While the Deadpool movie continues to break records at the box office and satisfy fans,  it’s time to look at another appearance of the characters 3 years prior that really didn’t bring as much hype as the film did: The Deadpool video game. This game was released in 2013 for last generation consoles but in November of 2015 was released for next generation consoles. Unlike the movie, the game did not have the same viral marketing campaigns that 20^th Century Fox used to promote the film.

While the story is not connected to the movie, the game does feature the famous “merc with a mouth” and all his usual humor and if you were expecting Ryan Reynolds, this game doesn’t feature him but instead features the voice talent of Nolan North reprising his role as Deadpool. The game features the usual fourth wall breaking and crude humor that has become familiar with the character. The game also features other Marvel characters such as Wolverine, Cable, Rogue, and Psylock making appearances in the story. And truthfully the story and the cut scenes are the stronger part of the game. Most cut scenes are full of the crude humor fans of the character have grown to love as well as the normal fourth wall breaking that Deadpool attributes in his various forms of media. The game also features the usual boundary pushing in terms of content and really earns the “M” rating it was given.

In the same way Deadpool as a character aspires to be a parody of comic books and superheroes, this game aspires to be a parody of video games. The game embraces several action game clichés and tropes in both cut scenes and gameplay. Including your typical action game toilet humor and tons of blood that is prominent in action games.

Although the cut scenes and story are the stronger part of the game, there is also the gameplay which, while not terrible, is not anything outstanding. After playing the game for a while the game play gets repetitive eventually turning into your basic hack and slash game instead of bringing anything new to the table. The level design is also basic in terms that many levels have similar designs and similar layouts with only slight changes. Occasionally though, Deadpool will spout one of his famous one liners or comments that make fans love the character.

Another thing the game lacks is a reason for replay. Most games today usually pack bonus features in games today as an incentive to players to return to the game after finishing the main story. This game lacks any extras in terms of collectables, alternate costumes, new weapons and such. The only thing beside the main story the game does have to offer is a challenge mode which is just a fight till you fail mode of the levels in the game. This is honestly surprising as many serious super hero games provide alternative costumes to unlock as well as findable comic book issues. While this game pokes fun at many of those tropes it would be thought that it would include those collectables.

So in terms of if the game is good or bad, it’s really a toss-up. While fans of the character may enjoy the classic Deadpool humor and characteristics associated with him, players unfamiliar with the character may find that there is not a whole lot to offer. While the game provides plenty of laughs, its gameplay has plenty of flaws to it. Pretty much a lot of the negatives and weaknesses that the game has are offset by the positives of the game and the strengths it has.