X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a 1994 side-scrolling action with beat-'em up video game developed and published by Capcom for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom. It was based on Marvel Comics' iconic X-Men super heroes franchise.
Before X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, attempts to create a nice X-Men game were not that good. Titles like X-Men and Wolverine for the NES/Famicom and Super NES were considered mediocre and often criticized as embarrassing productions of the gaming industry. The big damn reason? Acclaim and, more specifically, its developer, LJN. But then came Capcom, and with their arcade gaming expertise, the X-Men finally got the game fans had been waiting for—one that did justice to the popular Marvel franchise.
The Story
For years, the small island nation of Genosha has oppressed and subjugated its mutant population while the UN ignored their suffering. As the situation grows worst, Professor X uncovers the real truth: a powerful mutant is manipulating the Genoshan government from the shadows. With the future of mutantkind at stake, Professor X calls upon the X-Men to confront the ultimate threat poised by the powerful Apocalypse!
The Graphics and Sound
The graphics are surprisingly appealing. They feature a unique, false 3D twist in both the characters and the animated backgrounds, creating a visually engaging experience. Each character is easily identifiable, with distinct and detailed features that make them stand out. Overall, the graphics are impressive and were very well made for their time.
The sound aspect is just okay. It is nothing extraordinary but not terrible either. It sits comfortably in the middle. The sound effects are decent and clear, avoiding any scratchy bits. However, the background music can become repetitive and, at times, quite annoying. Which might be detracting from the overall experience.
The Gameplay
Each X-Men character here in the game brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the mission. X-Man Gambit's moves are the easiest to execute, The blue-haired Beast packs the most raw strength, metal-clawed Wolverine excels in mobility, and so on.
In the first stage, each character tackles their own unique environment tailored to their abilities. However, after that, the game introduces a strategic element, allowing you to choose which X-Men to use for each mission. You likely will not stick to just one character for every level—unless you are a fan of a specific hero.
There is also slight variation in how the levels play out depending on your chosen character. While not significant, these differences do add a small layer of replayability. The action moves themselves resemble those seen in Capcom’s fighting games, with familiar inputs like shooting a fireball and dragon punch motions. Though there is only one attack button and a dedicated jump button, the gameplay carries a hint of a fighting game influence.
Difficulty is easy. There are a few tricky spots, but with the right character for each level, you are unlikely to face that much trouble.
The replay value is okay. Replaying the game with all five characters can be a fun diversion. However, once you have beaten it a few times, there is not much else to explore.
My Verdict
X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse offers a good variety in gameplay, enhancing its replay value. It is a quality that's always appreciated in a game of this kind. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the X-Men comics or just enjoy action-packed super hero games, this title is a great addition to any SNES collection. Each character is filled with personality and attitude, making the gameplay experience feel immersive . It is a nice game to play, blending action with the iconic charm of Marvel Comics mutant heroes.
Play it on the doozy Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a great emulator.