Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (360)

While this title from Activision isn't on the same level as the dark and brooding comic book capers of Batman at Arkham Asylum, this is actually a damn fine game that will delight gamers for different reasons completely.

This is old-fashioned button-mashing multiplayer genius with a ­superhero roll-call to die-for and there are two different plot lines for you to choose depending on your wish to be heroes or anti-heroes. The end result is the same though - save New York.

The characters on offer include Captain America, Spider-man, The Hulk, The Thing, The Invisible Woman, Thor and many more.

If that isn't one of the coolest character lists in a game I don't know what is.

Gameplay is very smooth if somewhat repetitive. Each character has basic moves and combos but each also has their own special moves and the ability to be upgraded through XP levels.

Characters can combine to create some stunning special moves and, all in all, the battle aspect is superb as you destroy everything in your path.

It's standard beat-em up/RPG fodder, but it is executed well with a storyline and setting that is engaging from start to finish.

Graphics are great, sound is brilliant and the character animation, frame rates etc are spot-on.

The real joy here will always be the characters and this is a solid game that doesn't re-invent the wheel but does roll along smoothly.

If pounding the controller with friends and good old-fashioned fighting fun is your thing then you won't be disappointed with this.