A Flawed but Satisfying Sequel | Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Retrospective Review

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  • Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
  • After completing the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 Retrospective, I was eager to continue on with its sequel; Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2! In this retrospective, I go over some of the history behind it's development, discuss its differences from the first game (both good and bad), and how I think it fared overall. The Marvel Ultimate Alliance series is one of my all-time favorite franchises and we have a lot to discuss for this second game, so I hope you'll join me in revisiting Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2.
    Always Nerdy is a RUclips channel dedicated to all things nerdy and Marvel, with a focus on Marvel Gaming properties such as Marvel's Avengers and the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series.
    Discord:
    / discord
    MUA1 Retrospective:
    • Marvel Ultimate Allian...

Комментарии • 1,2 тыс.

  • @themegatonmenace1224
    @themegatonmenace1224 3 года назад +2632

    Seeing Carnage standing with the heroes during the speech made me laugh.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +363

      I enjoyed that a lot too lol

    • @tyronjasonhuff
      @tyronjasonhuff 3 года назад +44

      Same fam...good times

    • @UnlimitedProduction1
      @UnlimitedProduction1 3 года назад +193

      Lol right one of Marvel's biggest murderers

    • @vwin9112
      @vwin9112 3 года назад +24

      oh the cheesy irony later on.

    • @Zenslayer666
      @Zenslayer666 3 года назад +175

      "Dont mind me, im just plotting how im gonna dismember each of you as painful and bloody as possible... Cheers!"

  • @Ivan-xk4uy
    @Ivan-xk4uy 3 года назад +1742

    I will 8/10 go for anti-registration, it’s more than just the characters you get, but I personally believe in cap’s side.

    • @Nanocide_9
      @Nanocide_9 3 года назад +65

      same

    • @usayeed727
      @usayeed727 3 года назад +47

      100%

    • @eliefosso7215
      @eliefosso7215 3 года назад +19

      Preach

    • @CasehBaltehmoe
      @CasehBaltehmoe 3 года назад +130

      I mean Iron Man becomes a govt cop & hero fascist so it’s kind of one sided

    • @Seasonal-Shadow_4674
      @Seasonal-Shadow_4674 3 года назад +10

      I never got to beat the game last-Gen though knew all what happened, hopefully it’s not too late to go back and play it and beat it still

  • @robbayern529
    @robbayern529 3 года назад +576

    It always bothered me that Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic basically turn the Villians into a slave army and no one has a problem with it.

    • @phabiorules
      @phabiorules 3 года назад +128

      I guess the writer did that because he thought no one would side with cap, so it was his way of trying to make it more morally gray. The problem was that a lot of people understood cap's perspective, so it just made iron man the bad guys.

    • @keelanbarron928
      @keelanbarron928 3 года назад +67

      @@phabiorules wait, why would they think that no one would side with cap?

    • @mr.frenzy7304
      @mr.frenzy7304 3 года назад +31

      @@keelanbarron928 because he's boring

    • @KaiKrimson56
      @KaiKrimson56 2 года назад +22

      @@keelanbarron928 Iron Man has a robot suit. That makes him more interesting to me then Cap.

    • @julianx2rl
      @julianx2rl 2 года назад +7

      To be fair, imagine if someone killed a relative of yours.
      Would you feel any sympathy towards that person if they were turned into a puppet?
      Personally I'd like that person to be dead period, but killing their minds its the next best thing, at least their bodies can be useful.

  • @BaithNa
    @BaithNa 3 года назад +1308

    I was playing this game over the weekend and thought to myself "its pretty dumb that the game built around mixing and matching characters would be bogged down by a civil war that splits the roster in half"

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +394

      Do you think you would have preferred the Galactus storyline set up by the previous game instead?

    • @BaithNa
      @BaithNa 3 года назад +319

      @@alwaysnerdyretros Probably.
      I agree with your points about Nano Nick fury too.
      He's a very rushed and forced villain and He's a horrible secret unlockable because that means we can never play with the regular Fury

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +216

      @@BaithNa Ok I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way! It’s especially upsetting when you see normal Nick Fury as an AI teammate during the beginning of the game 😢

    • @qman2061
      @qman2061 3 года назад +22

      @@alwaysnerdyretros Yup. I feel with a bit more time the game could have loads of more content

    • @titaniumcranium3755
      @titaniumcranium3755 3 года назад +36

      @@qman2061 agreed. The first game everyone had 4 costumes (except moonknight who had 3) that weren't pallet swaps

  • @jordanscott4543
    @jordanscott4543 3 года назад +449

    I really appreciated how bosses had animations when you punched rather than just being static whenever you hit them like in the first one.

  • @xavierbrown5189
    @xavierbrown5189 3 года назад +225

    One thing UA2 took away that was in UA1 are those comic book side missions. I really enjoyed having to go through those missions with your solo hero

    • @idkwhattoputhere-4007
      @idkwhattoputhere-4007 3 года назад +4

      I didn’t played UA1 but I think the game is called Ultimate *alliance* for something the point of the game was to played with friends or in my case I played with my brother so it wouldn’t make sense to have some solo missions

    • @nathanduncan672
      @nathanduncan672 2 года назад +21

      @@idkwhattoputhere-4007 Some people would play solo with one hero for the challenge

    • @sinanaldulaymi4103
      @sinanaldulaymi4103 2 года назад +16

      @@idkwhattoputhere-4007 Well if you had played UA1, you would've known that even if you were playing the solo missions, they had multiplayer support. One player played the hero while the other played the enemies and it was honestly sometimes more fun to try out being the enemies and experiencing how they play

  • @Ellie-dj3kr
    @Ellie-dj3kr 3 года назад +422

    Reed was SUCH a disappointment to me in this story arc. His whole reasoning to side with the SRA in order to protect Susan was just so... drastic. I love that they gave Susan a voice line to say against Reed when you choose anti-reg cause she was very very disappointed in him after he sided with the bill. But I love these! 10/10 Nerdy :D

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +50

      Thank you! I liked that she had different perspectives on reed depending on the side you chose too. I may have only got recordings of her on the pro reg side with Reed, but I prefer their conflict on opposite sides

    • @M64bros
      @M64bros 2 года назад +10

      @@alwaysnerdyretros I agree with you. This video you put together was very magnificent. I remember playing the first ultimate alliance game back when I was in middle school at a youth center and it was very fun. I loved your video as well It was very nostalgic to me. 👍

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  2 года назад +9

      @@M64bros thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment :)

    • @M64bros
      @M64bros 2 года назад +2

      @@alwaysnerdyretros My pleasure

    • @osirisatot19
      @osirisatot19 6 месяцев назад +5

      I always thought this was funny in this game and in the comics, its like Sue finally realized what a dick Reed can be; of course him and Hank Pym would take Tony's side.

  • @someonewhocommentsonyoutub3779
    @someonewhocommentsonyoutub3779 3 года назад +317

    I've thought about this a lot over the years, but I think the big reason this game didn't resonate with players as much as the first comes down to one thing: Players feeling like they're less free to choose. In the first game you felt so free to play the game how you wanted. A big roster that equally shows off the different corners of the Marvel Universe (at the time) to the point where when replaying the game years later, I had such a hard time choosing who to play as at any given moment because the entire roster was so solid. We had way more costumes to choose from, with said costumes offering stat bonuses unique to that costume. We had dozens of different abilities per character to mix and match to our hearts' content, and unique gear items to further enhance the stats of our choosing.
    But what do we get for the sequel? A slightly smaller roster that yeah admittedly covers the main bases as far as Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four but no interesting wild cards like Blade or Moon Knight, which mainly stems from them building the roster to fit the story instead of the other way around. We only get one alternate costume per character, with no unique bonuses, we're stuck with the same four abilities for each character instead of being able to build them the way we see fit.
    Whether the dev team intended it to come off this way or not, the game sends the message that we have to play it the way *they* want us to play it, not how we want to play.

    • @mr.iiconic
      @mr.iiconic 3 года назад +36

      Plus a lot of the characters were locked for the majority because of the civil war thing. Though I will disagree on saying that this game doesn't have any wild cards. I was pleasantly surprised to see underrated comic characters like penance or songbird, especially songbird because she is so awesome, featured.

    • @YouTubePredalien
      @YouTubePredalien 2 года назад +6

      The funny thing is I also had the PS2 version of this game at one point as well as for the PS3, and it actually had Blade in it. That was the very first time I even saw him. I believe it also had Psylocke as a freebie in there too. 👍

    • @Yungbratha
      @Yungbratha 2 года назад +8

      @@RUclipsPredalien Blade was in UA1 as well. It was so many characters that you could find or rescue that would join the roster. I had my all black team for a while on UA1. Storm, Luke Cage, Blade, and either Black Panther or the Black Nick Fury(which was a costume option awesomely!) You just didn’t have much to explore and find and look for in the 2nd one.

    • @YouTubePredalien
      @YouTubePredalien 2 года назад +3

      @@Yungbratha Interesting. 👌

    • @diegotm4365
      @diegotm4365 2 года назад +1

      Agreed

  • @lordpaps2270
    @lordpaps2270 3 года назад +166

    Seeing Wolverine slaughtering folks next to Cap and Peter in those cutscenes is the funniest thing😂

  • @Montesama314
    @Montesama314 3 года назад +151

    I love how the insane serial killer Carnage is standing quietly on stage instead of slaughtering and devouring everyone in sight.

  • @TkPhoenix17
    @TkPhoenix17 3 года назад +117

    I remember the devs of this game saying they only did 1 additional costume for budget reasons. They said they could do multiple low-quality skins or 1 high-quality skin.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +37

      Oh really? I hadn’t seen that. It would definitely make sense though. I guess I would prefer the 1 high quality skin over multiple poor ones too

    • @qman2061
      @qman2061 3 года назад +9

      @@alwaysnerdyretros Maybe if they had more time we could have both

  • @teddyj9482
    @teddyj9482 3 года назад +238

    I’m 100% anti-registration. My biggest issue concerning the registration isn’t the act itself but the attitudes of the civilians responsible for it. While, yes, the New Warriors were careless and irresponsible, it was the villains who made the decision that killed thousands of lives. Blaming the heroes for the actions of the villains, for me, turns the issue from a “freedom vs security” viewpoint to a “freedom vs convenience” one.

    • @mr.iiconic
      @mr.iiconic 3 года назад +38

      I'm anti reg as well, but the fault does also rest of the New Warriors even if it's mostly on Nitro. The idea of registration is that the new warriors and heroes on their level shouldn't legally be able to take on threats like Nitro who can kill on such a large scale, which i get even if I'm against registration

    • @darknessknows1235
      @darknessknows1235 2 года назад +19

      tbh if not for the criminal acts of the Reg side I'd probably be with them, looking at it from a civilian side. But tbf, it's not exactly unheard of for normal people to blame "authority" police figures just doing their job, even if a lot of it in irl generally is their fault.

    • @teddyj9482
      @teddyj9482 2 года назад +8

      @@darknessknows1235 you’re right, and that’s makes it even more frustrating.

    • @amadeusagripino6862
      @amadeusagripino6862 Год назад +2

      I'm 100% anti registration because I'm always 100% against government. If there's government, I'm against.

    • @StrifeSoul990
      @StrifeSoul990 Год назад +12

      I agree with Strange honestly. Both sides are right and wrong. There needs to be accountability. But also super heros are heros. They save people and the world and deserve a bit of trust. There isn't a correct side. Cap sees this in the end too when he surrenders after seeing how lost him and Tony become.

  • @icarusgaming6269
    @icarusgaming6269 3 года назад +95

    Imagine being controlled by the symbiote and the nanites fighting for dominance

    • @kahendimurphy6236
      @kahendimurphy6236 3 года назад +5

      Like how😂😂😂😂?

    • @mikeval1525
      @mikeval1525 7 месяцев назад +6

      Simple, they made nanites for the symbiotic as well. Drugs that weaken a symbiote‘s will exist in the marvel universe.

  • @Insanity1121
    @Insanity1121 3 года назад +151

    I actually read in a Game Informer interview with the developers that the reason for the lack of costumes in 2 is primarily due to the graphics. Since 2 was primarily developed for the HD 360 and PS3, each individual model for characters cost more time and money. I think lack of budget from Activision might've also compounded into the more lackluster cutscenes. Loved the review btw.

    • @cerromeceo
      @cerromeceo 2 года назад +1

      Or just laziness

    • @aryan7767
      @aryan7767 2 года назад +33

      @@cerromeceo dude game devs are anything but lazy. theyre exploited like crazy, working overtime. they gotta prioritize

    • @cerromeceo
      @cerromeceo 2 года назад +1

      @@aryan7767 naw they just lazy

    • @WowSuchGaming2009
      @WowSuchGaming2009 2 года назад

      @@cerromeceo agree they was just lazy

    • @WowSuchGaming2009
      @WowSuchGaming2009 2 года назад

      @@aryan7767 still not a excuse

  • @darrellgardner4561
    @darrellgardner4561 3 года назад +130

    If I remember right, about the costumes, the developer basically said "instead of getting 4 generic alternate costumes, you get one really high quality one" or something along those lines. Basically 4 "low effort" costumes or 1 high quality. Personally I don't remember UA1 costumes being bad, and they were more than color swaps for the most part. UA2 costumes are ok, just not terribly exciting. Also, the gear system probably would have worked better if medals buff the team, while still having gear for individual characters.

    • @devonogrady4515
      @devonogrady4515 3 года назад +26

      The costumes in MUA1 were a lot less detailed because of the graphical limitations, so I'm assuming that's what they meant by "low quality"

  • @edwardpat4252
    @edwardpat4252 3 года назад +199

    No One:
    Stan Lee:.....
    “You Hero’s are okay in my book...”

  • @destronlaserwave9566
    @destronlaserwave9566 3 года назад +831

    Fun fact, apparently as an April Fools joke, Aunt May was announced as a character for the game.
    This game is my childhood. While I will admit it is very flawed, the 1st game and its sequel got me into Marvel. Hell without it I probably wouldn't know who Deadpool or Penance was.
    Edit: also I love Venom and Deadpool's voice in this game.

    • @dr.calibrations7984
      @dr.calibrations7984 3 года назад +52

      Aunt May and her rolling pin of JUSTICE is beyond Galactus.

    • @jasong6367
      @jasong6367 3 года назад +13

      Venom just sounds really funny when he dies

    • @jakobthedragonboy
      @jakobthedragonboy 3 года назад +14

      wanna hear something cool: Deadpools Voice Actor in this is actually someone pretty Low-Key famous, John Kassir AKA the F--k Mothering *CRYPT KEEPER* from tales from the crypt as well as The Atom in the 90's JLA pilot.

    • @denistuohy2535
      @denistuohy2535 3 года назад +17

      Yeah Marvel Ultimate Alliance is by far the biggest reason for Deadpool becoming popular and put into the mainstream

    • @Shakiahjprod
      @Shakiahjprod 3 года назад +3

      @@denistuohy2535 Which is crazy, that's how I found out about him and so did my little brothers 😂

  • @BlackPrince24
    @BlackPrince24 2 года назад +29

    31:27 Seeing Carnage there while Tony makes his speech is hilarious knowing what Carnage is xD

  • @Ragnar_5522
    @Ragnar_5522 3 года назад +35

    11:21 Man... I sure do miss Stan Lee. A TRUE KING OF CAMEOS. Excelsior!

  • @roryscott2941
    @roryscott2941 3 года назад +29

    One thing I liked about about MUA 1 that I don't think happened in the sequel (it's been years so forgive me if I'm wrong) was the little side missions and choices that had huge impacts on the universe. If you don't save a computer the Legacy Virus runs rampant, save Senator Kelly and he has a change of heart on mutants. It didn't effect the gameplay but I remember feeling guilty when I missed a few

  • @Theendman42
    @Theendman42 3 года назад +34

    If Raven Software made Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, it would have been amazing. I love the first one for the original story, and I LOVED X-Men Origins Wolverine the video game. I played that so many times and the combat was extremely awesome, as well as Wolverine's healing factor and his shirt getting dynamically damaged through gameplay.

  • @selinarose6922
    @selinarose6922 3 года назад +268

    I love this game so much(I hope MUA4 goes back to a similar form of storytelling with all the unique dialogue and such)

    • @fertilebeef802
      @fertilebeef802 3 года назад +62

      MUA4 should be multi-platform, especially PC.

    • @Seasonal-Shadow_4674
      @Seasonal-Shadow_4674 3 года назад +15

      @@fertilebeef802 aight we riot if that doesn’t happen

    • @fertilebeef802
      @fertilebeef802 3 года назад +8

      @@Seasonal-Shadow_4674 I’ll supply the torches.

    • @Seasonal-Shadow_4674
      @Seasonal-Shadow_4674 3 года назад +4

      @@fertilebeef802 I actually never got to beat the MUA’s on last Gen and kept forgetting to get around to them. Hopefully it ain’t too late to go back and play in future

    • @adrianblissett375
      @adrianblissett375 3 года назад +4

      And camera angles.

  • @Ivan-xk4uy
    @Ivan-xk4uy 3 года назад +90

    I love this game, especially the art style and civil war aspect

    • @Popcornnugget
      @Popcornnugget 3 года назад +5

      Yea that’s why this game is unique it has that rough and Batman kinda art style

  • @CoolPotatoe
    @CoolPotatoe 3 года назад +76

    I really thought Galactus was going to bring the heroes together after the Civil War section. Instead we got nanites....

    • @amadeusagripino6862
      @amadeusagripino6862 Год назад

      @@NeightrixPrime 100%. And what's worse, government evilness is bankrolled with money they steal from me and you.

    • @Redhead-pf8le
      @Redhead-pf8le 3 месяца назад +2

      If you talk to Thor at the beginning of the game, he says he beat Galactus offscreen

  • @TheFrickinRican
    @TheFrickinRican 3 года назад +105

    This is the kinda shit i watch at 3 am while eating shredded cheese by the handful. I love the hell out of the first two, but never saw or heard anything about the third, would you ever cover it?

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +18

      Yeah I’m working on a retrospective for it now actually. I have a lot of old videos on MUA3 too, but the retrospective will be the most recent

    • @TheFrickinRican
      @TheFrickinRican 3 года назад +5

      @@alwaysnerdyretros oh shit! Nice!

    • @brianlegrand9825
      @brianlegrand9825 3 года назад +4

      If you're thinking about getting a switch MUA3 is worth it. It goes back to the MUA1 style game play

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +2

      @Alexander Capanov yes definitely! I never got to play web of shadows so I’m anxious to try it out. I’d like to start getting into spider-man games sooner rather than later, but idk when exactly just yet

    • @jimink3047
      @jimink3047 3 года назад +1

      @@brianlegrand9825 I played it. I didn’t really care for it because it’s an old game feel with great graphics. I just wish the avengers game would have all the damn avengers or they make a marvel game. Where there are different stories and online gameplay like hero’s vs villians n shit and they could have a story on each team like X-men avengers fan 4 etc

  • @blue_ex3852
    @blue_ex3852 3 года назад +31

    I remember riding my bike all the way to Walmart to purchase this game and being so excited to play it. Good times

  • @addex1236
    @addex1236 3 года назад +25

    Theres something sweetly grandfather like to Stan Lee's Reasoning that's is just so sweet

  • @freedoggos6036
    @freedoggos6036 3 года назад +15

    I love how there's two separate cutscenes where lady Deathstrike gets absolutely CLOCKED

  • @IvanTheSaint
    @IvanTheSaint 3 года назад +89

    I remember I HATED Maria Hill when I was a kid because of this game 😂

    • @CaptainCretaceous91
      @CaptainCretaceous91 3 года назад +9

      Ditto

    • @jakeriese4862
      @jakeriese4862 2 года назад +5

      Me too. I'm glad mcu made her likeable

    • @FerLuna-br4cq
      @FerLuna-br4cq 8 месяцев назад

      ​Now she's dead lmao ​@@jakeriese4862

    • @DunDunDuuuuuum
      @DunDunDuuuuuum 7 месяцев назад

      I know those comment old but when the movie adaptation was released I was expecting Maria Hill to have a bigger role and basically become like this character but im happy that didn’t happen

    • @DunDunDuuuuuum
      @DunDunDuuuuuum 7 месяцев назад

      I know those comment old but when the movie adaptation was released I was expecting Maria Hill to have a bigger role and basically become like this character but im happy that didn’t happen

  • @aftertheworld451
    @aftertheworld451 3 года назад +12

    That Stan Lee quote hit me so fucking hard. Being a real superhero means never turning bad. God rest that man's soul.

  • @Bobbybillybillbob
    @Bobbybillybillbob 3 года назад +79

    For suck a shitty movie, it surprises me just how good Origins Wolverine the game was! Between the battle damaged clothes, growing battle damage in Logan and overall 8mproved story for the film!

  • @TheAlexrider860
    @TheAlexrider860 3 года назад +33

    Man i wish the remasters were still available Ive wanted to replay this for years

    • @timothyoconnell7638
      @timothyoconnell7638 3 года назад +4

      Yeah :-/ I didn’t even know they did a remaster

    • @mr.iiconic
      @mr.iiconic 3 года назад +2

      @02JR Swag Activision lost the publishing rights and cannot legally sell the game anymore.

    • @tylermatthew349
      @tylermatthew349 2 года назад +1

      Suck they won’t make this no more

  • @LuisRamos-ir5tq
    @LuisRamos-ir5tq 3 года назад +62

    You made me understand the story line so much more this game is really good I might replay it later

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +9

      Thank you and you definitely should! The gameplay is still really enjoyable

    • @parrishharris3008
      @parrishharris3008 3 года назад +1

      Me to 😍

    • @jakeriese4862
      @jakeriese4862 2 года назад

      @@alwaysnerdyretros is Namirita who attacked Nitro the same one as who helps Namor in Alantis

  • @fertilebeef802
    @fertilebeef802 3 года назад +102

    It’s unfortunate that this game’s remaster (as well as the first game’s remaster) were overpriced and then taken off the marketplaces. But I’m glad I grabbed them when I did. I remember playing both games a lot as a kid, and even to this day I still play these games often. The gameplay is nothing special, but it’s nostalgic and definitely can be immersive if you let it. Solid review for a solid game!

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +16

      Thank you! I remember feeling the same way when it released. Definitely felt overpriced for what they gave, but I’m glad I eventually fell to the temptation lol.

    • @troymack8205
      @troymack8205 3 года назад +8

      SAME!!! I was watching a youtuber do a play through review and once he mentioned a re-released upscaled mua1 and 2, within 10 seconds of the beginning I ran to the market place on xbox and bought them as I missed out the first time on the carnage dlc for mua2. Glad I did as they removed them again from the market place...so happy I capitalize on the opportunity!!

    • @2in1ziggi
      @2in1ziggi 3 года назад +1

      I was able to get the games a couple months ago

    • @troymack8205
      @troymack8205 3 года назад +2

      @@2in1ziggi Then you got yourself a good piece of marvel gaming. I prefer playing mua1 over mua2 but I'm having a blast with mua3 just the grind is real though.

    • @JordyElNino21
      @JordyElNino21 2 года назад +4

      wish I knew ab the opportunity 🥲 really have been wanting to play these games lately

  • @JohnRodriguez-ng4pj
    @JohnRodriguez-ng4pj 3 года назад +38

    I remember the graphics used to be "real life"

  • @jamall7003
    @jamall7003 3 года назад +13

    I loved Penance so much just cause i thought he was so out of place in the game but also because of his awesome abilities.

  • @FullThrottlePod
    @FullThrottlePod 3 года назад +43

    I didnt even realize this was a new upload. I've been watching so many of your videos I just assumed RUclips was recommending me more of your videos.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +6

      Hahaha 😂 Good timing! Thanks for checking it out btw

  • @cbake76
    @cbake76 3 года назад +90

    I've only had time to watch five minutes so far, but as someone whose name is in the credits, I look forward to checking out the rest! Loved how you showed the actual comic panels along with the onscreen actions. I actually wanted them to be more on the nose with the dialogue, but Vicarious Visions (rightly) pointed out that the changes they made were better for the purpose of actual spoken dialogue.
    I like your theory for why the FUSION was dropped. I can't say for sure not being at Activision, but I think they dropped it simply to simplify the title.
    I don't know when I'll have a chance to watch more, but I look forward to when I do.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +18

      Oh wow I wasn’t aware you had a hand in the game! I’d be very interested to hear more of your insights! I’m sure you’d be able to answer some of the “whys” to decisions that were made in the game.

    • @cbake76
      @cbake76 3 года назад +5

      I'm actually NOT sure I'll know the answers. 😀 But I'll let you know if I do (and so long as I'm not breaking an NDA).

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +5

      @@cbake76 oh yes definitely respect the NDA! Can I ask what your role was on the game?

    • @cbake76
      @cbake76 3 года назад +8

      @@alwaysnerdyretros Finally was able to watch the rest! Great work! Not a ton to relay, but these did occur to me:
      39:49: The part about Skrulls in the ticker was a direct nod to Secret Invasion, which was in the works during this game's development and is the "true" point of reconciliation in the comics. There was a brief push to get Vicarious Visions to do Secret Invasion instead of their nanite story, but it just wasn't practical for the production schedule.
      That reminds me: I didn't see it, but there's also a ticker nod to "the Galactus crisis" -- an indication that the tease at the end of MUA1 happened in between MUA1 and MUA2. (Totally forgot about the Thor line!) It wasn't "leaving the door open for a third game," though -- it was simply an acknowledgement that probably meant nothing unless you happened to beat and MUA1 and remember the stinger. Civil War was HOT at the time, and there was a lot of passion in adapting it. (In retrospect, it would have been cool if they had done Galactus instead of nanites, though...) For what it's worth, I don't recall ANY criticism about not being a Galactus story at the time.
      The reason there were fewer costumes was because the developers felt that having one costume that looks better than the three in MUA1 (which I agree they do -- sounds like you don't? 😀) was more important. It took more resources to create them.
      I look forward to seeing similar pieces on other games I may have worked on... 😀

    • @cbake76
      @cbake76 3 года назад +6

      Oh! Also worth noting... The Marvel Pinball table for Civil War is even more comics-accurate than MUA2, with lots of "talky" Cap/Iron Man scenes adapted word for word. Check it out sometime if you're up for it...

  • @jdredalert
    @jdredalert Год назад +3

    As someone that never played MUA2, it was a nice and funny surprise when Mr. President started taking and Metal Gear Solid's Roy Campbell voice came out of his mouth.

  • @GiantButterKnife
    @GiantButterKnife 3 года назад +40

    I'm digging this look back on these games. Even though it's not an old game, I think it would be interesting to see your take on Ultimate Alliance 3, just to round out the series. In the same vein, I'd love to see more content made about the X-Men Legends games. I played both of them so much when they came out.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +12

      Thank you for the suggestions! I’m actually working on mua3 now so that’ll be the next one up. Right now I’m thinking Marvel Nemesis will follow that and then maybe X-men Legends 1. I love the legends games too so I definitely plan on getting to them soon!

  • @ferghalicious1480
    @ferghalicious1480 5 месяцев назад +4

    31:31
    Iron Man: From now on, our alliance will be forged in trust, not in fear or force.
    Carnage: 🙂

  • @danieldlinton3773
    @danieldlinton3773 3 года назад +60

    ur vids makes me wanna start playing marvel games again. haha great job, hope ur having a blessed day.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +6

      Hahah you should! Have a blessed day yourself and thank you for commenting

  • @agiammarco94
    @agiammarco94 3 года назад +37

    My biggest issues with this game (other than the subpar story and cinematics) it's the fact that the game about the ultimate alliance is a game about that alliance spliiting up. Now that also deals with how I'm not a fan of the civil war story in general

  • @Kal-Grayskull
    @Kal-Grayskull 3 года назад +18

    I really loved playing this game, whilst 2006's Civil War isn't one of my favourite events I sure do enjoy playing Role-Playing games and having different characters on my team. Probably my favourite part was unlocking Norman Osborn's Thunderbolts.

  • @pjretherford8994
    @pjretherford8994 3 года назад +40

    After you beat the game and talk to stan lee using deadpool he'll ask why is there 2 of him there

  • @CruelPizza213
    @CruelPizza213 3 года назад +40

    I wouldn’t necessarily say that Cap’s ending is a what if scenario, the hero registration act was eventually repealed, it’s just that in game it’s a lot earlier.

  • @sins_of_paradise5575
    @sins_of_paradise5575 3 года назад +23

    I loved this game but my biggest problem was how short it was and the fact that I missed some of my main characters from the first game like doctor strange, ghost rider, moon knight and colossus

  • @darkhawk189
    @darkhawk189 2 года назад +19

    For anyone wondering about Galactus, Thor mentioned that he had prevented him from coming to Earth but didn't go into detail about how, only tells the player it's a story he will tell another time.

  • @therandomartist3201
    @therandomartist3201 3 года назад +41

    What I really love is:
    SPOILERS
    After defeating the final boss in new game plus you can play as him in his boss form and it feels grand to use.

  • @vzwalker
    @vzwalker 2 года назад +8

    Man... I'll forever love this game and ill never care what anyone says, not only did this game get me into videogames as my first videogame ever but also got me into marvel as a whole. I really wanna play it again soon because I haven't played it in years and I'm just so upset that I can't buy it for PS4 online atleast in my area. I played this game so much and completed it so many times I lost count and I discovered so many other things each time I played, I may have never played the first game or the third but this is the game that made me have the dreams and interests I have today and I'll forever love it with all my heart and Ill never ever in a million years forget it. ❤️

  • @themegatonmenace1224
    @themegatonmenace1224 3 года назад +41

    I like mua 2 less than the original. The 3 biggest reasons are having to unlock Hulk and Thor, the civil war being to short, and Nanite Nick Fury.

  • @andrewmendez2460
    @andrewmendez2460 3 года назад +64

    Goddamn it bothered me so much how Reed Richards gets away with causing this whole shit just cause he was part of the pro-registration side.

    • @rodanandme
      @rodanandme 3 года назад +11

      yeah i remember Reed being my least favorite character in this game, he really rubbed me the wrong way

    • @theitfactorjameswheezer2852
      @theitfactorjameswheezer2852 2 года назад +3

      @@rodanandme Maria hill sucked in this too

  • @davantebarbain3216
    @davantebarbain3216 3 года назад +7

    I think if anything they should've kept with the original ending to how civil war ended and basically set up a series of games like literally in marvel comics we went from the disassemble era,new avengers era,civil war era,registration era,secret war era ,dark reigns era, and the new age if heros era they literally could've made ultimate alliance one of the best superhero coop game series ever

    • @parrishharris3008
      @parrishharris3008 3 года назад +1

      Yessssssss they could've

    • @qman2061
      @qman2061 3 года назад

      @@parrishharris3008 But they didn't :(

  • @GothicXlightning
    @GothicXlightning 3 года назад +46

    i do have respect for all the MUA despite their endless flaws
    but Nothing, NOTHING can ever compare with X-MEN LEGENDS 1 and 2
    i play them almost every day still this date
    and yes it is such CRIME to humanity that Legends 3 haven't happened yet
    ACTIVISION showed they can do real great games back in those days

    • @mattvolonte9026
      @mattvolonte9026 3 года назад +1

      Agreed! Legends 1 has the better story-driven gameplay along with the feeling of beign a part of the X-Men. Legends 2 was super rushed but still has one of the best playable versions of Magneto and Juggernaut, along with the more replayability of the entire saga.
      MUA1 is really good too with lots of variety, different characters and the plot was interesting... But come on Marvel, get the mutants some love!
      It's ironic that in most versions of MUA it's impossible to make an "X-Men team" even when they were who started the franchise lol

    • @mattvolonte9026
      @mattvolonte9026 3 года назад +1

      @The King Channel It would be awesome! But I personally think the original creators should be involved (Raven Software), otherwise some of the quality is just not gonna be there.

    • @mr.iiconic
      @mr.iiconic 3 года назад +1

      To me it's XML2 > MUA > XML > MUA 2 > MUA 3

  • @jamessmith-hh9wz
    @jamessmith-hh9wz Месяц назад +1

    Best senator lieber scene is when the fact the player has Deadpool on the team he comments on the fact there’s two of them in the same room

  • @alexandreaparecido1343
    @alexandreaparecido1343 3 года назад +16

    I would love to see a Marvel Nemesis Retrospective Review, I used to play that game so much during my childhood

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +3

      I did the same! It definitely had some charming qualities. I think that’ll be the second retrospective I do after MUA3

    • @aaronvirdee5813
      @aaronvirdee5813 3 года назад +2

      Marvel Nemesis was one of my favourite PS2 games. The finishers were brutal...
      "RRRRRGHHHHARRRGH!!!! RARGH!!RARGH!! RARGH!! RRRAAAAARRRGH!!!!
      I tried to be nice"
      - Wolverine

    • @ruhsaanjones4750
      @ruhsaanjones4750 3 года назад +1

      " Now you see me..now you don't ".

    • @fertilebeef802
      @fertilebeef802 3 года назад +1

      The main theme of that game is forever ingrained into my mind because I played it so much.

  • @cs4215_
    @cs4215_ 3 года назад +5

    I played both mua 1 and 2 with my dad as a kid, and I loved them so much, they’re what got me into marvel as a whole, mua 1 solidified moon knight as my favorite marvel character ever. So when a third was announced I was beyond excited, and even with its flaws I still enjoyed playing through and feeling the mua nostalgia. I’d definitely say the second was my favorite and I loved being venom and just chucking enemies off the map. overall definitely my favorite game series of all time

  • @AvatarTrev6
    @AvatarTrev6 2 года назад +3

    Rip Stan Lee🙏🏽🙏🏽 that cameo is so hilarious never knew

  • @helpiatemytoaster
    @helpiatemytoaster 11 месяцев назад +4

    My childhood.

  • @martywood482
    @martywood482 3 года назад +25

    I agree, I felt the scale of the story just wasn't as interesting as the one in the first game.

  • @ThatManiacbucket
    @ThatManiacbucket 2 года назад +2

    31:14 Stark giving a speech with god damn carnage in the background.

  • @waltt69
    @waltt69 8 месяцев назад +16

    Sadly the X-Men legends and Marvel Ultimate Alliance games were far more enjoyable than the more recent versions of this type of game like Gotham Knights and Marvel's Avengers.

  • @faherty87
    @faherty87 3 года назад +3

    Hulk stood around for a press conference?... CARNAGE WAS AT THE PRESS CONDFERENCE?!

  • @Guy-mx4fb
    @Guy-mx4fb Год назад +6

    It was the lack of costumes and lack of characters that ruined it for me. Characters in the first one were more diverse from marvel history.

  • @dgameskidHD
    @dgameskidHD 2 года назад +3

    Man, I have so many fond memories of playing this game. Most of them derive from the fact that this was one of the few games I could play with my family. We didn’t play the first one nearly as much, hell I’m not even sure if we ever finished that game. But this was an interesting look at a favourite from my childhood and brought up several great memories, and now I want to play the games again. Great video man!

  • @Rhysthewiggler
    @Rhysthewiggler 3 года назад +8

    I think the boss fight was underwhelming was because nothing was building it up. Like fury just shows up out of nowhere and then you defeat him after 1 fight. Also the game felt super short for me, I couldn’t believe it actually ended when it did because it took me about 2 afternoons

    • @burnummaster
      @burnummaster 2 года назад +2

      I think it was intentionally not too long because it's assumed you'll play through both sides

  • @tylerlima7943
    @tylerlima7943 3 года назад +54

    you make some quality content my friend

  • @iamyourhusband1757
    @iamyourhusband1757 2 года назад +3

    This video is perfect, as someone who played UA2 at around 10. Seeing how deep the comic relation is amazing, i loved this game and it makes me appreciate how far they went lore wise connecting all the dots and character arcs.

  • @jihef03
    @jihef03 3 года назад +4

    My brother and I ended the game with Captain America doing his speech and Green Goblin and Venom by his side, that was hilarious.

    • @ther0ach28
      @ther0ach28 3 года назад

      Imagine at the end it's goblin, venom, carnage, and juggernaut. "Yeah, we're the good guys, trust me."

  • @zmr3352
    @zmr3352 3 года назад +21

    Ultimate Alliance 3 would be an interesting retrospective video.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +18

      I should probably do MUA3 to wrap up the ultimate alliance series. I’m mostly debating on if it will be next, or if I’ll have it release around the time of MUA3’s 2 year anniversary. If I do that, I might cover marvel nemesis in between

    • @zmr3352
      @zmr3352 3 года назад +1

      @@alwaysnerdyretros Makes sense.

    • @TheVamxie
      @TheVamxie 3 года назад +1

      Marvel nemesis plz

    • @Save_Train
      @Save_Train 3 года назад +1

      I'm glad that UA3 came back to the artistic look.
      To me, honestly, Cap doesnt look like he aged all that well

    • @Save_Train
      @Save_Train 3 года назад

      @@TheVamxie that's a good freakin game! Gosh that felt so long ago

  • @LightningCayo
    @LightningCayo 3 года назад +3

    I’m sorry but during Iron Man’s ending, having Carnage by his side and saying “we heroes” got me laughing

  • @mpthorvonericksen
    @mpthorvonericksen 3 года назад +9

    I thought the voice actors in MUA 2 were mostly poor choices (especially Thor). Meanwhile, in The Original MUA I felt like all the voices matched well with the characters.

  • @RacerC45
    @RacerC45 3 года назад +9

    I'll always prefer the first Ultimate Alliance over this. At least in that game you were going on a grand adventure and fight named enemies.

  • @egeoktay5157
    @egeoktay5157 3 года назад +17

    Another banger video from Always Nerdy. Not surprised tbh. Always deliver. Top quality content 👌👌👌

  • @TeamTowers1
    @TeamTowers1 2 года назад +2

    The Civil War comic wasn't insanely popular, it was almost universally despised.

  • @Maudo214
    @Maudo214 3 года назад +7

    I remember this game way differently I don't remember most of the things only the first bit of cutscene, I played this game on the Wii so yea, also been searching for this game for years now so I'm happy I finally found it

  • @egateqa1351
    @egateqa1351 3 года назад +2

    Fun fact there are slight differences between the PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One and the Wii Version of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, for starters Mac Gargen who is Venom in The PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One Version is back to Scorpian in The Wii Version. The Wii Version has Captain America being maskless, as while we never saw him without his Star Spangled Bannered Mask, we did saw him at the end of the Wii Version of Ultimate Alliance 2. And the Wii Version plays the same way as the console versions of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1. Albeit keeping the more noticable sound effects and gameplay as Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1.

  • @venator667
    @venator667 Год назад +5

    Seems the first game is the best of the series

    • @marianoleon2165
      @marianoleon2165 3 месяца назад

      Marvel Legends 2, the combo system of light, heavy attacks and combine with powers

  • @chasemcnellis6886
    @chasemcnellis6886 3 года назад +2

    This game is what got me into Marvel, I wouldn’t know half of these characters without it.

  • @ken0304
    @ken0304 3 года назад +13

    i just discovered your channel and i’m obsessed!! i really love your retrospectives and i also appreciate the time you put into your videos ❤️❤️

  • @roseArchr
    @roseArchr 2 года назад +2

    There wasnt a whole lot of build up for much of anything in this story. In UA1 the story was always focused on and moving toward one goal: Defeating Doom who was growing too powerful. This game just sorta jumps around even if they lead into each other. There wasnt an outlined goal you were working toward that ever lasted more than a few missions in this game.

  • @quitequaintq5830
    @quitequaintq5830 3 года назад +6

    I know we got a movie already, but I wouldn't mind seeing a animated version of Civil War. So many possiblities when it comes to animation. 😄

  • @doom3926
    @doom3926 3 года назад +3

    I enjoyed both of the first two Ultimate Alliance games equally for different reasons.
    The first game because of the amount of customization options it has in comparison to both of the later games and the second game because the combat is just so much fun, admittedly a big reason I love MUA2’s combat though is because of an exploit that may or may not have been intentional. See, you can cancel just about any action in the game with the block button, this includes at least most specials and fusion moves and this makes the combat very fun because it means you can cancel moves that normally take a bit before your character finishes the animation and then follow-up with just about anything else, it’s super fun.

  • @cesargomezy6420
    @cesargomezy6420 2 года назад +2

    Such a fantastic video, thanks a lot!
    PS. The exorcist part was genius 🤣

  • @andreahope7254
    @andreahope7254 3 года назад +50

    I think having galactus as this game’s villain would be odd since you already beat him

    • @marcusss7565
      @marcusss7565 3 года назад +27

      The galactus we fought in the first game was no where near full power

    • @sparrowblack841
      @sparrowblack841 3 года назад +12

      Then they ended it by saying Thor beat him which blows I was like bro the story be so awesome to fight Galatus again but it is what it is

    • @andreahope7254
      @andreahope7254 3 года назад +9

      @@sparrowblack841 yeah and it would also let there be more cosmic characters something in which the first game was sorely lacking

    • @R_A120
      @R_A120 3 года назад +10

      @@andreahope7254 The second game was good but it was a lot more grounded, I prefer the first purely because its huge and there are so many different locations to explore

  • @CriticalShot1
    @CriticalShot1 2 года назад +5

    I want to know how anybody can HONESTLY choose Iron man's side without it being about playing their sides characters? The guy is literally calling for the stripping of people's free will.

    • @blunttalksmedia
      @blunttalksmedia 2 года назад +2

      Yeah ngl it was the characters

    • @CriticalShot1
      @CriticalShot1 2 года назад +2

      @@NeightrixPrime true, I forgot how absolutely brain dead some people are. It's shockingly unbelievable

    • @amadeusagripino6862
      @amadeusagripino6862 Год назад

      @@NeightrixPrime the oppressed's desire is to become the oppressor
      Most people are garbage, most of the atrocities governments did through history would not happen if there wasn't enough people willing to take part on it.

  • @jessicastrike5640
    @jessicastrike5640 3 года назад +6

    Love the video fantastic work! I really enjoyed the civil war arc but wish they did more with it, perhaps if the game would be made today it would be made to feel more epic
    Maybe the Spider-Man games for future retrospectives? Raimi movie tie in ones in particular

  • @Super_1230
    @Super_1230 2 года назад +2

    I like the format of your reviews. I hope you eventually do X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

  • @cjtrules1
    @cjtrules1 3 года назад +7

    To me the best parts of this game was playing as villains and the fusions. I will always love battling different characters as well so I'm not sure I'd say one game is better than the other in that field. I felt there wasn't as many unique dialogue options as the 1st game and the levels definitely were inferior. I'd actually go back and play 1 more than 2... mainly because the Destroyer Armor boss fight can be used as a grinding area to just have fun with powers.

  • @HobGungan
    @HobGungan 3 месяца назад +1

    I had the PS2 version, and I'm glad I did. Because even though I missed out on most of the big cutscenes and cute character interactions, at least I had the full roster at the start and it played exactly like XML2/MUA1 which is what I fell in love with.
    What I like better about MU1:
    *Story
    *Overall Gameplay
    *Costume Choices
    *Varied Locations and Atmosphere
    What I like better about MUA2:
    *Green Goblin, my favorite comic book character, as a playable team member.

  • @leoppyy
    @leoppyy 3 года назад +5

    Another excellent video as always. I hope you'll continue doing this kind of videos and maybe we'll have X-Men Legends analysis from you. :)

  • @LuffyBlack
    @LuffyBlack 2 года назад +1

    Carnage looks to derpy standing next to the heroes lol

  • @D21BeastReviews
    @D21BeastReviews 3 года назад +3

    More Retrospective videos would be great! Thanks for taking the time to make this one, Nerdy.
    I ate this game up when it originally released. I was a huge fan of the comic book event and all of it's tie-ins. Naturally, that meant Iron Man was dead to me before I even started the game. lol. I originally picked anti-SRA and was very cross with Tony and his crew as the lines started to be drawn.
    I really appreciated MUA2's nuanced inclusions of all of the Civil War tie-in books. You already mentioned Speedball's transformation that we saw highlighted in Civil War: Frontlines, but even story elements like Ben Grimm's remaining neutral in the pages of Fantastic Four, or Bishop and Cable being on opposites sides of the debate like we saw in the pages of Civil War: X-Men get a hat tip here. It would have been great if they could have played up Namor's, Black Panther's or Deadpool's goings on from the books a little bit more, but I was extremely pleased with this game when it released in the regard. Though, I too was somewhat disappointed with the game's final roster selection and lack of alternate costumes.
    And I think you're onto something mentioning Joker, Fury and Ultron. It really seems like those decisions are made by committee because they sound so cool on paper. Or maybe everyone is chasing the exhilaration we got from seeing Doc Ock and Carnage blended together way back in Neversoft's Spider-Man. Something unexpected from characters we thought we knew how to predict.
    I could type more. You made so many great observations in an hour. But thanks for your hard work! I look forward to seeing you cover The Punisher. No one I talk to seems to have ever played that game. And if you do touch on Marvel Nemesis, and if you feel the same way, I would really like to hear your take on the game that so spectacularly missed the point when it comes to embracing what we loved about the Marvel Comics universe.

    • @alwaysnerdyretros
      @alwaysnerdyretros  3 года назад +1

      Man where to begin, another phenomenal write up by you Rob!
      I like your perspective on the blended villains, especially your callback to Ock and Carnage! I remember that one being really cool and it terrified me as a child lol.
      I’m surprised to never hear about Punisher either. I absolutely loved that game and it’s one of my favorite movie tie-in games. I definitely plan on discussing it at some point.
      Marvel Nemesis is probably next up for me. It’s a game I really enjoyed as a kid, but I can see it has plenty of flaws too. It’s frustrating because I feel like they were onto something really cool with the 3D fighting, but the execution just fell flat.
      Thanks for the in-depth comment Rob! I always enjoy reading your perspective!

    • @D21BeastReviews
      @D21BeastReviews 3 года назад +1

      @@alwaysnerdyretros My pleasure! I can't wait.

  • @IStandForTJandTAW
    @IStandForTJandTAW 2 года назад +4

    Didn't Daredevil side with cap in the comics?

    • @John-Stark
      @John-Stark 3 месяца назад

      Yeah, the only heroes that join or leaves are Cap, Mr. Fantastic Tony, Iron Fist, Luke Cage and Song Bird, the rest go with the choice you pick, including Spider Man with Anti Reg

  • @ThingAnderson
    @ThingAnderson 2 года назад +6

    Cap’s side is correct 100%.
    “Those who choose safety over freedom deserve neither”.

  • @gamervet4760
    @gamervet4760 Год назад +1

    25:30 I had it on PSP in Afghanistan, and once I unlocked Penance, I did 3 story runs with him choosing Cap every time. 😁 His design and backstory are pretty good, and he's pretty fun to play around with.

  • @jojowalker6560
    @jojowalker6560 2 года назад +4

    I really liked how they mixed up the bad guys with the good guys in this game it was good I give it a 8 also Carnage was a big surprise for me and the fusion attacks made it more fun.

  • @jacktormey1624
    @jacktormey1624 Год назад +2

    I've played this game about 3 times, and each time I play I try to select the pro registration side, but I physically am unable to leave my boy Cap

  • @lenzino7383
    @lenzino7383 3 года назад +26

    It was definitely disappointed!!! The civil war storyline just wasn’t nearly as awesome as the Masters of Evil in the first game. MUA 1 had the heroes traveling the universe and back. Felt so massive and epic. MUA 2 felt too self contained and limited.

  • @brockenglish7602
    @brockenglish7602 3 года назад +1

    They could have kept the Civil War plot while still paying off MUA1's post-credits scene. Just have the threat that reunites everyone be Galactus instead of The Fold.