in the main game, and it handles very much the same, with you switching between the four characters using the D-Pad.
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Posted: 28 Jun 2005