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Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Item: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 19, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperTeam Ninja

Overview

Assemble your ultimate team of Marvel Super Heroes from a huge cast including the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, the X-Men, and more! Team up with friends to prevent galactic devastation at the hands of the mad cosmic tyrant Thanos and his ruthless warmasters, The Black Order.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

81%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are varied, but there are some positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, FANDOM, Impulsegamer, and Vooks appreciate the quality of the story, praising its captivating and genuine nature, smart writing, and fun and light-hearted moments. These critics highlight the game's ability to capture the essence and spirit of the Marvel universe, with entertaining cutscenes that echo the look and feel of recent Marvel movies. The combination of various sources, including the Infinity Gauntlet arc, the cinematic universe, comics, and TV shows, is also seen as a positive aspect by Critical Hit and God is a Geek. The effort to bring in more modern audiences by tying together recent relevant IP from the Marvel universe is appreciated by Destructoid. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the story. Critics like Game Informer, My Nintendo News, and Switch Player express concerns about certain aspects of the story. Game Informer feels that the story sacrifices heart and soul to continually introduce new characters and locations. My Nintendo News criticizes the nonsensical pacing, awkward character introductions, and reliance on the player's foreknowledge of the world. Switch Player finds the story to be lengthy and mainly serving as a driving force for the chapters, lacking a major cinematic style or quality narrative. The cutscenes and narrative are seen as a distraction and not very engaging by ZTGD. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the captivating and genuine nature of the story, others find it predictable and lacking in originality. The combination of various sources and the inclusion of a wide range of Marvel characters and locations are seen as positives, but the sacrificing of heart and soul in favor of introducing new characters and locations is seen as a negative aspect. The overall sentiment leans towards a mixed reception, with some critics praising the story's fun and light-hearted nature, while others criticize its pacing and lack of engagement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3's story. Some love its captivating Marvel universe essence and smart writing, while others criticize its pacing and lack of depth. Positive points include fun cutscenes and tie-ins with recent Marvel IPs, but negative aspects include sacrificing depth for new characters and locations. Overall, the story's mixed reception reflects its strengths and weaknesses.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the combat mechanics and the ability to control a team of four heroes. CGMagazine commends the gameplay for involving selecting a party of heroes, utilizing abilities and synergy attacks, and requiring strategy in boss fights. Destructoid also highlights the fast and flashy combat, with multiple heroes duking it out on-screen and the addition of party composition and synergy adding depth. NintendoWorldReport mentions that the gameplay makes a sound first impression, with enjoyable action both solo and in co-op. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the gameplay. Attack of the Fanboy criticizes the combat for feeling bland and lacking depth, while Gameplanet mentions that the combat is fun but lacks the special Team Ninja feel. Metro GameCentral describes the combat as shallow and repetitive, with limited combos and simplistic role-playing elements. Impulsegamer criticizes the gameplay for being formulaic and involving a lot of button mashing, with little distinction between characters. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the combat mechanics, teamwork dynamics, and enjoyable action, others criticize the lack of depth, repetitive nature, and formulaic gameplay. It is worth noting that some critics, such as RPGamer and Vooks, highlight the importance of synergy attacks and abilities for success, indicating that there are strategic elements within the gameplay. However, the negative opinions regarding the lack of depth and repetitive nature of the combat seem to outweigh the positive aspects mentioned by the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 gameplay. Positives include fun combat mechanics and team dynamics, but negatives cite blandness, lack of depth, and repetitiveness. Some praise strategic elements, while others criticize formulaic button-mashing.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are quite varied. Several critics praised the game's visuals, highlighting the vibrant and colorful art style that combines designs from the comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe. CGMagazine commends the game for its mix of designs, while Daily Star mentions the excellent animations and character attacks. Pure Nintendo appreciates the visually pleasing comic-book cell-shaded art style, which brings out each hero's personality. The game's nostalgic feel for fans of Marvel properties is also acknowledged by RPG Site. These positive comments indicate that the game successfully captures the essence of the Marvel universe and its diverse roster of characters. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the game's graphics and visual design. Game Informer criticizes the sterile and repetitive environments, which lack destructibility. Impulsegamer finds the level design uninspired, exacerbated by camera angles that contribute to a graphical mess. TheSixthAxis mentions that while the game feels like playing a moving comic book, the enemies can feel uninspired at times. Worth Playing points out that while the art style is charming and enjoyable, the actual graphics are not particularly impressive and suffer from moments of serious slowdown and loss of frames. These criticisms highlight areas where the game falls short in terms of graphical execution and design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order delivers a visually interesting experience with its vibrant and colorful art style that combines designs from the comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe. The game successfully captures the essence of the Marvel universe and its diverse roster of characters, which is appreciated by critics such as RPG Site and VGC. However, there are some drawbacks, such as repetitive environments, uninspired level design, and occasional graphical issues like frame rate drops and juddering camera movements. Despite these shortcomings, the game's overall visual design is praised for its ability to create a lively and engaging experience, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy and Daily Star.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3's graphics. Positive feedback focuses on vibrant comic-style visuals capturing the Marvel universe essence. However, negative points include repetitive environments, uninspired level design, and occasional graphical glitches. Overall, the game impresses with its colorful art style but falls short in some areas.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are generally positive. Attack of the Fanboy and God is a Geek both praise the production value, with Attack of the Fanboy specifically mentioning the top-notch voice acting and music. Daily Star and NintendoWorldReport highlight the positive impact of the voices and music on the overall comic book feel of the game. TheSixthAxis commends the stellar voice talent, including Brian Bloom as Captain America and Eric Loomis as Iron Man, and emphasizes how the voice acting brings the characters to life. These positive opinions indicate that the game successfully delivers in terms of sound design and music, enhancing the players' immersion and enjoyment. However, there are a few criticisms raised by some reviewers. Destructoid mentions two minor audio glitches where voiceovers didn't trigger properly, which can be seen as a negative aspect of the sound design. RPGamer describes the music as generic and forgettable, which suggests that it may not leave a lasting impression on players. Stevivor also notes that the voice acting is a mixed bag, with some characters sounding like their film counterparts and others not. These negative opinions highlight areas where the sound design and music could have been improved to provide a more consistent and memorable experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are solid, with some standout elements. The positive comments from Attack of the Fanboy, Daily Star, God is a Geek, NintendoWorldReport, and TheSixthAxis indicate that the voice acting and music contribute positively to the game's overall atmosphere and immersion. While there are some minor glitches and generic music mentioned by Destructoid and RPGamer, these criticisms do not overshadow the generally positive reception of the sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3's sound design and music for enhancing the game's comic book feel with top-notch voice acting and music. Stellar performances by voice talent like Brian Bloom and Eric Loomis bring characters to life, though some reviewers note minor audio glitches and generic music. Overall, the consensus is positive, with the game delivering an immersive experience despite some room for improvement.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are generally positive. Many critics praised the voice acting, describing it as top-notch, well executed, and competent. They appreciated the accurate impressions of well-known characters and the way the voices showcased the personalities of the characters. The performances of Brian Bloom as Captain America and Eric Loomis as Iron Man were specifically highlighted as notable by TheSixthAxis. The voice acting was also praised for bringing the characters to life and emulating the actors who portrayed them in the cinematic universe, as mentioned by RPGamer. The voice-acting was described as reflecting the upbeat and over-the-top nature of the game, as stated by Daily Star. However, there were some mixed opinions regarding the voice acting in the game. While some characters sounded like their film counterparts, others did not, as mentioned by Stevivor. This inconsistency in capturing the likeness of certain characters may have been a drawback for some critics. Additionally, the voice acting was not considered to be on par with the stellar cast of the films, as mentioned by My Nintendo News. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is well executed and enjoyable. The voice cast is praised for their competent performances and accurate impressions of well-known characters. The voices effectively represent the personalities of the characters and bring them to life. While there were some mixed opinions and inconsistencies in capturing the likeness of certain characters, the overall sentiment towards the voice acting is positive. The voice acting in the game is considered to be top-notch, reflecting the upbeat and over-the-top nature of the game, and enhancing the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics generally praise the voice acting in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order as top-notch, well-executed, and competent. While some characters sound like their film counterparts, others do not, leading to mixed opinions. Overall, the voice acting brings characters to life and enhances the game's upbeat nature, though it may not reach the stellar level of the film cast.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order on the Nintendo Switch are mixed. Some critics, such as Daily Star and Gameplanet, mentioned that the frame rate generally holds up well and the game runs smoothly. Daily Star specifically noted that there are only minor frame-rate dips in handheld mode, which do not significantly impact the overall experience. However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by several critics. Attack of the Fanboy criticized the online multiplayer experience, stating that it is plagued with latency, disconnects, and frame rate issues. My Nintendo News also highlighted camera issues, including juddering and real-time frame rate drops. Worth Playing mentioned moments of serious slowdown and loss of frames, especially in handheld mode. These negative aspects were also echoed by other critics, such as Video Chums and Vooks, who mentioned that the camera can obscure the action and get stuck on scenery, leading to frustrating scenarios. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order on the Nintendo Switch generally maintains a stable frame rate, there are notable technical shortcomings. The camera issues, including juddering, real-time frame rate drops, and obstruction of the action, were mentioned by multiple critics, including My Nintendo News, Video Chums, and Vooks. Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted moments of serious slowdown and loss of frames, particularly in handheld mode. These technical issues detract from the overall experience of the game, as mentioned by several critics. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as Daily Star and Gameplanet, found the technical performance to be tolerable and did not consider the frame rate issues to be game-breaking.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order for Nintendo Switch. Some praise its stable frame rate, while others criticize camera issues, online multiplayer problems, and frame rate drops in handheld mode. Overall, while some find the technical performance tolerable, many critics point out significant shortcomings that detract from the gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are generally positive. Many critics highlight the abundance of content and challenges that provide additional gameplay experiences. Attack of the Fanboy praises the multiple difficulty levels and challenge rifts, while CGMagazine mentions the optional challenges called Infinity Rifts and upgradeable artifacts called ISO-8. Daily Star and Nintendo Insider both emphasize the appeal of playing locally or online with friends, adding to the game's replayability. Game Informer also acknowledges the replay value through levels and challenges. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics. Gameplanet expresses frustration with the leveling system, which locks players into using a limited number of characters. They also mention the lack of new powers to unlock and the inability to change hero powers, which may make replaying with different characters less appealing. Metro GameCentral points out the need for level grinding on higher difficulties, although challenges can be completed along the way to avoid repeating whole stages. Stevivor describes the game as repetitive and best played in short bursts, limiting its appeal to Marvel fans or those who enjoyed previous titles in the franchise. ZTGD criticizes the poor design and functionality of the online play. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order offers a good amount of replay value. The game's large roster of playable characters, additional challenges, and expansions planned for future updates are highlighted by RPGamer and RPG Site. TheSixthAxis mentions the NG+ mode and finishing off Rifts as endgame content. VGC and Video Chums appreciate the Infinity Trials challenges and rewards, which provide an incentive for replaying and mastering the game. Despite some criticisms, the majority of critics find the game enjoyable and commend its replay value, making it suitable for Marvel fans and those looking for a satisfying gameplay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order for its abundant content, challenges, and replay value. Positive aspects include multiple difficulty levels, challenge rifts, and the appeal of playing with friends. However, some critics mention frustrations with the leveling system, lack of new powers, and repetitive gameplay. Despite some criticisms, most critics find the game enjoyable, especially for Marvel fans seeking a satisfying gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is a mixed bag, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. In terms of positives, many critics praised the game's entertainment value and its appeal to fans of the Marvel franchise. Critics like CGMagazine and FANDOM found the game thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable, with FANDOM specifically mentioning that it can be enjoyed by both hardcore Marvel fans and those who have only seen the films. The game's collaboration between Marvel and Nintendo was also appreciated by Destructoid, who expressed a desire for another game in the series with enhancements. Additionally, the game's character roster, story, and callbacks to the Marvel universe were mentioned positively by Gameplanet and Nintendo Insider. However, there were several negatives pointed out by the critics as well. Repetitiveness was a common criticism, with critics like Critical Hit, Game Informer, and Metro GameCentral mentioning that the game becomes repetitive and doesn't diverge much from the experience of the previous games. Lack of depth in combat and gameplay was another drawback, as highlighted by Attack of the Fanboy, GamesBeat, and TheSixthAxis. Some critics also mentioned technical issues, such as camera problems (Video Chums) and lack of endgame content and character customization (TheSixthAxis). The game's design limitations and lack of polish were mentioned by Impulsegamer as reasons why they found it hard to recommend. Overall, the critics' opinions on the overall verdict of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order are mixed. While there is a consensus that the game is enjoyable and entertaining, especially for fans of the Marvel franchise, there are also concerns about its repetitive gameplay, lack of depth, and technical issues. The game's appeal to Marvel fans and its fun moments were acknowledged, but it falls short of being a standout title. Critics like RPGamer and Press Start Australia found the game to be a successful return for the series, while Worth Playing considered it to be an average game that mainly appeals to Marvel fans. Ultimately, the game offers a fun experience for Marvel enthusiasts, but may not have enough depth or originality to satisfy a broader audience.

TL;DR

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order receives mixed reviews from critics. Positives include its entertainment value, appeal to Marvel fans, and collaboration between Marvel and Nintendo. However, critics point out negatives like repetitiveness, lack of combat depth, and technical issues. While enjoyable for Marvel fans, the game falls short in terms of gameplay depth and originality, making it a decent but not outstanding title.

MONSTER

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

Daily Star

Nintendo Switch

Jul 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is a game worth waiting for. Switch owners will find plenty of content to enjoy, particularly with friends. It's a rollicking good time.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Jul 31, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is a meticulously devised product with a few flaws, but it is a fully-rounded Ultimate Alliance title that offers fun for Marvel fans and RPG enthusiasts.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Jul 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is an undeniably enjoyable and flashy beat-em-up with a vast character roster and plenty of content and challenge.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Jul 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is an enjoyable game that improves upon its predecessors, despite some missteps. It's like comfort food for fans of the franchise.

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FANDOM

Nintendo Switch

Jul 23, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is thoroughly entertaining and can be enjoyed by both hardcore Marvel fans and those who have only seen the films.

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TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Jul 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has improved gameplay, a visually appealing design, and strong voice acting. However, it lacks in endgame content and character customization compared to previous entries. Overall, it is a solid game for Marvel fans.

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Critical Hit

Nintendo Switch

Jul 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Undeniably fun, but it does become quite repetitive. It doesn't diverge much from the experience of the previous games.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jul 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is compared to a B-movie, with enjoyable action and well-crafted characters, despite some camera issues and repetitive level design.

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Video Chums

Nintendo Switch

Sep 6, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is an enjoyable experience, especially when played with friends, but the core gameplay can become tiresome and the camera can be problematic.

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RPGamer

Nintendo Switch

Aug 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is a successful return for the series, boasting strong gameplay and an impressive roster of heroes. It shines when played with friends and is enjoyable as a single-player action RPG.

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