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Review of Fantastic Four on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 1997
Cover image of Fantastic Four on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 3
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 16 Oct 1997
Genre: Beat 'em up
Developer: Probe Entertainment
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment

Introduction

Picture this: The Fantastic Four has to save the world again, but instead of stretching their powers to their limits, they decide to take a vacation... in a video game that is inexplicably bad. Welcome to 'Fantastic Four' for the PlayStation, a beat 'em up that can teach you the vital lesson of appreciating the good games after you try this one. Spoilers: it's a wild ride down a very bumpy road.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Fantastic Four is almost like an awkward dance at a school prom-all the moves are there, but no one knows quite how to perform them. You can control one of four heroes (sorry, She-Hulk, you're not getting a seat at this table-unless you can find an extra multitap). Each character has some fighting moves-punching, kicking, spinning around like they're in the middle of a 90s rave, you name it. Each character also boasts unique special moves, which are like a surprise gift you don't really want. Enemies consist of thugs, robots, and mutants that show up more predictably than a bad sitcom. You defeat them, move to the boss of the level, and lather, rinse, repeat. You do this until your thumb begins to contemplate a break (which is a romantic relationship you have to examine later). Occasionally, there's a mini-game during the loading screens, which is great because you can forget how bad the main game is-until you need to load again. It's like a bad joke that keeps on giving. Oh, and using the same move too many times will earn you a 'cheesy' icon. Like, thanks, dev team, I definitely wanted to feel confronted about my lack of creativity mid-fight! The ultimate goal? Defeat various villains like Doctor Doom, who evidently became an antagonist for more than just the Fantastic Four; he was the primary antagonist for everyone who dared to play this game.

Graphics

Now, let's discuss graphics because we all love a little eye pain. The sprites look like they went for a fancy dinner but ended up at a fast-food joint. The color palette is colors you didn't want to see together, and the animations are wooden enough to earn the title of 'Best Supporting Role in a Horror Movie.' Somehow, by the end of the game, you'll start to miss the blocky graphics of a classic 8-bit title, which proves that nostalgia can indeed twist your perception. There's a specific scene that looks like Mr. Fantastic, the stretchy dude, lost a bet against a toddler using crayons. Let's face it: even the backgrounds seem confused, and it's hard to decide whether they're meant to impress or terrify the player.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Fantastic Four adventure is anything but that-unless 'fantastic' refers to how quickly you want to turn it off. While it promised a super-powered experience, it delivered a drudgery that would put even the most enthusiastic comic book fans to sleep. If you ever feel down about your gaming choices, just remember: at least you didn't spend your hard-earned cash on this train wreck. In other words, if you ever happen to see this game in a bargain bin, let it stay there, collect dust, and remind you to stay away from the worst of licensed games. With a score of 3/10, the Fantastic Four truly is fantastic... for those looking for an unintentional comedy routine. Grab your buddies, a few beverages, and watch them struggle to come to terms with this disaster; it's guaranteed to provide entertainment in a way the game itself never could!

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