Activision's Ally: C.B. Cebulski

IGN: Does your background in manga bring any advantages to the table when creating a title like this?.

Cebulski: Wow, I didn't expect a question like this... I guess I'd have to say that if anything, my manga background helped in developing the pacing of certain stories, keeping them quick, action-packed and visually exciting.

IGN: To be honest, with your involvement, I'm surprised the style of the game isn't more manga-inspired. That would be badass. Any chance we'll see something like that as the game moves further along?

Cebulski: Not in this version of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, but who knows about future games. I have a few ideas that I think would make for killer games.

IGN: Now the big question: Up to this point, the story of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance has been rather hush-hush. What is the premise behind the narrative? From all the videos and characters we've seen (Galactus, Ghost Rider, etc), it looks like one of those yearly events like House of M or Infinity Gauntlet?

Cebulski: Yeah, it is definitely an event. Everything keeps building and building until we get to a Secret War or Civil War-type scenario and it all goes crazy from there. Fans are gonna go bonkers over this I think. They'll see things that haven't been done in the comics before when we turn everything they've come to know and love about these heroes and villains on their ear.

IGN: Even though gamers can create their own teams, is there a core group of heroes that are involved in the storyline no matter what?

Cebulski: Yes, but I don't want to give too much away. Sorry!

IGN: Who's the big bad in this one? Thanos? Galactus? Doom? Hypno-Hustler?

Cebulski: Heh heh heh. That would be telling... But who says there's only one?

IGN: How much inspiration will past or recent Marvel stories have on Ultimate Alliance? Can we expect to see plotlines reminiscent of some of the stuff running in New Avengers, Young Avengers, X-Men, etc?

Cebulski: There's a consistency of character that stays intact when compared to the Marvel comics over the past 60 years. As for specific plotlines and references to older stories, they're in there, mainly in dialogue and in setting up confrontations. Some new characters and references too that may surprise people. But while they'll be shout outs to old school fans and hardcore Marvel zombies like me, it's not imperative you have to know anything about the comics to enjoy the game.

IGN: Is there a breakout character in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance that you think people may have overlooked before but not now?

Cebulski: Again, you'll just have to wait and see. I know who my favorite will be!