X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse - Gameplay

Gameplay

X-Men Legends II is an action role-playing game. Players choose a team of up to four characters from a larger group of characters. As players proceed through the game additional characters are unlocked. On the console versions up to four players can play on one machine cooperatively, with the ability to add or remove players at any time. The game also features online play for up to four players, a first for the series. New characters are introduced, both X-Men and select members of the Brotherhood of Mutants. A new game plus mode is included which allows players to play through the game a second time while retaining all character stats.

As characters gain experience points players can upgrade their four main powers and other abilities unique to that character. Items found during gameplay can also be equipped to further enhance a character's abilities. Characters can combine attacks to create a combo, in which two or more players punch or kick a single enemy at the same time. The character's special abilities can also be used in the same manner to create a Super Combo. In X-Men Legends characters were limited to four core mutant powers, however in X-Men Legends II each character has several powers that players can assign to buttons. The game also features a skirmish mode, which allows players to fight against each other or against waves of computer-controlled enemies.

Unlike X-Men Legends, Rise of Apocalypse does not feature one central hub that players return to between missions. Instead the hub changes based on the current act of the game. Here players can also view loading screen art, cinematics, and comic book covers acquired during gameplay. Biographies of the X-Men and their enemies can be accessed on computers located in the mansion. Players can participate in an X-Men trivia game, which rewards experience points for correct answers. Additionally, players can access the Danger Room's computer to play challenge missions unlocked during gameplay.

The mobile version of the game is primarily a beat 'em up with role-playing elements. Unlike the consoles the game is a side-scroller in the same vein as the 1992 X-Men arcade game. There are five selectable characters, and the game retains the ability to upgrade characters through experience points earned. Players control one character at a time, and can switch to another character at the press of a button.