Fantastic Four (2005)

Fantastic Four is a 2005 action-adventure game based loosely on the Fantastic Four film. The game was published by Activision for many different systems in 2005.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The Fantastic Four get so much more to do than the 2005 movie. For example, they visit different parts of Earth.
 * 2) While Doctor Doom is still a Norman Osborn expy, he uses his Doombots like in the comics.
 * 3) As always, Michael Chiklis does a great job as the Thing.
 * 4) Nick Fury with Samuel L. Jackson’s likeness helps the team out, 6 years before Chris Evans played Captain America and encountering the same character in the first Captain America film.
 * 5) The main actors aside from Kerry Washington use their likenesses and voices in the game.
 * 6) There are bonus levels set in Latveria with the characters designed after the actual comics.
 * 7) Many villains are encountered, not just Doctor Doom. They include Mole Man, the Puppet Master, Dragon Man and Annihilus.
 * 8) Each character has their own moves and combos.
 * 9) It is a cooperative game with two players.
 * 10) The FMV cutscenes are quite good for a 2005 game.
 * 11) Collectibles can be found in every level, providing some replay value. The levels can also be replayed.
 * 12) There is an upgrade system where combos can be unlocked.
 * 13) Each of the four characters have their own theme song, with Error Operator by Take Back Sunday also used in the film.
 * 14) There is a featurette with the films’ cast. Other bonuses include comic book covers and pages.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) The tutorials are mandatory.
 * 2) Kerry Washington didn’t return to voice Alicia Masters, as she is replaced by Cree Summer. As with the movie, Alicia is blackwashed.
 * 3) Some of the voice acting is wooden, especially from Ioan Gruffudd and Jessica Alba.
 * 4) The music at the Mole Man’s first encounter was lazily recycled from The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian.
 * 5) Unlike the film, Sue isn’t using her anger to her brother.

Trivia

 * Zak Penn, who wrote several superhero films co-wrote the game.

Reception
Fantastic Four received review from mixed to positive compared to the film it derived from.