| System: X360, PS3, Wii, PS2, DS, PSP | Review Rating Legend | |
| Dev: Papaya Studio | 1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid | 4.0 - 4.4 = Great |
| Pub: D3Publisher | 2.0 - 2.4 = Poor | 4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy |
| Release: Oct. 19, 2010 | 2.5 - 2.9 = Average | 5.0 = The Best |
| Players: 1 | 3.0 - 3.4 = Fair | |
| ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ | 3.5 - 3.9 = Good | |
DNA allows you to enhance different aspects of each alien in your group. It can be obtained by defeating various foes throughout the game, as well as when destroying breakable objects in the environment. Once you’ve collected enough points, they can be allocated to increase an alien’s powers, or their attributes of strength, speed, and defense. There is also an “auto upgrade” option within the upgrade menu that will apply points to the four current aliens in your command. This comes in handy for those who don’t wish to micromanage the progression of each individual form.
The controls in Cosmic Destruction are simple and easy, and switching between aliens on the fly is smooth. The camera angles can get a bit annoying when moving between tight spaces, and you can get lost behind objects easily. However, if you get misdirected, there is a “point of interest” button that can snap you back on target. Unfortunately, the general presentation of the game is poor, and the camera is only minor problem in comparison.
The game is graphically inferior to the vast majority of console titles these days. This could be, in part, due to the fact that it’s being released across six different platforms including the Wii, PlayStation 2, DS and PSP. The game has some pretty frequent frame rate issues in addition to the occasional lock-up, which requires a restart and will set you back some progress. Thankfully, the checkpoint system is forgiving and you won’t lose much.
The voice-acting audio is also recorded at very low-quality. Some cutscene dialogue sounds distorted and the volume levels aren’t mixed well. However, the voice-acting itself is very well-done, considering. All of the principal cast from the television series is present and accounted for, and is even backed with dialogue from the original writers of the show.
The game as a whole feels unpolished, but the overall adventure is a fun one. Long time fans of the Ben 10 series should have no trouble jumping into this game and having a blast. The majority of followers will be able to look past the game’s glaring faults. There are ten different playable aliens from the series and unlockable exclusive characters (Fourarms in the PS3 version and Rath in the X360 version) in addition to a few trophy/achievement collectibles to keep admirers occupied.
Newcomers will most likely find a shallow experience with little-to-no replay value. The campaign is a bit short, clocking-in at roughly six to eight hours depending on skill, and the story will leave most with a blank-stare of confusion. If you choose to spend your time playing this game, you’ll be on one side of the fence or the other. Just make sure you know which side you’re on before you decide to make it a purchase or a rental.
By
James Trujillo
CCC Freelance Writer
Game Features:
