Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X-Men: Legends delivers a robust action-RPG experience that seamlessly blends button-mashing combat with tactical team management. Players control a squad of four mutants at a time, selecting from an ever-expanding roster that peaks at 15 iconic X-Men characters. The dynamic switching system allows you to rotate team members on the fly, ensuring you can exploit character synergies—sending in Colossus to soak damage while Storm unleashes a devastating lightning storm, or positioning Nightcrawler behind enemy lines for surprise attacks.

The leveling and upgrade mechanics are intuitive yet deep. As your mutants earn experience points, you unlock new powers and passive abilities, tailoring each character to your preferred playstyle. Whether you focus on maximizing Wolverine’s regenerative capabilities or boosting Jean Grey’s telekinetic prowess, the progression system offers enough variety to keep experimentation fresh. Equipment drops and purchasable gear further enhance customization, letting you tweak attributes like defense, energy regeneration, and critical-hit chance.

One of the standout features is the seamless drop-in/drop-out multiplayer mode. Up to four players can join forces locally, coordinating their mutant powers to tackle tougher foes and take down hulking Sentinels or heavily armed anti-mutant squads. Cooperative play elevates the experience, as friends can combine ultimate attacks for spectacular team moves, and strategize in real time to control the battlefield.

The mission design strikes a good balance between linear objectives and optional side challenges. From infiltrating a Sentinel base on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to racing against the clock to stop a meltdown at a power plant, each level introduces fresh hazards, environmental puzzles, and waves of enemies. While boss battles can sometimes feel repetitive, they force you to rethink your tactics and make the most of each mutant’s unique toolkit.

Graphics

For a title released in the early 2000s, X-Men: Legends showcases surprisingly detailed character models and vibrant environments. The mutants are instantly recognizable—complete with signature costumes, dynamic hair movement, and fluid animations for their trademark powers. Watching Gambit hurl explosive cards or Rogue absorb an enemy’s strength is a real treat thanks to the well-crafted visual effects.

Environments range from gritty New York back alleys to high-tech Brotherhood strongholds, each boasting distinctive color palettes and atmospheric lighting. The lava-filled caverns that newly recruited teen mutant Alison Crestmere must traverse early in the story are particularly memorable, with molten rivers casting an eerie red glow that accentuates her emerging powers.

While texture resolution can appear dated by modern standards, the art direction does a fantastic job of evoking the Marvel Universe. Level layouts are well-designed, guiding players through industrial complexes, hidden labs, and rooftop skirmishes without feeling repetitive. The occasional pop-in of distant objects is forgivable, as long loading times keep the action moving at a steady clip.

The HUD is minimalistic yet functional, displaying character portraits, health bars, and energy meters without obscuring the action. Cutscenes are presented through in-engine animations and voiceover dialogue, adding to the immersion and giving the game a cinematic flair that outshines many of its contemporaries.

Story

At the heart of X-Men: Legends lies the personal journey of Alison Crestmere, a teenager whose newly manifested lava-based powers draw unwanted attention from both anti-mutant militias and the sinister Brotherhood. When she’s pursued through the neon-lit streets of New York City, her raw abilities threaten to spiral out of control—until the X-Men intervene and whisk her away to Professor Xavier’s School for the Gifted.

The overarching narrative weaves Alison’s character arc into the broader conflict between mutants and humankind. Between missions, the game’s dialogue scenes flesh out relationships within the team: camaraderie builds between Alison and teammates like Wolverine and Storm, while ideological rifts emerge when facing Brotherhood members who question Xavier’s dream of peaceful coexistence. These moments lend emotional weight to battles that might otherwise feel like standard hack-and-slash fare.

The conflict escalates in intensity as you progress, culminating in high-stakes encounters on massive set pieces—most notably a dramatic showdown aboard a commandeered aircraft carrier and a race against time to prevent a nuclear power plant meltdown. Each chapter pushes Alison—and the team—to confront their prejudices and fears, delivering a satisfying blend of superhero spectacle and character-driven drama.

Although seasoned fans of the X-Men comics may spot familiar names and plot beats, the game carves its own niche by centering on Alison’s evolution from frightened fugitive to confident heroine. The story manages to juggle multiple protagonists without losing focus, ensuring that the personal stakes remain just as compelling as the grand-scale mutant wars.

Overall Experience

X-Men: Legends stands the test of time as one of the best superhero RPGs ever made. Its blend of tight combat, deep customization, and cooperative gameplay delivers countless hours of entertainment. Whether you’re a solo player looking to fine-tune your mutant squad or teaming up with friends for over-the-top battles, the game caters to a wide range of playstyles.

The narrative depth and character interactions elevate X-Men: Legends above typical action games. Watching Alison master her lava abilities alongside fan-favorite X-Men members creates an emotional connection that fuels your motivation to push through tougher missions. The pacing is well-managed, with story beats interspersed between missions so that the action never feels repetitive or aimless.

On the technical side, the game runs smoothly on compatible platforms, with only occasional framerate dips during massive on-screen confrontations. The soundtrack complements the action with an energetic score, and the voice acting captures each mutant’s personality—be it the gravelly determination of Wolverine or the regal confidence of Storm.

For fans of Marvel, action-RPGs, or cooperative couch play, X-Men: Legends remains a must-have title. Its engaging gameplay loop, memorable story, and faithful representation of the X-Men universe ensure that it still resonates with players years after its initial release. Whether you’re a longtime X-fan or looking for a compelling RPG experience, this game is well worth the plunge into the world of mutant heroics.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10