X-Men Legends is the first foray into the console world for Raven Games, and it looks like they’re jumping in head first. The game is a team based action/RPG that will have players choosing from a cast of 15 X-men as they do battle with the Morlocks, the Sentinels and more. If Raven can pull it off, this might just be the X-men title the world has been waiting for.

The story centers around a young mutant named Magma as she comes to grips with her new-found powers. Penned by the comic book studio Man of Action, this simple coming of age story quickly escalates into a battle for the future of the human race. Each mission begins at Professor X’s mansion, which serves as a hub for the game. Players will need to choose a squad of four X-Men, paying special attention to their individual powers. Depending on the goals, different X-Men will be needed to complete each mission. For instance, Wolverine is well suited to stealthy endeavors, while Cyclops might be called upon for long-range attacks. If you find you don’t have the right mutant for the job, or if one of your allies falls, you can return to the insertion point and assemble a new team.

The team aspect is stressed. Although players only control one mutant at a time, they can switch between them instantly and create devastating combos, such as the infamous Wolverine/Colossus "Fastball Special", in which Colossus launches Wolvie like a bowling ball into a group of foes (claws-first, of course). There will also be a command menu, allowing the player to instruct computer controlled teammates. In addition, a second player can join the game at any time. Hopefully, the game will even allow you to have a full four players join in. When a mission is completed, the X-Men return to the mansion and divvy up the experience points, with the lion’s share going to those who did the most work. And what would the mansion be without the Danger Room? There, players can train their mutants, honing their skills to razor-sharp perfection. In addition, you can work on their weaknesses, making them faster or stronger as needed. Each character has a unique fighting style, but you can alter that style based on your training. All of the mutants' abilities are accurate and versatile, and they grow more powerful as the game progresses.

The game has a full 360 degree camera and a 3/4 isometric perspective, ensuring that you can see all the action. The environments are destructible, though to what extent remains to be seen. Should you want to throw an enemy through a wall, you’re welcome to try it, depending on your characters' attributes, of course. The mutant power effects are eye-catchers and promise to dazzle on your TV.

X-Men Legends is shaping up well, but it will be a difficult task to combine so many elements smoothly. If done correctly, this could be the most accurate X-Men game ever when it releases early in 2004.