The Incredible Hulk: A Review of the Handheld Experience
Bringing the raw power of the Hulk to a handheld console is a daunting task. When The Incredible Hulk arrived on portable screens, critics were divided on whether the experience successfully captured the essence of the smash-happy behemoth or if the technical limitations of the hardware stifled the fun. With a Metacritic score of 50/100, the game is widely regarded as having a mixed or average reception.
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Key Facts
- Metacritic Score: 50/100 (Mixed or Average).
- Highest Score: GameSpot (7/10).
- Lowest Score: GamesRadar+ (4/10).
- Core Mechanics: Destructible environments, Gamma Boost, and a slingshot mechanic.
- Multiplayer: Requires two separate game cartridges to play.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The core appeal of the game lies in the sensation of strength. Several critics, including those from GamesRadar+ and Pocket Gamer, praised the destructibility of the environments, noting that it gave the Hulk a necessary sense of weight and force. The controls were generally described as sharp and potent, with some comparisons drawn to the DS version of Spider-Man: Friend or Foe.
However, the translation of power to gameplay was inconsistent. While some enjoyed the Gamma Boost (a rushing mechanic compared to Sonic the Hedgehog) and the slingshot mechanic (reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country), others found the combat predictable due to a limited move set. Some critics even likened the overall gameplay style to the classic action game Contra.
Level Design and Challenge
Opinions on level design were polarized. While GameSpot found the levels varied and clever, IGN described them as "lazy," suggesting they felt thrown together without flair. A recurring criticism was the restrictive nature of the environments; critics questioned why the Hulk could fly through buildings but was stopped by plywood and caution tape.
The difficulty curve was also a point of contention. The absence of checkpoints, combined with infrequent health pick-ups and small enemy projectiles, led some to describe deaths as "cheap" and frustrating. Conversely, some reviewers felt these challenges required a satisfying level of patience and precision, even if such caution felt out of character for the Hulk.
Technical Performance and Content
Visually, the game struggled to impress. Critics described the graphics as average or "fugly," with some noting that character models lacked detail and were below the quality of the original PlayStation (PSone). While animations were smooth in some areas, others reported "vicious" slowdown during gameplay.
The audio experience was similarly mediocre. The music was often cited as repetitive, and sound effects were dismissed as "cheesy." Furthermore, the storyline was viewed as indistinct, serving primarily as a thin excuse for the player to destroy objects.
Campaign and Replay Value
The campaign is notably short, with some critics suggesting it could be completed faster than watching the movie. To counter this, the game includes unlockable skins tied to comic book lore. While these added some replay value, some reviewers felt they were too superficial and should have granted unique abilities to truly enhance the experience.
The multiplayer mode was generally seen as bare-bones and forgettable. Its accessibility was further hindered by the requirement that each player own a separate cartridge.
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| GameSpot | 7/10 |
| GameZone | 6/10 |
| IGN | 5.2/10 |
| PALGN | 4.5/10 |
| GamesRadar+ | 4/10 |
| Pocket Gamer | 3/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the general critical consensus of the game?
The game received mixed or average reviews, as evidenced by its 50/100 Metacritic score, with critics split between praising the feeling of power and criticizing the technical flaws.
How did critics feel about the graphics?
Most critics found the graphics to be average or poor, citing a lack of detail in character models and occasional significant slowdown.
Is the multiplayer mode recommended?
No, most reviewers described the multiplayer as bare-bones and forgettable, noting that the requirement for two cartridges made it inconvenient.
What were the most praised aspects of the gameplay?
The most praised elements were the sharp controls and the destructibility of the environments, which helped convey the Hulk's immense strength.
How long is the game's campaign?
The campaign is considered very short, with one critic noting it could be finished faster than watching the corresponding movie.