Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

 Switch
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 372 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 245 out of 372
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 372
  3. Negative: 69 out of 372
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  1. Pedro3
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    This is an incredible game, really really awesome, the main problem with the critic is the fact that you need to be a true fan, the critic as we know is full of posers so they don't give it a good rate because they dont understand the half of the universe.
  2. Uhmiforgot
    Jul 29, 2019
    9
    Super fun game! I enjoy playing it, not a Marvel fan either. Lot of grinding, worth the money
  3. whdgns464
    Jul 19, 2019
    8
    I would say this game isnt perfect for the hardcore action rpg games but it certainly does entertain ppl who love Marvel characters and its universe. I personally love this game. It gets kinda repetitive but its really fun when it comes to actual playing part. Highly recommended!!!
  4. Otonaburu
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    A must-have for Marvel and MUA fans owning the Switch. Presence of the season pass is a bit regrettable, but the base game stands on its own.
  5. XpecTz
    Jul 30, 2019
    8
    Roster (9/10): Decent. With a lot more DLC coming, it's going to kick ass. X-Men, Avengers, F4, Marvel Knights...all excellent. I personally wish for Iceman and Cable but I doubt it.

    Combat (7.5/10): It could be a bit more fluid and impacting. But it's similar to MH, MH did it just slightly better. I need to explore more heroes out so score subject to change. For example, one of    Roster (9/10): Decent. With a lot more DLC coming, it's going to kick ass. X-Men, Avengers, F4, Marvel Knights...all excellent. I personally wish for Iceman and Cable but I doubt it.

    Combat (7.5/10): It could be a bit more fluid and impacting. But it's similar to MH, MH did it just slightly better. I need to explore more heroes out so score subject to change. For example, one of Spiderman's skills immobilizes enemies with web, I like that. Also, not really noticing enough critical hits. Perhaps I have to level more or get more ISOs or whatever. Not sure. Fighting bosses is a PITA. More explained later.

    Combat Skills & tree 9.5/10: Not bad, not bad at all.. A light and heavy attack PLUS 4 unique skills that work on a meter similar to "spirit" in MH. I am having a blast with Hulk and Iron man. There is also a "tree" to upgrade energy, strength, durability, etc. and many more, which is universal to all heroes. Hey, something is something.

    Crafting 7.5/10: Seems tedious, boring, and a little complex but I have to explore it more. It upgrades hero stats.

    Story 9.5/10: So far I am enjoying it more than MH's story. It's at a good pace, infinity gems, thanos and the black order as the main story. It starts off very good with the raft, hand, and sentinels, dark dimension. The blend is well done.

    Camera angle 8/10: I have it set to hero. it focuses on the hero you have currently selected. I don't like the classic camera angle at all. Regardless, with so many heroes on the screen and a lot going on, I have difficulty focusing on the one I have selected. It seems too zoomed out.

    Voice acting 8/10. Voice acting is great (especially spiderman and Tony) but I wish there were more interactions/lines like MH. When you speak to NPCs, you reply silently (like some nintendo games do). Pretty lame.

    Difficulty 6/10: Some bosses are so hard. Maybe there is something I'm doing wrong. I hate that "shield" bar bosses have. It sucks. Once I stun them, I am not blowing enough crits. So taking down a boss takes a long ass time.

    Overall, I strongly feel it's a worthy SUBSTITUTE (NOT successor) to MH. There are no items, there isn't a "Midtown" zone (I wish there was!). If MUA 3 included loot and boss loot like a typical ARPG game then it would definitely be a worthy successor. The only loot in this game are ISO 8s or whatever, orbs for health and the meter for skills.

    I give it a score of 8/10. Definitely great casual fun.    … Expand
  6. JPV1962
    Aug 1, 2019
    9
    Love this game. I've played all the MUA/Legends family of games and think this is a great addition. Only reason I do not give it a ten is lack of alternate outfits at release. I can't stand some of the looks they went went with. Looking at you, Captains America and Marvel. Bottom line, I've waiting years for this sequel and it was worth the wait.
  7. Abraham1
    Aug 1, 2019
    8
    (Note: First Review on Metacritic I will go back through my library of games and write reviews based on my experience)

    I have played all the MUA games. MUA1 Gold is still the best under X-Men Legends 2 that still holds the title as the best in this series but this game blows away X-Men Legends 1 and MUA 2. Explain Yourself! The things that would have made this better than MUA1    (Note: First Review on Metacritic I will go back through my library of games and write reviews based on my experience)

    I have played all the MUA games. MUA1 Gold is still the best under X-Men Legends 2 that still holds the title as the best in this series but this game blows away X-Men Legends 1 and MUA 2.

    Explain Yourself!

    The things that would have made this better than MUA1 Gold Edition:
    -If they kept the dialog tree options from the previous games
    -NPC interactions
    -Actual Alternative Skins (Second, Third and Fourth Skin Options)
    -Comic Book Missions
    -Solo Play, Duo or Tri hero play (Not just a full squad of 4)
    -Ability to Grab enemy types and random objects on the map.
    -Maps Feel Less Full, more stream line.

    If the game had 1/2 of what I listed above it would have made it a 9/10. Even with all of it still would be about a 9.7

    So your telling me its better than MUA2?

    -Yes

    Why?

    -Personally I love the art style over MUA2 Civil War Comic Series
    -The Combat is Faster and more Fluid
    -The team up combos do not slow the pace of the game or feel like its on rails although it looked cooler in MUA2 it just felt so clunky
    -The Hero Selection, don't get me wrong but this game has a better variety of heroes even though I would like to see some of the heroes that were exclusive to MUA2 maybe have a MUA2 hero DLC pack for MUA3

    Overall.

    If you are a fan of Marvel in both Comics and Cinematic Universes you would enjoy yourself if you liked games from Pre 2008 era of gaming. It has that feel of just "fun" it has nothing that tries to get your attention or loading screens telling you if you buy this you will do better. It feels whole. Even though the Day 1 update had a DLC button added to the main menu....

    But it has DLC? The main menu has a DLC button.

    Yes, but for $20 bucks you get.
    (4 Heroes Per Pack, Plus a Story Mission Plus Hero Skins Actual Alt Costumes)
    12 Heroes Plus new Story Content and Possible Free heroes along the way.

    Any other company would charge $20 per pack. Colossus and Cyclops are also coming to this game as well as a Free Update. Even those two could have been $10-15 each. Looking at you Marvel Heroes 2013-2018 RIP.

    Basing this on just the game alone Its a solid beat e'm up if you are a fan of that style game with light RPG elements. If you are looking into something deep like a Marvel Heroes MMO alternative you will not find it here, but if you can look past all the things that is missing from the previous games MUA1 Gold still holds the ground as being the best in the series but MUA3 is a great edition and with upcoming DLC and updates through 2020 this could come close but better off waiting for MUA4 or XML3 if that is more your cup of tea. Nintendo will hold the licence for a while if they continue to sell well but eventually I can see this game being ported to PC and other platforms especially with how close Microsoft and Nintendo have come in the past few years. I also want to make note if you are the type of person who does not like Diablo style grind this game might be "hard for you to get into" since there are moments in the game that will challenge you unless you play through the easy difficulty I recommend playing on the hardest difficulty to have the most rewarding experience.

    NOTE: These numbers don't mean anything just to give you a since of scale from 1 being horrible and 10 being awesome.

    Music 9 out of 10
    Sound Effects 7 out of 10
    Voice Work 9 out of 10

    Game-play 9 out of 10
    Combat 10 out of 10
    Reputability 6 out of 10 RPG Mechanics 2 out of 10 Story 8 out of 10 Hours/Value 8 out of 10 My name is Abraham1 and I recommend this game at full price. Giving it a 8.7 out of 10    … Expand
  8. Saint_Saito
    Sep 20, 2019
    8
    El gran regreso de la saga, con un amplio roster de superheroes y villanos lo unico que puede ser criticable es el leveleo que ahora es individual, no como en las entregas anteriores que todos los personajes disponibles iban subiendo de nivel al mismo tiempo
  9. Spsteveo
    Oct 1, 2019
    8
    Fun filled action game. Love the ability to switch your characters on the fly enabling to keep the experience interesting.
    Leveling up characters is relatively simple to do, but unless you use a character regular some get left way behind and are then not strong enough for later stages of the game.
    Simple controls to get to grips with and chaotic mash up of explosive action!
  10. Ricco12
    Jul 19, 2019
    8
    Game is general addicting hack n slash beat em up type game with superheroes fun and pretty simple the graphics are not the best especially in handheld but they are ok I recommend this to fans or people who enjoy this type games
  11. ManWithoutHope
    Jul 21, 2019
    8
    A solid and entertaining Nintendo Switch Exclusive. Not groundbreaking by any means, but more than enough bang for your buck (if you’re a Marvel fan), coupled with the promising longevity from the Season Pass makes this title a worthwhile purchase!
  12. kakotan2143
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    Lots of POW and ZAM and KAPOW that hits all the right feels for a Marvel game, It is really an 8 but I give it an extra point for making me fall in love with these characters all over again!
  13. yoki76
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    Really fun game, specially played co-op on the couch with friends or family (MCU fans preferably). Rpg elements are quite simple but adds a needed layer to the game. Graphics are actually good (this is the Switch, remember), 30fps 'most of the time', I must say I really enjoy the overall look of it. As a single player experience I would say it is a 7.5 but as co-op game (and this is how weReally fun game, specially played co-op on the couch with friends or family (MCU fans preferably). Rpg elements are quite simple but adds a needed layer to the game. Graphics are actually good (this is the Switch, remember), 30fps 'most of the time', I must say I really enjoy the overall look of it. As a single player experience I would say it is a 7.5 but as co-op game (and this is how we intend to play it) it is a 9.0.… Expand
  14. VicCity
    Jul 21, 2019
    9
    It's a fun game to play if you love the marvel universe. Trying out different superhero combinations and fine tinkering them to create the ultimate team is a good time.
  15. Chris_Daniell
    Jul 27, 2019
    9
    This game has been a blast so far. Have been playing with a buddy with the other 2 team mates as the computer.
    The only reason I cant give it a 10 is due to the fact that 2 player co-op (online) only allows the host to switch between the other 2 team members. I feel that they should add the ability (when playing 2 player) to allow for both players to control 2 characters a piece. Other    This game has been a blast so far. Have been playing with a buddy with the other 2 team mates as the computer.
    The only reason I cant give it a 10 is due to the fact that 2 player co-op (online) only allows the host to switch between the other 2 team members. I feel that they should add the ability (when playing 2 player) to allow for both players to control 2 characters a piece. Other than that this is an addictive beat em up with great character models and decent voice acting. The game really shines in the game mechanics as well as, its depth in variation in team selection.    … Expand
  16. tdub154420
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    Metacritic needs to adopt verified reviews like Rotten Tomatoes. This thing is getting review-bombed by non Switch owners angry that its a Nintendo exclusive. This game is great. An old fashioned beat em up of non stop fun. If there's anything that could be considered bad about the game is that it feels like its a game fit for 10 years ago. Maybe even further back. Honestly it feelsMetacritic needs to adopt verified reviews like Rotten Tomatoes. This thing is getting review-bombed by non Switch owners angry that its a Nintendo exclusive. This game is great. An old fashioned beat em up of non stop fun. If there's anything that could be considered bad about the game is that it feels like its a game fit for 10 years ago. Maybe even further back. Honestly it feels like a PS2 era game. But thats what works for it. That era was an era of quick, fast, fun smash and grab gaming. Its now almost retro style of gameplay is fast, fluid and simple and is reminiscent of beat em ups all the way back to the Konami X-Men arcade cabinet. Some might lament some of its simplicity, but its honestly a refreshing change of pace of many of today's action games. If you don't have a switch, don't just sit there and review bomb this game. Go out and buy a switch and grab this game. Its worth it.… Expand
  17. AlexSuprem06
    Jul 19, 2019
    8
    This game is very fun to play. The characters are great to play as, the different locations are very cool and nice call backs to various comics. The thing that ruins this game is the camera. The camera is a bit of a mess in the game and there are sometimes were there’s too much action going on to the point we’re I can’t see my character I choose. Overall, this is a fun title single orThis game is very fun to play. The characters are great to play as, the different locations are very cool and nice call backs to various comics. The thing that ruins this game is the camera. The camera is a bit of a mess in the game and there are sometimes were there’s too much action going on to the point we’re I can’t see my character I choose. Overall, this is a fun title single or multiplayer co op… Expand
  18. AleFaletti
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    A lot of characters, fun gameplay, a very cool game in the Switch library
    This game is a love letter to Marvel fans
  19. Zooluger
    Jul 19, 2019
    8
    Cool game.
    + For lovers of comics Marvel.
    + Great portable game experience.
    + An interesting roster of characters.

    - Graphics are not high level for exclusive.
  20. XanDuX
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    Great game for Nintendo Switch. In multiplayer mode the game is very funny. Good Job
  21. Infernexx
    Jul 21, 2019
    9
    I never pre-order game I did pre-order this one. Why? Because of the freaking nostalgia of course! And I honestly do not regret it, the game is amazing and its so much fun. There is loads of content and all the heroes bring something different to the table, you have to really think what combinations you use because it really makes a difference. To me this game isn't perfection, but itsI never pre-order game I did pre-order this one. Why? Because of the freaking nostalgia of course! And I honestly do not regret it, the game is amazing and its so much fun. There is loads of content and all the heroes bring something different to the table, you have to really think what combinations you use because it really makes a difference. To me this game isn't perfection, but its damn close!

    Pro's : Amazing content
    It's challenging
    I love the graphics
    True marvel game
    Great gameplay

    Con's :
    Camera is really clunky
    The Puzzles are too easy
    ISO-8 system is quite overwhelming.

    Overall this game is great for MUA franchise lovers (Like me) and maybe people who played Marvel Heroes in the past. It's overall just a very satisfying game to play!    … Expand
  22. CDizzness
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    It's amazing!! I am literally in love, so much better than the first two and perfectly optimized for Switch. The graphics are gorgeous and fit the art style (((((the characters are so detailed, seriously! I am playing on a Samsung 4K TV, it looks flippin' sweeeeeeet)))), sooo many freaking characters to choose from, and so much variety when it comes to the characters. I love flying aroundIt's amazing!! I am literally in love, so much better than the first two and perfectly optimized for Switch. The graphics are gorgeous and fit the art style (((((the characters are so detailed, seriously! I am playing on a Samsung 4K TV, it looks flippin' sweeeeeeet)))), sooo many freaking characters to choose from, and so much variety when it comes to the characters. I love flying around and web swinging, that alone gives me way too much joy, plus it's cool to see them perform special moves and everything. I am impressed honestly, then again, it's Team Ninja. :)… Expand
  23. Mad_Rat0
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    Fantastic game, the multiplayer options are very good and fun, many playable characters the stages are in the perfect difficulty level.
  24. Rpg89
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best MUA i have played. Great story. Nice animation and cutscenes. I recommend.… Expand
  25. caraya92
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. juegazo los de ps4 que me chupen la que cuelga. ya que lo quieren en su consola. pero NO… Expand
  26. MoonE
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    É um jogo fantastico, pega tudo dos seus antecessores e melhora, acompanhado de um apelo visual inspirado no MCU.
  27. mparran19
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    This game is what a marvel fan needs. Being able to play as all kinds of characters with friends is an amazing experience.
  28. Cyniclese
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    FIRST IMPRESSIONS
    I’m not a huge Marvel fan and was hoping this game would help me appreciate Marvel more than I do. I played through Ultimate Alliance 2 with my best friend when I was younger, and was looking for more dumb fun to bring back those memories.
    More than that however, it succeeds on its own as an in depth and fun action game! I’m enjoying the story so far and would    FIRST IMPRESSIONS
    I’m not a huge Marvel fan and was hoping this game would help me appreciate Marvel more than I do. I played through Ultimate Alliance 2 with my best friend when I was younger, and was looking for more dumb fun to bring back those memories.

    More than that however, it succeeds on its own as an in depth and fun action game! I’m enjoying the story so far and would recommend the game to anyone, Marvel fan or not.

    PROS
    -Good story.
    -Mostly solid voice acting.
    -Frame rate mostly is stable.
    -Fun action.
    -Hero camera in single player mode.
    -Graphics look bright and colorful.
    -The sounds! Music is fitting and decidedly epic depending on location. I also like hearing each characters attack sounds.
    -Character animations are great (I LOVE how Spider-Gwen takes a selfie when she’s idle ^-^)!
    -Brings the feeling of old arcade games into the palms of my hands.
    -Overall, this game is just a good, fun time.

    CONS
    -It seems required to know about the MCU to understand what’s going on (Infinity Stones aren’t explained, intro’s to characters are too short).
    -Camera during boss fights occasionally hides enemies or downed allies.
    -Health/Blue orbs can get stuck in walls inside/outside of combat.
    -SPIDER-MAN CONSTANTLY SHOUTING “THWIP THWIP!!”. Seriously, SHUT UP! I wish there was an option to turn off call outs when using certain moves, or at least more variation with what is said.
    -Occasional frame rate drop during Ultimate Attacks.
    -I really dislike how Infinity Trials take you out of the game and back to the main menu.
    -I wish there were more than 4 special moves for each character.
    -Ms. Marvel is annoying.
    -A random voice says “Level Up!” when a character levels up. I’d rather have the character say something. Venom, for example, could say something like, “Faster! Stronger! Better than Spider-Man!” THAT would be so much better than the random voice they have now saying “Level Up!”

    That said, i’d still highly recommend this game to anyone. It’s more of an 8 or 9, but i’m keeping the 10 rating to offset scores ranging from 0 to 4.

    And remember: THWIP THWIP!!! THWIP THWIP!!!    … Expand
  29. VultuRex
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    This game is amazing on my switch, I'll be enjoying it. I'll post more of my review in the coming days
  30. MrHoots
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    Like most modern games the critic reviews are not so accurate, or enlightened.

    The game is a blast, especially with co op. One chapter in I was overwhelmed with nostalgia, but now I'm several hours in I've actually begun judging the game on it's own merit. It's one of the most fun superhero co op experiences I've played for a long time! Some lesser known and lesser loved heroes in    Like most modern games the critic reviews are not so accurate, or enlightened.

    The game is a blast, especially with co op. One chapter in I was overwhelmed with nostalgia, but now I'm several hours in I've actually begun judging the game on it's own merit. It's one of the most fun superhero co op experiences I've played for a long time!

    Some lesser known and lesser loved heroes in the game Marvel die hards will appreciate. But it's not exclusive to my fellow comic nerds, it's inclusive enough for people who only enjoy the movies. It's a great action game with some great co op!

    Story is solid so far!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
3
#3 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 82
  3. Negative: 1 out of 82
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2020
    70
    There's a lot holding this one back from being as fun as the MCU – but it is a fun game if you follow its parameters. [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 70]
  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 11, 2019
    72
    Level design never rises above corridors and boxy rooms, and graphics are almost the same as they were ten years ago. On the other hand, there are a lot of various enemies to beat and secrets to find, so in the end, MUA3 still makes for a memorable adventure. [Issue#240, p.48]
  3. Nintendojo
    Sep 30, 2019
    75
    As a whole, Ultimate Alliance 3 is an immensely enjoyable game that really reminded me how much I love Marvel’s wealth of characters. The roster is huge, the combat is gratifying, and it all looks slick running on Switch either docked or in handheld mode. There are some blemishes in terms of player progression, a bland soundtrack, and the unwieldy camera, but it’s nothing that should stop anyone from going out and giving Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order a download.
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