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It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s SUPERMAN! Yes folks, Superman has finally been recreated very well in videogame form. Superman: Shadow of Apokolips for the PS2 gives fans of the blue tight, red cape wearing alien from Krypton exactly what they are looking for. That is if you are a fan of the animated series. Everything you wanted to do as Superman can and will be done in this fine adaptation to the wonderful animated series. Everything from X-ray vision, super breath, act of flight, laser beam vision, and even posing as the mild mannered Clark Kent are done exceptionally well. The Man of Steel is back and not only saving the planet, but the videogame franchise as well. Graphically the game is cel-shaded goodness. What a better way to recreate the animated series than to make the game look…well…animated. The city, while lacks subtle detail, simulates the atmosphere of the afternoon cartoon. Superman, as well as the vast cast of characters and villains, look remarkable and are noticeable right off the bat. The game even treats you to over 40 minutes of animated cut scenes to help the story flow along like a weekly episode. What’s more the look of Metropolis’ environments is unique and vary from level to level. The special effects, explosions and campy combat maneuvers are straight from the show. A few camera quirks aside, the game looks fantastic.
The game also supports some fantastic audio. A nicely orchestrated score brings the game to life and will get your heart pumping in those action packed moments of the game. Throw in some great voice-overs from the actual voice actors from the series, and the game not only looks like the show, but sounds like it too. Average action sounds, repeated “thank you” remarks from pedestrians are noticeable to the critical reviewer, but the game does a fine job of mimicking the animated series well. Game play is also very strong, and even holds your hand in the early levels. Starting out the game you are shown the many moves and special powers you can use as Superman. A crisis unfolds that is specially situated for a certain power; it is your job to use this power as suggested to save the day. Once you get into the game a little deeper, it is your job to know these powers, as you are on your own. The controls are tight, but take a few trips around the city before they become second nature. The camera gets in the way, but not as often as most action titles. Superman also utilizes most of the buttons well on the PS2 controller, giving the player full control on the fly.(So to speak.) Shadows of Apokolips is a fun trip while it lasts, but unfortunately that isn’t all that long. The game spans over 14 missions, each unique, but a bit on the short side. You should get through this one in around 10 hours or so. Thankfully you can relive your favorite levels in a time attack mode. Otherwise, this is the only thing that hurts the title. It’s not quite Kryptonite, but the lack of real replay value (besides Superman nuts like me) will pack quite a blow. After such a poor showing over the last decade, it’s nice to see someone who had the foresight to make a brilliant Superman title. It’s not for every gamer, but it is for every Superman fan. If you were worried after the N64 version, fear not…this is a job for the REAL Superman!
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