Developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games, Incredible Hulk Ultimate Destruction is a free-roaming, action-adventure game that pits you against the incredible power of the green monster. The game is based on the 2008 film directed by Ang Lee, and features characters and events from both the movie and the comic books. It was released in mid-’05 for the PS2, X-Box, and GameCube. Radical and Vivendi had collaborated on another Marvel superhero title two years prior, The Incredible Hulk, which also received mixed to positive reviews.
The gameplay in Ultimate Destruction is what really distinguishes the game from other Marvel games. Unlike other titles, it does not have a complex story or subplots that can distract players from focusing on the action. Instead, UD focuses on what it does best: allowing players to experience the hulk-like destruction that fans love so much.
As in many modern video games, there are a number of different abilities that can be used to combat the enemy. The player can run, jump, throw objects, and smash enemies with his fists. There are also a variety of combos and special moves that can be unlocked as the player progresses through the game.
There are also a number of other ways to advance through the game, including completing certain missions and challenges. These rewards can be used to unlock improvised weapons and other powers. For instance, a player can jump across the city without touching the ground or stack cars in a gruesome game of human “baseball.” The city and buildings are beautifully detailed. Each area has a distinct neighborhood and unique architecture, with meticulous textures and features. The Hulk himself is also impressively animated, with the slightest twitch of his shambling gait evoking his wild-eyed rage.
The sound design is also good. The Hulk’s grunts and roars are well-executed, as is the sound of him slamming opponents and tearing down walls. The game also features a wide range of audio effects, from the sounds of vehicles exploding to the sound of trees snapping under the Hulk’s foot.
Although the game has a good look and feel to it, some technical problems do exist. During the review process, the game crashed a number of times, usually during main story missions. The game also has a tendency to lag at times, which can be frustrating.
Still, despite its flaws, this is one of the better superhero games of its time. If you’re a fan of Marvel or the Incredible Hulk, it’s definitely worth checking out. Unlike other titles in this genre, it doesn’t promise a deep narrative or a complex gameplay system; it simply gives you the chance to play as the savage beast and wreak havoc on a grand scale. The game may be a little repetitive in parts, but it’s still an enjoyable mindless action-adventure. It’s every Hulk fan’s wet dream, and it’s certainly fun to play. It’s just a shame that the developers couldn’t find a way to make it more stable and reliable.