Superman Returns hands-on

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[Multi] What's it like to be the superest of all superheroes? We find out

Thursday 11 May 2006
EA's heroic action game, Superman Returns, is ready to launch on 26 June for PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox, PSP and DS. So like some magical Kryptonite-wrought typewriter, we got personal with the game to drain the Man of Steel's essence and put it into words.

Clark Kent's home, Metropolis, is faithfully reproduced - and ready to be bombed, broken, burnt and torn to pieces if you fail in your super-saving duties. The whole city is there to stretch your muscle in, but thanks to Superman's ability to fly faster than a speeding bullet, you shouldn't have a problem getting around.

The analogue sticks control your flight, although we haven't been told how this will transfer to portables - which will obviously boast very different mechanics. But on the bigger consoles it makes for intuitive skyscraper-buzzing.

One mission sees Superman soar protectively around, over and under a blimp while under assault from winged beasties, without any frustrating finger-scrambling readjustments in mid-air.

Objectives are geared towards putting you between Metropolis and a suitably challenging threat. We've already shown you Metallo, the gigantic robot super villain, but Superman's strength will be tested by a number of more natural disasters, like earthquakes, where you'll need his mega-strength to save toppling bridges and skyscrapers.

We had a chat with executive producer Chris Gray to get his word on the game - just click the features tab to see what he says. The game is enjoyable, although Metropolis looks a little bland and lifeless. But with enough epic-scale, all action challenges, Superman Returns could be the superhero game to rule all others.

Ben_Richardson

Ben Richardson is a former Staff Writer for Official PlayStation 2 magazine and a former Content Editor of GamesRadar+. In the years since Ben left GR, he has worked as a columnist, communications officer, charity coach, and podcast host – but we still look back to his news stories from time to time, they are a window into a different era of video games.