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I should have seen the signs

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 13 / 16
Date: November 20, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Earlier this year, amid some personal turmoil, I decided that I would use some of my tax return to invest in a next-generation gaming system. In deciding to go with an Xbox, I had read about several exclusive games that got me really excited about the the system. This game was one of them. It promised a free roaming environment, open-ended gameplay, and the title "best superhero game ever". In the months prior to its release, it got a cover story in the Official Xbox Magazine and quite a bit of press. As it got closer and closer to release date, I heard less and less about it. Its release was unheralded, and at the time of this writing, Amazon does not even have a box graphic. These are signs of unfulfilled promises, folks.....

Man of Steel, as far as I have played it, anyhow, is in no way free-roaming or open-ended in its game play. I think I had more freedom in the 2600 game. All the missions I have played so far have been very time-based and any exploration of the environment whatsoever will pretty much get shut down when your mission fails.

Even without these promised aspects of gameplay, Superman: Man of Steel would be a tolerable action/adventure title if it was not plagued by a poorly designed controller layout. One would think that an important aspect of reproducing Superman's movements would potentially be super-manuverability, but Man of Steel does not capture this at all.

There are three distinct controller modes - hover, fly, and combat. The controls are different in each one. For maximum effect, they all have to be used in conjunction and each one has shortcomings that must be surmounted. The flying mode will not let you turn sharply enough, turn loop-to loop, or fly straight down. The combat mode relies on a "lock-on" system that is unnatural and unreliable. The hover mode is just plain confusing and far too slow for combat situations. While you are trying to juggle these three modes to get the maximum amount of manuverability, you watch your time slip away as you bump helplessly into the sides of buildings trying to figure out the quickest way to fly in a circle while you get beat down from behind by the countless hordes of Brainiac 13 robots........all with no training mode or viable controller options!

I will say that the game LOOKS amazing. Even though his movements are clumsy, Superman is very well-rendered during gameplay (although not so much so during the cut-scenes). His cape and the flight effects are show-stoppers. The real star of the game is the (noticably barren) city of Metropolis. What little exploration I have been able to do gives me the impression that it has a very well-defined and consistent map, but I have not had a chance to explore it as much as it seems like it deserves. The super-linear nature of gameplay keeps Superman always rushing to stop the next catastrophe before time runs out.

The lowdown: I envisioned being able to fly about Metropolis (open-ended GTA-style, of course) listening for cries of help that lead to a trail of crimes. The trail would eventually lead to some sort of Luthor-devised plot that would be in keeping with the Superman mythos. Maybe I would get all the clues, maybe not, but I would like to put on the shoes of the hero and watch what I would do if I were him. THAT could potentially be the "best superhero game ever". Instead I'm hovering around desperately searching for a tentative lock on a robot while trying to simply turn around before my time runs out. I don't think Supes has to worry about that too much.

Great Superman Game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: November 08, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This is the best Superman game I have ever played. As it goes Brainiac 13 has returned from the future and you have to beat him and his many many robots. You have at your disposal all of Superman's super powers, super strength, super speed, flying, heat vision, freeze breath, x-ray vision, and telescopic vision. And you are not limited at all in these powers, they are all at your disposal at any time during the game. The controls are a little difficult but that is just the price we must pay for a game in which the main character flies.
The one thing to complain about is the lack of freedom and interaction within the game. Although you do have all superpowers, there are guidlines in deafeating enemies and the environments are not really interactive at all. It would be incredible to be able to punch a bot and send him through a building. There are no objects lying around that you could pick up and throw at the enemies. Small things that it seems like would have been simple additions to an already great game. All in all, a fun game to own. The levels are incredibly large and Superman can fly or run through every nook and cranny. It is truly incredible, a feat that could only be accomplished on the XBOX.

Fun, rewarding game for those who give it a chance

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: February 01, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I avoided this game for months because of bad reviews, but then I actually played it and was pleasantly surprised.

True, the timed objectives seem insane when you first start playing, but this is because Metropolis is so huge, it can be a little confusing as to where you need to go. However, once you learn to use the onscreen radar and objective indicators (which are plainly visible- even through buildings), you'll always know exactly where Superman is needed. It then becomes very easy to beat the clock, yet there's still a sense of urgency that makes you feel like you're Superman racing to save Metropolis.

Another great aspect of the gameplay is that it will throw more than one objective at you- forcing you to decide which to handle first. There's just something cool about Superman having to leave a building under attack to fly off and chase down a few stray missiles.

The objectives are also much more than just putting out fires. You get to do everything from catching bank robbers, to cooling giant generators (by flying them to nearby rivers), and even rescuing hovercars that have been damaged during your mid-air fights with villains.

The gameplay earns an extra star for its massive size and scope. You'll chase certain villains (such as Bizarro) all over the city before finally defeating them in mid-air showdowns. And Superman isn't just confined to Metropolis the whole time, but travels to Warworld, enters the Phantom Zone, and even does battle in Outer Space!

Overall, this is not the best X-Box game out there, but it is a very fun superhero game that has been very unfairly reviewed by most critics. There are also quite a bit of extras that should make any Superman fan smile (such as being able to play as the Superman from Action Comics or Kingdom Come, and being able to use John William's score as your in-game soundtrack).

Could be better, but still enjoyable

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: November 09, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Because I've actually played the game, I'll write a competent review...The game consists mostly of timed objectives. Having to hurry everywhere without enjoying the game takes away from the scenery and make the game sometimes overly challenging. The free roam after completing a level is a much needed bonus to fully explore the levels. The graphics are very impressive at times, such as the flowing cape and blurred space behind him when he's flying fast. The controls take a bit of effort to master, but eventually become managable. Unfortunately, Superman isn't invunerable, I'm sure there are ways to make a game that accurately depict Superman's actual abilities. The game would be much more enjoyable if it was slightly slower paced. Who can enjoy a game that after every objective, you've got 30 seconds to complete another objective? If you're a Superman fan, you'll enjoy the game anyway. Just that fact that it's a Superman game for the Xbox inflates the star rating to a 4.

Despite flaws, it's pretty good to be the Man of Steel

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: February 03, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Maybe it's because I've played so many Superman games in the past that were REALLY bad, but I thought this game was a lot of fun. It does take a little time to learn the controls and get used to the gameplay, but after that, it's basically an easy game and you can just enjoy being Superman. (And isn't that the whole point, anyway?)

It's set in a more futuristic Metropolis (thanks to Brainiac 13's upgrades), but the look of the game reminded me a lot of the films- especially the nighttime levels in downtown Metropolis. (Copy the Superman soundtrack to your X-Box, and you really start to feel like you're flying around in the movie!)

I noticed one reviewer felt that the game was too rushed, but I think the pace is pretty well-balanced. The timed objectives are primarily in the first half of the game, and actually help to keep the game from becoming monotonous (since you do fight a lot of robots). There's also a lot of objectives that (oddly) aren't timed, and the second half of the game doesn't time you much at all. So, in many of the levels you do have the freedom to let the bad guys wait while you just fly around.

This game obviously isn't for everyone, but Superman fans should definitely give it a test flight.

It just got too boring and repetetive...

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: January 28, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Superman The Man of Steel seemed like a super game at first. It controls well, has decent graphics, and has all of Superman's powers. However, I didnt even finish this game, since it got so boring and repetitive. It had great potential, but every misson feels the same, and they all are. They are all basically "go to point a and destroy those robots". And after you destroy those robots in point A, it makes you go to point B,and over again. You can fight villans though. If you are a hardcore fan of Superman comics and stuff, you may enjoy this. But I can say that I didnt. It could have been so good too. Its the most authentic Superman game i've ever played, and probably the best one ever. Thats not saying very much though, considering Superman's dark videogame history...

Superman Meets the X-Box!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: February 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is the game I usually pop in when I just want to get a quick gaming fix- which is why I'm giving it five stars. No, it's not GTA3, but it is a pretty good superhero game. The gameplay is simple, and allows you to quickly master all of Superman's powers (which are pretty fun to use, btw). The game has a good variety of tasks to perform, but more rescues on a larger scale would've been nice- like saving an airplane or catching a falling tower, etc. Also, more interaction with the environment could've really elevated this game- like being able to fly through the billboards or buildings. Lastly, I think the xbox magazine cover story may have actually hurt the game by promising people 'the greatest superhero game ever'. I had also read that article and expected something revolutionary, but I can live with a Superman game that is basically just fun to play.

Legendary

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: September 14, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I am a big fan of Superman so I had to have it even though I didn't own an Xbox. I had heard that the controls where hard and that is true, but it is easy to handle after awhile and there are other settings.
Now the nitty gritty....The extras are cool. You can unlock different costumes. The super powers never run out and that is a plus.
WARNING this game is challenging. I would imagine that it is just like what the Man of Steel's day would be like if he was real.
The game has mission objectives like protecting building, rescueing people, fixing stuff; all the while Braniac 13's lackys are stealing technology form the city to rebuild his body. The objectives usauly have a 3- 5 min time limit that if not accomplished will result in a game over. AND IT IS SUPER HARD!!!!!
The only way to replenish life is to complete the objectives on time. There are no extra lives but ulimited continues.
It even includes a free roam mode where you can fly through the levels. This is what I think major fans will love. The game developers even placed in the street signs. Major attractions such as the Superman memorial in Centenial Park is in the game.
I have only had this game for a couple of days and it is fun. Ijust wish it had multiplayer and more villians. But hey thats me.

Superman is back!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: November 15, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The best superman game that I had ever played before this one was Superman on Sega Genesis, since then no superman game has come close. But Xbox finally did something right. It captures what superman is made of. Yes of course takes time to get used to controls and you wish you could go faster or do some other things other reviewers have mentioned and have not such a small amount of time for some challenges but other than that it really gives you the feeling of flight and what he goes through. The music is ok but nothing compared to the music from the movie, so i tell you this, make your own mix from the music from the soundtrack and the game really becomes different, no lie. The game becomes more fun. Also some graphics of superman and other characters while in cinema mode could be better but over all this game has almost everything superman fans want.

Superman games always seem to be let downs!

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: November 16, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I'm a huge Superman fan. You know the bit read the comics since I was a kid, absolutley love the movies, watch the TV series etc. That's why downing this game is such a let down. This game is only for people who won't believe anything with the "S" can be bad until they try it...like me. First off I wouldn't recommend this for the younger audience namely because of the difficulty. The game pretty much just throws you in the game and gives you quick messages like "Oh yeah! Here's how you do this!". The controls are controller breaking frusterating. You confront ten enemies at once and find yourself getting shot by all while trying to manevuer to get a lock on one. Unlike the PS2's Superman: Shadow of Apokolips flying isn't half as fun. I.E. no cool Christopher Reeve arm movements, no loops, no 180 degree fly-rounds...you fly forward...real fast...sometimes you turn. The character models are terrible...people in-game look like bulky blobs with little expression. And who did the dialogue for this game? I don't remember Superman ever shouting "Holy Krypton!"...if he did I'm sure he was under the influence of something. Honestly unless you love Superman and just have to find out yourself don't buy this game. If you want to play a good Superman game go check out the PS2's Superman: Shadow of Apokolips. Sorry Supes...but this game was a let down.

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