Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Review: Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters (X-Box 360)

Another summer, another superhero film and yet another disappointing video game tie-in. At least, that’s how these things usually go. This time, however, Warner Brothers Games and Double Helix’s Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters gets it (mostly) right. The storyline has the Manhunters (the Guardian’s original space police) collecting the yellow light of “Fear” and the violet light of “Love” in order to harness their power and destroy the Green Lantern Corps.

The game can be played alone or with a friend. You play through the game as Hal Jordan (with the voice and likeness of Ryan Reynolds), The Green Lantern of Sector 2814. If you play co-op, player two gets to control Sinestro. Unfortunately you don’t get to choose between characters if you’re flying solo.

When it comes to gameplay, it’s definitely fun but nothing that I’d define as $59.99 spectacular. It is the best movie tie-in that I’ve played, but some may argue that’s not saying much. Leveling up in the game is achieved by battling and destroying Manhunters. Points are collected which are then used to purchase new constructs for your ring (gatling gun, rocket launcher and even a Mech suit). It is definitely fun upgrading your constructs and wreaking havoc on the Manhunters.

One of the biggest disappointments of the game is the fact that you can't fly at will. Being a Green Lantern game I find this inexcusable. What a missed opportunity to be able to hurl yourself at your enemies and deliver a crushing combo with your ring.

If you were ever into the hack and slash genre or games like 2-player games like Double Dragon or Ninja Turtles then “Rise of the Manhunters” is for you. If you aren't a fan of the beat ‘em up genre, I suggest you rent this puppy instead of shelling out your hard earned $$$. The game is relatively short and can probably be finished in a day for most gamers. There’s really not much replay value unless you love smashing heads (personally, I do) or you have a second player to go through the game with you.

1 comment:

  1. this looks for a game. thanks for the review. i'll try searching for some of this.

    Sig: Andrew | support hose

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