Marvel Super Hero Squad attracted me to it, not because it included Marvel characters, but because of (as explained in a past editorial) it’s cutsey characters. It’s unclear if these characters are child versions of popular Marvel characters, or simply Marvel characters that have been chibi-fied. Either way, they’re very charming.

Aww, who's my adorable little maniacal mastermind?

On it’s surface, Super Hero Squad is a classic style beat-em-up; the story mode has you take the reigns of characters like Wolverine, Magneto, and Iron Man. The story mode isn’t very long, but every level has three different difficulty settings, offering a fair amount of replay value (not that you’re going to want to go back and play the levels again). The missions are tepid at best, such as: break these computers, or beat up these bad guys. Luckily, this isn’t the only thing the game offers. Once you delve a little deeper (the games “Battle” mode), you discover a fighting game reminiscent of Super Smash Bros.

Every character has two different kinds of attacks, a quick weak melee attack, and a stronger special that is different depending on direction, and can be charged up. Sound familiar? Unlike other smash clones, this game doesn’t try to mask the game it’s ripping off. And trust me (for anyone who was unfortunate enough to play TMNT: Smash Up), it’s better to basically use every element of Smash Bros, minus the first party Nintendo characters.

Just say no

Does it work? Not exactly. Yes, it’s much easier to play than TMNT: Smash Up, but unfortunately, it still can’t hold a candle to Smash Bros. Battling is overly simple, and not as rigid and fine-tuned as other party brawlers. The cutsey graphics are charming, but it quickly wears off. I haven’t seen this much pixilation since Windows 95. It’s not terrible by any account, but it’s by no means the answer to every DS owners prayers: Give us a Smash Bros. for DS! Or at the very least, a localized version of Jump! Ultimate Stars.

The Awesome

-Charming, as fading as it may be

-Roster has very many Marvel favorites, heroes and villains

-Easy to pick up and play

-Isn’t TMNT: Smash Up

The Not So Awesome

-Charm wears off quickly

-Many Marvel favs absent

-Battle system “Meh” in every essence of the word

Verdict

While not a horrible game, Marvel Super Hero Squad is a good enough game to be considered amazing if you’re a fan of the Marvel Super Hero Squad series. If you’re older than 12, the games few charms will wear off very quickly. If you’re a Marvel fan who needs to get your fix, I would perhaps go to other beat-em-ups like Ultimate Alliance.

Score: 6.5/10