Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
- Platforms: PlayStation
- Developers: Midway Studios Los Angeles
- Publishers: Activision
X-Men: Mutant Academy (2000)
Released in 2000 for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color, X-Men: Mutant Academy is a 3D/2D fighting game developed by Paradox and based on the X-Men characters from Marvel Comics. The game was released as a tie-in to the 2000 X-Men film, and features characters from both the comics and the movie.
Gameplay
X-Men: Mutant Academy is a basic fighting game that uses six buttons: three buttons for punches and three for kicks. Players can string together combos by pressing different buttons in sequence, and can also use special moves and super moves by inputting specific button combinations.
The game features a roster of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles. Characters can be played both with their comic book costumes and their costumes from the 2000 X-Men film. Characters not present in the film were given costumes of a similar design.
The game’s single-player mode consists of an arcade mode, a survival mode, and a training mode. In arcade mode, players fight their way through a series of opponents, culminating in a final boss battle against Magneto. In survival mode, players fight against an endless horde of enemies, with the goal of surviving as long as possible. In training mode, players can practice their combos and special moves against a computer-controlled opponent.
The game also features a multiplayer mode, which allows two players to compete against each other.
Reception
X-Men: Mutant Academy received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s accessible gameplay and impressive roster of characters, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation.
Despite the mixed reviews, X-Men: Mutant Academy was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game’s success led to two sequels: X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 and X-Men: Next Dimension.
Legacy
X-Men: Mutant Academy is remembered as a solid fighting game that captured the spirit of the X-Men comics and movies. The game’s simple but satisfying gameplay and impressive roster of characters made it a popular choice for both casual and hardcore fighting game fans.
The game’s success also helped to pave the way for future X-Men fighting games, such as the Marvel vs. Capcom series and the X-Men Legends series.
Characters
The following characters are playable in X-Men: Mutant Academy:
- Wolverine
- Cyclops
- Jean Grey
- Storm
- Colossus
- Rogue
- Nightcrawler
- Gambit
- Jubilee
- Magneto
- Sabretooth
- Mystique
Development
X-Men: Mutant Academy was developed by Paradox, a company founded in 1994 by former employees of Midway Games. Paradox had previously developed several fighting games, including Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style and the never-published Thrill Kill.
The game was directed by Dean Dodrill, who had previously worked on the Mortal Kombat series. Dodrill wanted to create a fighting game that was accessible to both casual and hardcore fans, and that captured the spirit of the X-Men comics and movies.
The game’s development team was given access to early concept art and scripts for the 2000 X-Men film, and used this material to create the game’s characters and environments. The team also worked closely with Marvel Comics to ensure that the game was faithful to the source material.
Release
X-Men: Mutant Academy was released for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color in North America on March 7, 2000, and in Europe on March 10, 2000. The game was met with mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Sequels
X-Men: Mutant Academy was followed by two sequels: X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 and X-Men: Next Dimension.
X-Men: Mutant Academy 2
X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in 2001. The game features an updated roster of characters, new stages, and a new story mode.
X-Men: Next Dimension
X-Men: Next Dimension was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in 2002. The game features a 3D cel-shaded art style, a new roster of characters, and a new story mode.
Legacy
X-Men: Mutant Academy is remembered as a solid fighting game that captured the spirit of the X-Men comics and movies. The game’s simple but satisfying gameplay and impressive roster of characters made it a popular choice for both casual and hardcore fighting game fans.
The game’s success also helped to pave the way for future X-Men fighting games, such as the Marvel vs. Capcom series and the X-Men Legends series.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
