PALGN: How big is the playable world? Will there be some kind of transportation system to reach other areas or will it be one seamless environment?
Matthew Paul: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a huge game and you can go back and forth between areas at any time, either to hunt for items you might have missed the first time around or to level up your characters in a safer environment. In the Marvel universe, they have reliable teleportation facilities, so there are a number of Shield Access points to teleport between areas. In addition, there is a portal system to return to safe havens at any time if the battle becomes too intense. However, you can only use the portals once before having to wait for them to recharge.
PALGN: How does multiple character combat work? How many characters can be controlled at one time?
MP: In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance the player puts together a team of four Super Heroes, and all four are on-screen at the same time. In single-player mode the player will control any of the four characters they want, and can switch between which character they use at any time with the flick of a button, while the AI controls the other three characters. In multiplayer, you and your friends control all four Super Heroes at the same time…no AI needed. Also, if you play a Comic Book Mission in MP mode, since the comic missions are character specific, player 1 will control the Super Hero while the other players get to control the bad guys…it’s pretty cool! Either way, whether you play in SP or MP mode, the team aspect of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is really important so you really have to work together and keep a close eye on the other Super Heroes.
PALGN: Will game progression vary depending on which missions you choose and which characters you select for your team?
MP: There are some missions in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance that are absolutely required for story progression, but there are also tons of optional side missions. Also, the story will change depending on which hero you have in your party. For example, if Elektra meets Bullseye in a mission, it will play out differently than if somebody else on your team were to meet Bullseye. And, like I mentioned above we have special missions in the game called Comic Book Missions, which are missions based solely around a particular Super Hero – these are also optional.
No naked hot-tubbing, so Spidey's leaving.
PALGN: Are there some abilities that every character will share?
MP: Special Powers are completely unique to every hero, and that’s what separates Marvel: Ultimate Alliance from the rest. Spider-Man web-swings and nobody else can do that. Wolverine is the only guy who slashes with claws. Captain America is the only guy who can throw and control a shield. Even more basic moves like the grab attacks are unique. For example, the grab attack for Ghost Rider throws bad guys up in the air and then he yanks them back down to the ground with his chain, while the grab attack for Dr. Strange picks bad guys up in the air, spins them upside down, and then spins them around and around through the level like a top.
PALGN: Does every character possess individual combat actions?
MP: We wanted to add a ton of depth to the melee combat in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, so all of the Super Heroes can wrestle, grapple, block, dodge, throw enemies over the side of buildings and much, much more. However, each Super Hero also has combo moves that are totally unique too.
PALGN: As an Action RPG, will characters unlocked later on in the game replace beginning characters? Meaning, will the early characters function more as a learning tool and later characters are more powerful, or can they be used effectively throughout the entire game?
MP: Every Super Hero is important throughout all of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. You can pick your four favorite Super Heroes at the beginning and play through the entire game and never switch if you want, or you can try out any and all combinations of the Super Heroes before the game is over. Plus, you get special buffs or bonuses if you use special teams, like all females, etc. Personally, I love the team of Ghost Rider, Wolverine, Elektra and Human Torch and I usually stick with those heroes because they’re so diverse. But different situations sometimes call for me to switch to other Super Heroes. The great thing about Marvel Ultimate Alliance is that we’ve got so many characters, including the obvious fan favorites like Spider-Man and Wolverine. Some of the more obscure Super Heroes that have yet to be revealed, but the hardcore comic fans will be sure to love them.
"Hey, this isn't the YMCA..."
PALGN: Is there some kind of indication as to what extent of the PS3 and 360’s graphical power will be used?
MP: For Marvel: Ultimate Alliance on the PS3 and Xbox 360 we’ve gone above and beyond adding mind-blowing graphics and effects. Keep in mind, that’s not to say the other platforms aren’t just as kick-ass in their own right, but the next-gen hardware opens up a few new doors for us that we couldn’t do before. At first glance of the next-gen versions you’ll simply just say, “Wow,” because it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. But I have to say that only by watching the game really carefully do you see all the details. There is just so much going on. We have dynamics lights with multiple shadows that also self-shadow. We have so much detail in the walls, floors and environment that it brings everything to life. And the effects are stunning! Check out ripples of distortion when the Thing smashes someone or the brilliant blaze of light and heat bloom effects from the Human Torch.
PALGN: Do the differences between the Wii and PS3/360 versions extend beyond the control scheme and graphical power?
MP: Well, first, the controls for the Wii for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance are excellent. They really put you into the shoes of being a Super Hero. And, as I mentioned above, the graphics for the next-gen are incredible. Either feature would be worth the price of admission, but you say you want more? Well, in addition to the graphics on the PS3 and Xbox 360 and the controls of the Wii, we have added additional content that shows off the systems – more characters and different game play to take advantage of the controls. There…now look what you’ve gone and made me do. I’ve said too much already.
PALGN: Will the game feature online play for all formats?
MP: Just about. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance features online play on the following platforms PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, Xbox, PSP and PC.
PALGN: Does the storyline revolve around only a select few main characters, or will every character available have an equally big narrative role to play?
MP: Every character in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance will have their moment in the story. Thank god we had C.B. Cebulski from Marvel to help us make sure it all flowed properly and was true to the Marvel universe. It wasn’t easy with over 40 hours of game play, but we found ways to fit every character in. However, one thing is for certain, Dr. Doom will always be the center of all the trouble. Would anybody else in the Marvel universe have made sense?
PALGN: Nope.
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PALGN would like to thank Matthew Paul, producer of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance at Activison.
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