X-Men Legends - Xbox

Rather than being a simplistic fighting game, X-Men: Legends is actually an action role-playing game cum real-time strategy. The game is viewed from an overhead perspective and you get to take control of a team of four X-Men, chosen from a wider range of the comics best and brightest. You can only control one character at a time though, with the others following along behind and reacting to danger semi-autonomously.

You always have full control of the mood and tactics of all your team members though, being able to set them as passive or aggressive as well as choosing their formation and position in the team. Each level also features multiple "extraction points" so you can quickly swap new team members into your group and generally you're given as much control over strategy and tactics as you could wish.

It's always nice to see a company trying something a bit different with a license and, although both graphics and gameplay do occasionally appear a little simplistic, X-Men and RPG fans alike should find plenty to enjoy here. -- David Jenkins