'Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction," rated E 10-plus for violence and combat.
With the many TV and movie adaptations of video games, it's unfortunate some developers tend to follow the same cookie-cutter formula.
However, in the game adaptation of Cartoon Network's hit TV series “Ben 10 Ultimate Alien,” it's obvious developer Papaya Studio Corporation tried to produce a game that remained true to the show.
Like the cartoon, "Cosmic Destruction" iis intended to appeal toward a younger audience. Fortunately not too many 10-year-olds are concerned with graphics, because the visuals are nothing to shout about. The Xbox 360 is definitely capable of a lot more. That said, the character models are still decent.
The game-play controls are simple and it works well enough for young gamers. Attacking can be tied to one button, while special powers are added in with one of the triggers.
The game controls do lead into one of the more troublesome parts of the game, however. At the player's disposal are various different alien forms that they can morph into and unlock their unique powers. Though simple, it was enjoyable to discover new powers for each alien: Terraspin is a giant turtle creature with the ability to hover for a short time; Echo is a strange robotic being that can create a copy of itself; and Humungousaur is a giant, muscular alien that uses brute force to tear up enemies and others.
While they all have interesting powers, the character models often feel a bit too stiff. Humungousaur is laughable, like trying to maneuver a snail. Echo is also fun to fight with, but feels as though he is running on slippery air. It can be quite hilarious.
The camera experiences issues during some platforming sequences. This is not too much of a hindrance once you get the hang of it. On a positive note, the options to upgrade your aliens’ stats comes as a subtle touch to add a little more depth to the game and allow players to feel like they are progressing somewhere.
Also, the game plays very linear. Puzzles are generally easy, even unnecessary at times. Fight sequences occur frequently enough to keep you engaged, although most battles resort to basically the same routine of mashing the attack button until all the enemies are dead.
It is very difficult to die even when you do not have a clue what you are doing during fights. It's like having invisible, game-play training wheels on that will never lead you astray.
All in all, the game plays very much like watching a cartoon, something fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate. Young gamers are bound to look past any flaws by the mere fact that it is a fun adaptation of one of their favorite cartoons.
Jonathan Cuevas is a computer developer and avid gamer who lives in Saratoga Springs, Utah.