Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Primer Guide

Who hasn't wanted to be a superhero for a day? Well, Marvel Ultimate Alliance enables you to live out that fantasy, and more, by allowing you to take control of an entire squad of superheroes! Of course, between dealing with the whims of the general public and trying to find a spandex suit that fits, a superhero's life isn't all fun and games. Thankfully, our Primer Guide will give you a rundown of the superhero basics, preparing you for almost anything that should come your way.

Here's what you'll find in GameSpot's Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Primer Guide:

• Superhero 101: If you're new to Ultimate Alliance, or just looking for some quick tips, our Superhero 101 section will get you up to speed.
• Combat Strategies: Get the scoop on some advanced combat techniques.
• Achievements: Learn how to obtain this game's every achievement.
• Trophies: Want some of those PS3 trophies? Here you go!

Superhero 101

When you get down to it, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is a beat-em-up. But don't let that fool you: there is a surprising amount of depth to this game, and learning how to combat your opponents properly is an important fundamental to learn.

Assembling Your Team

As a superhero squad, its important that each character carries their weight, and the best way to do this is to form a well-balanced team. For example, Wolverine is a great close-range fighter, so his skills would be complimented by someone such as Captain America, whose fighting-style is more long-range focused. In addition, it's not a bad idea to have a character on your team capable of flight, which we'll discuss more in-depth shortly.

Leveling Up

You gain experience points as you defeat enemies. Collect enough and you'll "level up," which not only increases your superhero's stats, but also allows you to specify exactly which skills you wish to enhance. You can do this in one of two ways: via the pause menu, or in-game by tapping "back" (360) or "select" (PS3).

Combat Basics

There are three primary attacks in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Attacks, Heavy Attacks, and Charged Attacks. Basic attacks (performed with "A" (360) or "X" (PS3) are quick, but weak attacks that are good for transitioning into a combo…and that's about it. Heavy attacks (performed with "B" (360) or "O" (PS3), on the other hand, are slower, but more powerful. Although simple, each can be used in many ways, which we'll explore more on the next page.

Combat Strategies

Okay, so you know about the basic attacks, but there's much to learn of what can be done with them.

Charge Attacks

Charge Attacks are powerful maneuvers that can be performed by holding the "Heavy Attack" button for several seconds. A glow emits from your character when he's fully charged, so keep an eye out for it. Just bear in mind that you cannot move while charging, so it's generally best to perform this attack while in the air, where you're protected from most enemies.

Combos

By linking together your Attack and Strong Attack in different, you can create several types of combos that have varying effect.

• Multi-hit Attack: Attack, Attack, Attack
• Launch: Attack, Attack Heavy Attack (flips the enemy into the air)
• Trip: Attack, Heavy Attack, Attack (knocks the enemy to the ground)
• Stun: Attack, Heavy Attack, Heavy Attack (briefly stuns the opponent--the word "stun" appears when successfully executed)

Special Powers

Each character has several unique powers that can used by holding the right-trigger and tapping any of the face buttons. Although you only start the game with two, you'll unlock more as you play through the story mode.

Now you can't just run around performing Special Attacks willy-nilly, as you're limited in how many you can use at a time by the Special Powers meter. Thankfully, its energy slowly replenishes so long as can refrain from using a special attack for a few moments.

Fusion Attacks

Fusion attacks allow you to team-up with another superhero in your squad for a powerful and often devastating attack. Every character combination leads to a unique attack, so it's important to experiment and discover what works best for you.

To initiate a fusion, hold the left-trigger to ready-up, causing a button-icon to appear over each of your teammate's heads. Tap the one of the teammate you wish to partner with to initiate the attack. Subsequently, many of the attacks instruct you to hammer on the Attack button to increase its strength (indicated by a button icon displayed on-screen), while others may put you in direct control, allowing you to steer it with the control-stick--these are known as Targeted Fusions, and are ideal for tackling bosses.

Grabs/Throws

When engaged in close-quarters combat, you are able to grab the enemy using the 'grab' button. Just make sure you're within range, otherwise you'll be left extremely vulnerable.

Once the enemy is in your possession, you have three options: attack him, shove him (by pressing Heavy Attack), or raising him above your head (by tapping Grab again) before tossing him in any direction. Each has their own purpose and can actually be chained together for maximum efficiency. For instance, you may want to quickly attack an opponent once or twice before raising him above your head and throwing him at a group of enemies, inflicting damage en masse. As for the shove…it's only really useful if you need to disengage from the enemy quickly. Just keep in mind that the enemy will eventually break free of your chokehold, so decide quickly.

Flying

Many characters have the ability to fly (or something similar) above the playing field. To begin your flight, simply tap "jump" twice. For example, Ice Man can skate around above the heads of your foes, while Spiderman can websling for the same effect. This ability allows them to maneuver around in relative safely--at an increased speed--while getting into position for an attack. In addition, you can adjust the altitude that your character 'flies' at by using the Grab and Jump buttons to drop or gain altitude, respectively.

Weapons

Scattered throughout the levels are objects and weapons that can be picked up and used to augment your physical prowess. Almost anything that can be interacted with can be picked up with the Grab button and thrown at your opponents.

In addition, you'll occasisonally encounter actual weapons. These increase the amount of damage you inflict, but beware that it comes at the expense of not being able to use your special powers.

Xbox 360 Achievements

Note that there are Spoilers on this list.

PlayStation 3 Trophies

Note that there are Spoilers on this list.