VIDEO GAME 'X-Men Legends' has full-bodied fun

It takes on the souls of the justice squad members.
By PHIL VILLARREAL
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
You could have dressed up as Wolverine for Halloween, but "X-Men Legends" actually allows you to become the mutant hero, unleashing your adamantium claws in a rampage of righteous destruction.
The Marvel Comics justice squadron, whose adventures have been comprehensively adapted into action games, leaps into the role-playing genre with the latest entry. "Legends," a sprawling strategic adventure filled with level-ups, resource management and teamwork, makes for the most full-bodied video game take on the X-Men mythos to date.
Most of the action-heavy X-Men games have captured the swift legs, strong arms and steely glares of the heroes. "Legends" is the first to capture their souls.
Flowing narrative
The writers delved into volumes of X-Men comic books, unearthing their most intense adventures and shaping them into one airtight, flowing narrative.
Not only does "Legends" re-create the battle scenarios and back-stories, it probes the heavier themes, which put the heroes up as metaphors for victims of racism and intolerance.
The warriors are all genetic mutants who benefit and suffer from their superpowers, and often struggle to protect a populace who would rather not have them around.
Paying full tribute to the mega-geek fanatics who make the study of X-Men into a lifestyle, the game trots out hoards of classic and obscure characters from the past.
The esteemed Patrick Stewart is on hand to provide the voice of Professor Xavier, the leader of the mutant hero squadron. Stewart, reprising the role from the two "X-Men" movies, showers the game with legitimacy. He's the only big name in the voice cast, other than Lou Diamond Phillips, who plays the little-known Forge character. Hard times for the "La Bamba" star. You'd think he'd at least rate Cyclops.
The premise
Players start as Wolverine, who is on a quest to rescue and protect Magma, the newest member of the team, from the misguided and hateful Brotherhood of Mutants.
More playable characters are unlocked along the way -- 14 in all. As you progress, "Legends" becomes more about thinking and planning, rather than button-mashing.
You size up missions, select the best possible combination of four heroes, then meld their attacks at proper times to perform the most devastating attacks.
The action reaches fever pitch when four players are on the system, each controlling his or her X-Person in a daunting collaborative force. In single-player mode, you must rely on iffy computer intelligence to control your three allies.
Characters gain experience points from their victories, and it's up to you on how to distribute their skills in various strength categories. It's also a good idea to act like a good AYSO coach and evenly distribute the playing time among your charges, so no team member falls behind in development.
Much replayability
Some may find "Legends" a little too easy, but the concept provides nearly unlimited replayability. Even after a victory, you always think of one or two things you could have done more effectively, or lament an opportunity missed.
The astounding "X-Men: Legends," on the other hand, is an opportunity just about maximized.
X"X-Men Legends," by Activisioin for GameCube, PlayStation2 and Xbox, is rated T for teens because of blood and violence.