Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Ben 10: Protector of Earth revolves around its fast-paced action combat, leveraging light, heavy, and special attacks to create fluid combos. Players switch between Ben’s alien forms on the fly, each offering a distinct playstyle—Fourarms excels in close-quarters brawling, XLR8 delivers lightning-quick hits, Fireblast controls space with ranged fireballs, Cannonbolt barrels through enemies, and Wildvine’s stretchy limbs enable unique platforming challenges. This variety keeps encounters fresh and encourages experimentation with different transformations.

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The game spans more than 14 levels, taking you from the sun-scorched vistas of the Grand Canyon to the urban sprawl of San Francisco and Seattle, finally culminating atop Mt. Rushmore. Each locale introduces new enemy types—ranging from robotic drones to alien beasts—forcing players to adapt their tactics. Occasional environmental hazards, like collapsing cliffs or electrified platforms, add an extra layer of challenge, rewarding attentive play and clever use of alien powers.

Puzzle elements are sprinkled throughout the stages, often requiring specific alien abilities to proceed. For instance, Wildvine’s stretch can activate distant switches, while Cannonbolt’s rolling form can break through barriers. The PSP version even adds exclusive challenge arenas and unlockable character skins, extending replay value. Though the difficulty curve remains accessible for younger audiences, the depth of combo chaining and transformation strategy provides enough complexity to keep older players engaged.

Graphics

Visually, Protector of Earth captures the vibrant, cartoon-inspired aesthetic of the Ben 10 series. Character models are faithfully rendered, with each alien transformation sporting crisp textures and exaggerated proportions that echo the show’s style. Cutscenes transition seamlessly into gameplay, maintaining the narrative’s momentum without jarring shifts in presentation quality.

Level design showcases a mix of wide-open battlefields and intricate platforming sections. The Grand Canyon’s rocky cliffs feel spacious and expansive, while the San Francisco stage features detailed cityscapes dotted with cars, streetlights, and destructible objects. Particle effects from Fireblast’s flames or the sparks flying off Cannonbolt’s metal shell add polish, making combat encounters feel weighty and impactful.

Performance remains stable on both the PlayStation 2 and PSP, with only occasional frame dips during particularly crowded fights. Lighting and shadow placement enhance depth without overtaxing the hardware, and enemy animations—such as robotic limbs whirring or alien jaws snapping—are smooth and responsive. Overall, the graphics strike a nice balance between faithful adaptation and technical optimization for mid-2000s consoles.

Story

The narrative follows Ben Tennyson as he stumbles upon the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch-like device granting him the power to transform into various aliens. When the nefarious Vilgax and his minions invade Earth in search of the Omnitrix, Ben teams up with his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max to protect the planet. While the storyline is lighthearted and aimed at younger fans, it remains engaging enough to propel you through the adventure.

Cutscenes blend cartoon footage with in-engine segments, providing exposition and occasional humor without dragging down the pacing. Dialogue captures the personalities of Ben’s crew—Ben’s cocky banter, Gwen’s quick wit, and Max’s measured guidance—helping fans of the series feel right at home. Boss battles against iconic villains feel like set-piece moments, spotlighting each alien’s unique capabilities in dramatic showdowns.

Although the plot rarely ventures into deep storytelling territory, it offers enough variety—rescue missions, timed challenges, and large-scale battles—to keep momentum high. The final encounter at Mt. Rushmore delivers an appropriately epic climax, blending fast action with a satisfying resolution that underscores the themes of teamwork and responsibility inherent in the Ben 10 universe.

Overall Experience

Ben 10: Protector of Earth delivers an action-packed adaptation that will appeal to both fans of the animated series and newcomers seeking a colorful beat ’em up. Its straightforward controls, diverse alien roster, and level variety ensure that gameplay never becomes monotonous. Younger players will appreciate the accessible challenge, while completionists can dive into hidden collectables and PSP-exclusive content.

Minor shortcomings include occasional camera angle issues in tight platforming sections and the lack of a more robust combo tutorial for newcomers. However, these quibbles are overshadowed by the game’s core strengths: engaging combat, faithful visuals, and a brisk story that stays true to the original material. The result is a polished licensed title that avoids the pitfalls of many cartoon tie-ins.

Whether you’re defending Earth against intergalactic threats for the first time or revisiting Ben’s early adventures, Protector of Earth offers a solid action experience that captures the spirit of the franchise. It’s a worthy addition to any collection, especially for those who enjoy straightforward brawlers with a dash of transformation-based strategy. Strap on the Omnitrix and get ready to save the planet—aliens await!

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10