Superman: Shadow of Apokolips

• Release Date: September 25, 2002
• Genre: Action
• Style: Third-Person 3D Action
• Similar Games: Spider-Man (PlayStation 2), Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (PlayStation 2), The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (PlayStation 2), The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer (PlayStation 2)

Game Description

Superman, along with mild-mannered alter-ego Clark Kent, debuts on the PlayStation 2 in Superman: Shadow of Apokolips, a third-person action adventure romp based upon the animated cartoon series. Darkseid, an inter-galactic super villain, has hatched a diabolical scheme -- one that will destroy Superman and pave the way for his domination of Earth. By providing Lex Luthor with sophisticated Apokoliptian technology, he hopes to rid himself of the Last Son of Krypton once and for all. Imbued with all the powers that have made Superman the stuff of legend, players must embark on missions that cover the length and breadth of Metropolis, from timed missions to rescue, stealth and straight-up action levels. To accomplish the tasks set before them, players have at their disposal a plethora of authentic Superman abilities, including super breath, x-ray vision, and heat vision. Constantly using these abilities will sap an onscreen energy meter, however.

Abilities not restricted by the constant need to regenerate are super strength and of course, Superman's ability to fly. The former allows Superman to pick up large objects that can then be used as projectiles to be hurled at distant enemies or as melee weapons. With a single button press players are able to take to the skies, where they are free to roam at will. Radar, under the guise of super hearing, is provided to guide players toward specific objectives and to provide navigational assistance while moving about the city of Metropolis, either on foot or in the air.

When engaged in combat, players can unleash a flurry of punches, or perform one of a handful of powerful attacks. In addition to the numerous Inter-Bot enemies that stand in the way, players will square off against recognizable villains from the show, such as Metallo, Livewire, and Parasite. Cut-scenes detailing the interactions between friends and foe are interspersed throughout the adventure, and make use of the voice talents from the cartoon series itself. Additional features that can be unlocked include character profiles and a picture and movie viewer. Players can also elect to play any previously completed level if desired.

Review: Overall

Despite the character's broad based appeal, rich history, and wonderful array of visually arresting powers, Superman has a spotty career as a video game character. Introduced in 1938 in Action Comics number one, The Man of Steel was the first bona fide superhero. Fittingly, he was the first superhero to appear in a video game. Released in 1978, Superman for the Atari VCS was interesting, but the technology of the time was prohibitively crude. The ensuing years saw a few above average games, such as The Death and Return of Superman for the Super NES, and plenty of stinkers, such as Superman for the N64, but there's never really been a game that successfully captures the essence of the character and his surroundings. Until now.

Superman: Shadow of Apokolips re-creates the setting of the late-'90s animated series in spectacular fashion, giving Metropolis a distinctive art deco, quasi-industrial look that is nearly indistinguishable from the cartoon. Equally impressive are the characters, especially Superman, who has been granted with most of his storied powers (Super Ventriloquism didn't make the cut), including extremely powerful, extremely fun-to-execute blasts of Heat Vision. Adding to the overall quality of the game are the more than 40 minutes of cartoon-like cut-scenes (voiced by the actors from the series), which tell a story that fans of The Last Son of Krypton will be interested in following. The only disappointment in this area is that Darkseid, despite being an element of the story and the title (his home planet is Apokolips), never enters the game as a character you can battle.

While Superman: Shadow of Apokolips does indeed excel in terms of presentation, it misses the boat (or should that be rocket to Earth?) in terms of out-and-out gameplay. Sure, Superman's stylish punching maneuvers are somewhat reminiscent of the old Fleischer cartoons from the 1930s. Sure, the powers are fun to use, and the game will make you believe a man can fly -- swooping up and down in the air gives players the sensation of being a displaced Kryptonian just as swooshing up and down in the water gives players the sensation of being a fish in Ecco the Dolphin. However, the game is too short (a good player can complete it in around five hours) and too easy (the hard mode of play requires a secret password), and some of the missions can become tedious and are less than riveting.

For example, the third level of play involves flying around looking for nine civilians, punching through doors to find civilians, and taking them to a medical center. After about the third civilian, you'll be ready to do something different. The robots don't provide near enough resistance in this level, and the ease of play is exacerbated by the fact that energy and power replenishes itself automatically. The stealth missions, which are unique in that players control Clark Kent, are an unfortunate bore. Most of the missions require a little brain-work in addition to the brawn, and this is a supposed selling point. However, fighting, which is heavily emphasized during a couple of levels (such as the Steel Factory Showdown), remains the second most enjoyable aspect of the game (next to flying), and the battles are nevertheless somewhat lacking when compared to certain older brawlers such as Streets of Rage.

A highly anticipated game, Superman: Shadow of Apokolips for the PlayStation 2 is both a pleasure and a disappointment. It's certainly much better than the awful Nintendo 64 Superman game, and it looks and feels like an interactive episode of the cartoon series. However, its gameplay is less than super.

Review: Enjoyment

Flying and fighting is fun, and more than half the missions are at least fairly enjoyable. However, the best part of the game is its cartoon qualities, not its gameplay.

Review: Graphics

The camera is a bit choppy at times, but the cel-shaded graphics, smoothly (not to mention accurately) animated characters, and cartoon-like environments are first rate.

Review: Sound

The opening theme song from the animated series is conspicuously absent, but all the voices from the show sound great (if repetitive during actual gameplay), and there's a nice musical score accompanying the action.

Review: Replay Value

This game easily rates a rental, but not necessarily a purchase.

Review: Documentation

The missions aren't described, but the powers and controls are covered thoroughly.

Production Credits

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