X-Men Legends

File:X-Men Legends screenshot.jpg.|alt=In each corner of the screen a playable character's head appears, along with a red and blue bar extending horizontally back towards the center of the screen. At the bottom center five large circular "X" logos are seen, with three being brighter. To the left center are two glowing orbs with numbers representing their availability. In the center a beam is being fired at an off screen enemy, while another character advances towards a large robot.]]

X-Men Legends is an action role-playing game. Players choose a team of up to four characters from a larger group of X-Men. As players proceed through the game, additional X-Men are unlocked. On the console versions, up to four players can play in the cooperative campaign, with the ability to add or remove players at any time.{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/544/544281p1.html |title=X-Men Legends: Raven Speaks |website=IGN |access-date=2010-02-19 |date=2004-09-02 |first1=Jeremy|last1=Dunham|first2=Hilary|last2=Goldstein}} Cooperative play features a refined combat system and the ability to interact with non-player characters. The game also features a skirmish mode, which allows players to fight against each other or against waves of computer-controlled enemies.

As characters gain experience points, players can upgrade their four main powers and other abilities unique to that character. Items found during gameplay can also be equipped to further enhance a character's abilities. Characters can combine attacks to create a combo, in which two or more players use their mutant powers on a single enemy at the same time. The characters' special abilities can be used to create a "Super Combo" when combined with an "Xtreme Power" which become available at level 15.

The X-Mansion serves as a hub that the team returns to after each mission. While at the mansion, one player controls Alison Crestmere as she explores and learns about herself and the other X-Men. Here players can also view loading screen art, cinematics, and comic book covers acquired during gameplay. Biographies of the X-Men and their enemies can be accessed on computers located in the mansion. Players can participate in an X-Men trivia game, which rewards experience points for correct answers. Additionally, players can access the Danger Room's computer to play challenge missions unlocked during gameplay.

The players have two vendors available to them: Forge, who sells equipment and the Morlock Healer, who provides health and energy packs as well as training disks for use in the Danger Room. Forge becomes available after Alison contacts him accidentally from the X-Mansion, and Healer can be accessed following the third mission.

The N-Gage version of X-Men Legends contains most of the features found on the console versions. However, the game is played from an isometric point of view. Characters are two-dimensional sprites based on their three-dimensional console counterparts, and levels are redesigned to meet the limitations of the isometric point of view. Cutscenes were reused from the console versions, but are rendered at a much lower frame rate. Players can link with other N-Gage systems for four-player cooperative gameplay using GSM cellular technology.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlGxSTET_ag |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/mlGxSTET_ag| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=N-Gage X-Men Legends - Developer interview |date=6 February 2010 |access-date=2010-07-15 |publisher=Nokia via YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

X-Men Legends is not set in any particular Marvel Comics universe. It is played from the perspective of a teenage girl named Alison Crestmere, a mutant with the ability to control volcanic activity. At the start of the game, Alison is abducted by the Genetic Research and Security Organization (GRSO).{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Alison: Somebody help me! I'm not a mutant! I swear I'm not! As GRSO soldiers take her away, Mystique arrives with Blob and takes Alison from the soldiers.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Mystique: Blob, grab the girl and get out of here! She is in turn rescued from Mystique and Blob by the X-Men Wolverine and Cyclops, who take her to the Xavier Institute to explore her powers.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Jean Grey: Good work, guys. Now get Alison to the X-Jet. I'll meet you there.

As Alison trains, the X-Men investigate an Alaskan research facility being attacked by the Brotherhood of Mutants, then rescue Gambit from the Morlocks.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Player Character: We'll have you out of there in a second, Gambit Gambit: No worries. Ol' Gambit done already picked the lock.

They then try to stop the Brotherhood from rescuing Magneto from captivity aboard the U.S.S. Arbiter, a submersible aircraft carrier. Mystique is able to penetrate the defenses and free Magneto, and the ensuing damage caused by the Brotherhood leaves the X-Men to rescue several Arbiter crew members.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Player Character: We have to save the Arbiter crew! Jean, can you use your telekinetic powers to hold the ship together?

With Alison's training complete, she takes the codename Magma.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Alison: Do I get a cool code name? Wolverine: How about Pebbles? ... Alison: Mmm, those are good suggestions but I had a name in mind already. How about Magma? The X-Men travel to Russia to help Colossus prevent the Brotherhood from obtaining weapons-grade plutonium from a nuclear power plant.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Colossus: Because of Magneto's attack the reactor is close to critical mass. If I drop this regulator there will be a nuclear explosion. After the team defends the X-Mansion from GRSO infiltrators, Cyclops goes alone to investigate the old Weapon X facility in Canada, where Wolverine had been experimented on before joining the X-Men. There, Cyclops meets his younger brother, Havok. Havok reveals that he has joined the Brotherhood and was involved in the attack on the nuclear power plant.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Havok: I've joined the Brotherhood. Wolverine, who arrives at the facility on his own, stops the brothers from fighting each other. Together, they work to rescue the mutants that are held captive at the facility.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Wolverine: Because little Alex here is right. They used to experiment on mutants at this place. Really nasty stuff. And if someone got the bright idea to start things up again...

After accomplishing these missions, the team discovers that Colossus's sister, Illyana, is in a coma from a psychic hold placed on her by the Shadow King. The Shadow King reveals that he is aiding the leader of the anti-mutant movement, General William Kincaid. Professor X, Emma Frost, and Jean Grey enter the Astral Plane to save Illyana. They succeed, but Xavier is captured by the Shadow King in the process.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Professor Xavier: What do you intend to do now? Shadow King: I should have thought it obvious, Xavier. I will have my revenge.

After Xavier's capture, the X-Men learn that General Kincaid is building upgraded variants of the mutant-hunting Sentinels. Magneto travels to his base on Asteroid M, where he reveals his plan to cover the Earth in asteroids to darken the surface. Havok tries to fight back but is imprisoned. The X-Men must prioritize their resources on three separate missions: rescuing mutants from Sentinels in New York, stopping Juggernaut's rampage on Muir Island, and protecting the Morlocks from a GRSO invasion. Afterwards, the X-Men free Xavier, who defeats the Shadow King in a psychic battle.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Shadow King: What!? You've escaped? No matter. Now you will die, Xavier.

The X-Men travel to Asteroid M, where they rescue Havok and defeat Magneto in a final battle. After an attack by Sentinels, the X-Men discover that the asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. In the control room of the asteroid, they fight the General Kincaid as he pilots Master Mold, a larger and more powerful prototype Sentinel. After defeating General Kincaid, the X-Men locate the Gravitron, the control mechanism of the asteroid. The Brotherhood's initial plan was to use Magma to control the device if Magneto couldn't be rescued due to her ability to manipulate rocks in a similar fashion to magnetism. Magma uses her powers to steer the asteroid back into space.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Wolverine: Kid, the Gravitron was built for Magneto. It could kill ya. Magma: That's a chance I'll have to take.

The X-Men's victory on Asteroid M is watched by Apocalypse, who makes his upcoming plot from his base.{{cite video game | title=X-Men Legends | developer=Raven Software | publisher=Activision | date=2004-09-21 }} Apocalypse : Enjoy your small victory, Xavier. For the Age of Apocalypse is nigh!

In the game's epilogue, a television news anchor reports that Magneto is still at large and that General Kincaid has been arrested for crimes against humanity. The game ends with the President of the United States thanking the X-Men for their service.

{{div col|colwidth=10em}}

• Beast
• Colossus
• Cyclops
• Emma Frost{{efn|name=NoMobile|Does not appear in mobile version.}}
• Gambit
• Iceman
• Jean Grey
• Jubilee{{efn|name=NoMobile}}
• Magma
• Nightcrawler
• Professor X{{efn|Only playable during sections of the Astral Plane missions. Not playable in mobile version.}}
• Psylocke{{efn|name=NoMobile}}
• Rogue
• Storm
• Wolverine

{{div col end}}

{{Notelist}}

{{quote box|width = 35%| quote= It was basically Final Fantasy with X-Men. Over time, however, it really started to evolve. As development moved along, we added more and more elements of action and combat to it.

One thing that remained a consistent mantra through development of the game over the last few years has been the team. To be able to bring something like this to the X-Men universe was very important to us. Even when moved to action, we went into it with the idea that you are controlling a team.|source= —Co-project lead Patrick Lipo on the development of the game}}

X-Men Legends was announced in a press release by Activision on April 23, 2003.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/04_21_03_01_25PM.htm |title=Activision Announces The Ultimate Mutant Marvel Team-Up With X-Men: Legends |publisher=GameZone |date=2003-04-23 |access-date=2010-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919053355/http://www.gamezone.com/news/04_21_03_01_25PM.htm |archive-date=2009-09-19 |url-status=dead }} The game is Raven Software's first console title; after a number of successful titles for personal computers, it wanted to expand into the console market.{{cite magazine| magazine = Game Informer| publisher = GameStop| title = Activision's X-Factor| author = Staff| issue = 119|date=March 2003| pages = 40–43}} The company developed the three console versions simultaneously, and used Vicarious Visions' Alchemy engine as a base for the game.{{cite web | url=http://www.devmaster.net/engines/engine_details.php?id=260 | title=DevMaster.net - Alchemy engine details |publisher=DevMaster.net |access-date=2008-08-31 }} After deciding to make an "X-Men RPG", staff began brainstorming story, gameplay and design ideas. Raven wanted to feature a team-based dynamic, something it felt was absent in previous X-Men games. The original concept featured turned-based gameplay, similar to a Final Fantasy game. However, the team concluded that players would prefer more action that allowed control of the character's super powers. The genre switch proved problematic to maintaining the team aspect of gameplay.

The group experimented with several gameplay models, and opted for one that allowed players to freely switch characters. The final product mimics isometric dungeon crawling video games. Raven designed gameplay with strategy in mind; each character's abilities allow different interactions with the environment and other characters. For example, a physically strong character like Colossus can break walls but is unable to reach certain areas that require the ability to fly, and Iceman is able to freeze enemies so that other characters can easily defeat them. Staff hoped that the differences would force players to switch characters regularly during missions. Extraction points, specific locations that players can switch characters, were added to allow players to continue without a game over in the event one or more team member was defeated. Raven included flash back missions as an homage to the franchise and based some on specific comic book issues. Originally a single-player game, Raven eventually incorporated simultaneous co-operative gameplay. The developers chose to not create an online multi-player mode, stating that the gameplay was "designed around localized encounters".

File:Patrick Stewart Photo Call Logan Berlinale 2017 (cropped).jpg provided the voice acting for Professor X, a role that he also portrayed in the X-Men films.]]

The game's story was penned by a group of former Marvel writers known as Man of Action, consisting of Duncan Rouleau, Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, and Steven T. Seagle,{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/542/542350p1.html |title=X-Men Legends: Men of Action |website=IGN |first1=Jeremy|last1=Dunham|first2=Hilary|last2=Goldstein|date=2004-08-27 |access-date=2010-07-13}} with Stan Lee consulting.{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/x-men-legends/520627p1.html |title=X-Men Legends -- Robert Gee Video Interview |first=Ryan |last=O'Donnell |date=2004-06-02 |access-date=2010-02-19 |publisher=GameSpy}} Man of Action chose the character Magma as their lead because she was an "appropriately blank slate as a character". Man of Action also stated that the script for X-Men Legends was in excess of five hundred pages. The writers created a story that would allow for players to change their active team throughout the game and not affect the overall flow of the story.

The game's voice cast consists largely of television and film stars as well as veteran voice actors. Patrick Stewart reprised his role as Professor Xavier from the X-Men films, while Tony Jay voiced Magneto. Ed Asner lent his voice as Healer, a Morlock shaman. Lou Diamond Phillips voiced Forge, a Native American mutant whose power grants him intuitive talent for inventing mechanical devices. Danica McKellar voiced Jubilee, a young mutant who generates plasmoids from her fingertips. Veteran voice actors Steven Blum, Grey DeLisle, Dee Bradley Baker, Robin Atkin Downes and Dorian Harewood also lent voices as Wolverine, Mystique, Nightcrawler, Cyclops and Shadow King, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419277/ |title=X-Men Legends (2004)(VG) |access-date=2010-05-11 |publisher=IMDb}} Music for the game was composed by Rik Schaffer of the Los Angeles-based Womb Music.

Characters were selected from different time lines in the X-Men universe. Art lead Brian Pelletier said that they took the most memorable characters from the last 40 years and grouped them together. X-Men Legends uses cel shading to give the characters a comic-like appearance. However, Raven cited that they opted for then-high resolution textures to stay away from "cartoony looking" characters. The process was accomplished by creating a second copy of the model, inverting the normals, then increasing the size of the model slightly.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t2dFzI3Upg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/2t2dFzI3Upg| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Revealing The Origins of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |publisher=Game Informer via YouTube |date=May 10, 2019 |access-date=August 28, 2019}}{{cbignore}} Character costumes were inspired by Marvel Comics' Ultimate X-Men, but some of the X-Men playable in X-Men Legends had not appeared in the comics at the time of its release so, with permission from Marvel, Raven created unique looks for those characters. During development Raven tried visual formats for the X-Men, including using their New X-Men uniforms{{cite web |url=http://media.xbox.ign.com/media/499/499594/imgs_14.html |title=IGN: X-Men Legends Screenshots, Wallpaper and Pics |page=13 |website=IGN |access-date=2010-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004725/http://media.xbox.ign.com/media/499/499594/imgs_14.html |archive-date=2011-07-13 |url-status=dead }} as well as removing the cel-shaded look from the characters.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/rpg/xmenlegends/images.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gsimage&tag=images%3Bheader%3Bmore&page=8 |title=X-Men Legends Screens for Xbox at GameSpot |page=9 |website=GameSpot |access-date=2010-06-28}} In contrast, the back stories, relationships and personalities of the X-Men were taken from Marvel's mainstream universe. Angel was also to be included in the game,{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/386/386802p1.html |title=X-Men Legends Unveiled |access-date=2010-07-13 |date=2003-02-20 |website=IGN |author=IGN Staff |quote=players can pick four characters to engage in simultaneous combat, including Iceman, Gambit, Forge, Beast, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Colossus, Psylocke, Nightcrawler, Angel, and seven more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825052036/http://cube.ign.com/articles/386/386802p1.html |archive-date=2007-08-25 |url-status=dead }} and was to be voiced by André Sogliuzzo, but was cut from the final build.

The game's marketing budget was $5 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90816829/wisconsin-state-journal/|title=The game makers around here at a glance|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|page=16|date=September 26, 2004|access-date=August 17, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Video game reviews

| NGC = true

| PS2 = true

| XBOX = true

| N-G = true

| EuroG_XBOX = 7/10

| GI_NGC = 9/10{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200411/R04.1118.1702.38967.htm |title=X-Men: Legends |last=Miller |first=Matt |magazine=Game Informer |issue=139 |date=November 2004 |page=144 |access-date=2014-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214004450/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200411/R04.1118.1702.38967.htm |archive-date=2007-12-14 |url-status=dead}}

| GI_PS2 = 9/10

| GI_XBOX = 9/10

| GI_N-G = 7/10{{cite magazine |title=X-Men Legends (N-Gage) |magazine=Game Informer |issue=144 |date=April 2005 |page=142}}

| GamePro_NGC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/38220.shtml |title=X-Men: Legends |author=Bones |magazine=GamePro |date=2004-09-22 |access-date=2014-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204152040/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/38220.shtml |archive-date=2005-02-04 |url-status=dead}}

| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}

| GamePro_XBOX = {{Rating|4.5|5}}

| GSpot_NGC = 8.2/10

| GSpot_PS2 = 8.2/10

| GSpot_XBOX = 8.2/10

| GSpot_N-G = 8.1/10

| GSpy_NGC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}

| GSpy_PS2 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}

| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/x-men-legends/550552p1.html |title=GameSpy: X-Men Legends |first=Will |last=Tuttle |publisher=GameSpy |date=2004-09-23 |access-date=2014-04-03}}

| GSpy_N-G = {{Rating|4.5|5}}

| IGN_NGC = 8.4/10

| IGN_PS2 = 8.4/10

| IGN_XBOX = 8.4/10

| IGN_N-G = 8.3/10{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/14/x-men-legends |title=X-Men Legends (NNG) |first=Levi |last=Buchanan |date=2005-02-14 |access-date=2014-04-03 |website=IGN}}

| NP_NGC = 4.1/5{{cite magazine |title=X-Men Legends |magazine=Nintendo Power |volume=187 |date=December 2004 |page=144}}

| rev1 = Detroit Free Press

| rev1_NGC = {{Rating|3|4}}{{cite news |url=http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini26e_20041226.htm |title='X-Men Legends' (GC) |first=Craig |last=Campbell |date=2004-12-26 |access-date=2014-04-03 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041226235516/http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini26e_20041226.htm |archive-date=2004-12-26 |url-status=dead}}

| rev2 = The Sydney Morning Herald

| rev2_NGC = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/X-marks-the-plot/2004/10/29/1099028200205.html |title=X marks the plot (X-Men Legends) |first=Bennett |last=Ring |date=2004-10-30 |access-date=2014-04-03 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald}}

| rev2_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}

| rev2_XBOX = {{Rating|4|5}}

| GR_NGC = 81.98%

| GR_PS2 = 80.50%

| GR_XBOX = 83.36%

| GR_N-G = 76.13%

| MC_NGC = 81/100

| MC_PS2 = 79/100

| MC_XBOX = 82/100

| MC_N-G = 79/100

}}X-Men Legends received mostly positive reviews, with the Xbox version receiving the highest aggregate scores of 83.36% at GameRankings and 82/100 at Metacritic.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914644-x-men-legends/index.html |title=X-Men Legends for Xbox |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2014-04-03}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/x-men-legends/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=X-Men Legends for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2011-01-03}} The GameCube version was rated next highest, scoring 81.98% at GameRankings and 81/100 at Metacritic.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/914645-x-men-legends/index.html |title=X-Men Legends for GameCube |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2010-07-09}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/x-men-legends/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=X-Men Legends for GameCube Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2011-01-03}} Though the PlayStation 2 version received the lowest scores of the console versions, it still fared well, scoring 80.50% at GameRankings and 79/100 at Metacritic.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/914643-x-men-legends/index.html |title=X-Men Legends for PlayStation 2 |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2010-07-09}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/x-men-legends/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=X-Men Legends for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2011-01-03}} The N-Gage version garnered scores similar to its console counterparts, receiving 76.13% and 79/100 at GameRankings and Metacritic, respectively.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/922913-x-men-legends/index.html |title=X-Men Legends for N-Gage |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2010-07-09}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/xmenlegends |title=X-Men Legends (ngage: 2004): Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2014-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913065347/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/xmenlegends |archive-date=2008-09-13 |url-status=dead}} During the 8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated X-Men Legends for "Console Role-Playing Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGameAwardType=54 |title=2005 Awards Category Details Console Role-Playing Game of the Year |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=27 October 2023}} In 2011, GamePro retrospectively listed "the melee combat, ability to customize your stats, and multiplayer" among the strong points of X-Men Legends, adding that the game "was so successful that it created a well-received sequel and paved the way for the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/223531/the-good-the-bad-and-the-juggernaut-bitch-a-look-at-x-men-games/ |title=The Good, the Bad, and the Juggernaut, Bitch: A Look at X-Men Games |magazine=GamePro |date=2011-09-30 |access-date=2013-04-10 |first=Chris |last=Holt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015105205/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/223531/the-good-the-bad-and-the-juggernaut-bitch-a-look-at-x-men-games/ |archive-date=October 15, 2011 }}

Critics generally praised the game's use of cel-shading. IGN's Hilary Goldstein stated, "to capture the 'comic book feel', Raven Soft chose to go for a cel-shaded look with Legends. It's not that the characters look two-dimensional, but they have very basic textures and a cut-out look".{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/21/x-men-legends-4 |title=X-Men Legends: The legendary X-Men game we've all been hoping for? |website=IGN |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=2004-09-20 |access-date=2014-04-03}} GameSpot reviewer Jeff Gerstmann pointed out that though the characters are cel-shaded, the environments are not, making them easy to distinguish.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/x-men-legends-review/1900-6108068/ |title=X-Men Legends Review |date=2004-09-21 |access-date=2014-04-03 |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff|authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann |website=GameSpot}} The gameplay was lauded for its role-playing elements, character powers and melee combat.{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/x-men-legends_18 |title=X-Men Legends |date=2004-09-27 |website=1UP.com |access-date=2014-04-03 |author=1UP Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525031755/http://www.1up.com/reviews/x-men-legends_18 |archive-date=2013-05-25 |url-status=dead }} Eurogamer praised the Xbox version's control system for character powers and melee attacks, as well as the "fluid" combat.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_x-menlegends_x |title=X-Men Legends Review (Xbox) |date=2004-10-12 |access-date=2009-01-03 |last=Garrett |first=Patrick |website=Eurogamer}}

Reviewers found that the artificial intelligence (AI) was lacking, and recommended the game's multiplayer. Opinions were generally mixed on the subject of voice acting. X-Play reviewer Russ Fischer called it "purely average",{{cite web|url=http://www.g4techtv.com/xplay/features/50149/XMen_Legends_Review.html |title=X-Men Legends Review |publisher=X-Play |access-date=2014-04-03 |first=Russ |last=Fischer |date=2004-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041031024514/http://www.g4techtv.com/xplay/features/50149/XMen_Legends_Review.html |archive-date=2004-10-31 |url-status=dead}} though he made an exception for Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Professor Xavier. IGN noted that while some voice acting fit the characters well, others seemed out of place.

The N-Gage version was praised for the ability to play cooperatively using the N-Gage's bluetooth technology.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/x-men-legends-review/1900-6118050/ |title=X-Men Legends Review (N-Gage) |first=Avery |last=Score |date=2005-02-07 |access-date=2014-04-03}} Reviewers also found that the game's graphics were "very strong" and that "everything looks amazing".{{cite web |url=http://wireless.gamespy.com/n-gage/x-men-legends/596643p1.html |title=GameSpy: X-Men Legends (NNG) |first=Justin |last=Leeper |date=2005-03-16 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=2010-07-15}} The presence of voice acting in the N-Gage port was also praised, with GameSpy reviewer Justin Leeper stating the audio clips seemed to be "lifted right out of other versions". He criticized the AI, however, for being "[a] bit stupid at inopportune times" and for failing to use the game's healing abilities at important moments.

{{Clear}}

X-Men Legends sold enough copies to be inducted into the budget lines for all three consoles on which it was released: PlayStation 2's Greatest Hits,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/data/914643.html |title=X-Men Legends Release Information for PlayStation 2 - GameFAQs |website=GameFAQs |access-date=2008-02-21}} GameCube's Player's Choice,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/gamecube/data/914645.html |title=X-Men Legends Release Information for GameCube - GameFAQs |website=GameFAQs |access-date=2008-02-21}} and Xbox's Platinum Hits.{{cite web|url=http://www.consolecity.com/games/action-game_info/game_id-29523.html|title=X-Men Legends (Platinum Hits)|publisher=Console City|access-date=2011-01-03}} By July 2006, the Xbox version of X-Men Legends had sold 800,000 copies and earned $28 million in the United States. Next Generation ranked it as the 74th highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of the Legends series reached 2 million units in the United States by July 2006.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century| author1=Campbell, Colin| author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=Next Generation |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}

A sequel, X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse was released for all major platforms in the fall of 2005,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamecube/927395-x-men-legends-ii-rise-of-apocalypse/data |title=X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse Information for GameCube |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/927390-x-men-legends-ii-rise-of-apocalypse/data |title=X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse Information for PlayStation 2 |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox/927388-x-men-legends-ii-rise-of-apocalypse/data |title=X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse Information for Xbox |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}} and the N-Gage later that year. Barking Lizards again helped port the game, this time to mobile phone devices. Vicarious Visions ported the game to the PlayStation Portable (PSP), and Beenox developed the PC port.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/psp/927401-x-men-legends-ii-rise-of-apocalypse/data |title=X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse Information for PSP |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.beenox.com/en/games |title=Beenox games |access-date=2011-01-03 |publisher=Beenox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213011835/http://www.beenox.com/en/games |archive-date=2010-12-13 }}

The success of the X-Men Legends series led Raven Software, Marvel, and Activision to create the video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, which was released on several consoles, handheld devices and the PC in 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamecube/927395-x-men-legends-ii-rise-of-apocalypse/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for GameCube |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/932588-marvel-ultimate-alliance/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for PlayStation 2 |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps3/932589-marvel-ultimate-alliance/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for PlayStation 3 |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox/927388-x-men-legends-ii-rise-of-apocalypse/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for Xbox |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox360/932586-marvel-ultimate-alliance/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for Xbox 360 |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}} Barking Lizards, Vicarious Visions and Beenox handled the ports for different platforms.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/gba/932968-marvel-ultimate-alliance/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for GameBoy Advance |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/psp/932590-marvel-ultimate-alliance/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for PSP |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/wii/932591-marvel-ultimate-alliance/data |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Information for Wii |access-date=2011-01-03 |website=GameFAQs}} Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was followed by Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, jointly developed by Vicarious Visions, n-Space and Savage Entertainment. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 was released on several consoles and handhelds in the fall of 2009. Vicarious Visions developed the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions,{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14233937/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2/videos/sdcc09_marvel2_trl_jeangrey_72109.htmljsessionid=2mocrxufxaj1q |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 PlayStation 3 Trailer - SDCC09: Jean Grey Vignette |access-date=2009-07-22 |website=IGN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726144236/http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14233937/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2/videos/sdcc09_marvel2_trl_jeangrey_72109.htmljsessionid=2mocrxufxaj1q |archive-date=July 26, 2009 }} while n-Space developed the Nintendo DS, PS2 and Wii versions.{{Cite web |url=http://www.n-space.com/MUA2_Diary.html |title=MUA2 Diary |publisher=n-Space |access-date=2011-01-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927224502/http://www.n-space.com/MUA2_Diary.html |archive-date=2011-09-27 }} Savage Entertainment ported the version developed by n-Space to the PSP.{{cite web | url=http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/marvel-ultimate-alliance-2/ | title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 |access-date=2011-01-03 |publisher=GameSpy}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20071030064433/http://xmenlegends.com/}} (archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20071030064433/http://xmenlegends.com/ original])
• {{moby game|id=/x-men-legends}}

{{X-Men media}}

{{Raven Software}}

Category:Role-playing video games

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Category:Video games set in Alaska

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