Deadpool only released back in 2013 for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 and for many, it slipped under a lot of people’s radars. So in 2015 it would be easy to label this version as some kind of HD remaster, but if anything, it’s more of a re-release. Despite being a comic book nerd myself, I would say that I’m more of a casual fan of the Deadpool character and as such, I had missed the original release of this game, so with this re-release making its way to PS4 an Xbox One, it has provided me with the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with Deadpool’s very first videogame.
In fact one of the main reasons that many would have missed this game is that Activision made the decision to remove the game from digital stores altogether in January 2014, many pondering whether it would ever return. But perhaps by using the power of hindsight, maybe this was the plan all-along? Knowing that Deadpool was to release on new-gen systems and a movie on the way, it would restrict any potential purchases on last-gen, meaning that more might feel inclined to pick-up the game on the new-gen systems? A little cynical I know, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
The plot to Deadpool is about as basic as the hack ‘n’ slash gameplay style. Written by former Deadpool comic writer Daniel Way, Deadpool gets his hands on the script for the game (breaking the 4th wall); then Wade Wilson sets out on a mission to assassinate the corrupt media tycoon Chance White. But upon breaking into his headquarters, Deadpool assassination attempt is denied by Vertigo and Arclight and later learns that Mr Sinister is involved in a conspiracy, which results in Deadpool becoming increasingly pissed off and sets off on a warpath to shed as much blood as possible in the signature and humorous way in which only Mr Wilson could deliver. With the added charm as Mr Nolan North voicing our beloved quirky Marvel assassin.
I can’t comment on how the last-gen version of Deadpool looked, because I have never played it, I’ve only seen snippets of gameplay videos. So I came into this game with a fresh perspective and if I’m being totally honest, even though this is essentially a last-gen game, I still expected it to look a little better. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a particularly poor looking game, but despite it being on the new-gen systems, it still looks last-gen. So I beg to differ, is there any real improvement of quality when compared to its previous counterpart? Probably not, at best the only visual improvement you can expect is the 1080p visuals, rather than the 720p on the consoles before (other than PC of course).
Sure this version may look a little more crisp then it did before, but some of the textures do look poor and whether this is a HD remaster (which this is not) or just a re-release, I still expect some extra effort in making the game to a certain standard on the more powerful console. That said, this re-release does come with added DLC that was previously released, with two new maps for the games challenge mode with the GRT Plaza and Inside the Two, as well as two new costumes; My D-Pooly and the Uncanny X-Force suits.
Despite its lack of visual quality, most gamers will know that it’s not all about how a game looks, as gameplay is often the most important factor of all. Thankfully one of the benefits of Deadpool being a simplistic game, is that it’s easy to pick up and play. Hack ‘n’ Slash your way through mostly generic, dumb enemies until the mission is over, then you move on to the next mission and level-up Deadpool as you progress. This is not a game that will have you participating in gaming marathons (unless you really love the game), but given its repetitive nature and rehashed dialogue, it’s a decent game to play an hour or two here and there. Though it does have some great cameos and references to other franchises outside of Marvel. See if you can spot a pizza located in the slimy sewers and even a nod to another game from developers High Moon Studios.
At the moment in most places Deadpool is going to cost you around £40 on PS4 and Xbox One, and in my humble opinion that is a little too much to ask. Perhaps around the £20-£25 (max) would be a more reasonable price to pay, especially considering there is very little difference with the 2013 version and this years. I don’t know if the community was asking for this re-release in the masses, but as I touched upon earlier, pulling the game digitally by Activision was perhaps a marketing tactic to encourage potential buyers to buy this re-release for PS4 and Xbox One with the Deadpool movie releasing early next year.
If you’re a returning fan contemplating whether to buy this game again, it might be wise to save your cash, especially if you already own the game. But if like me you missed the initial release and want to get a dose of Deadpool before the movie hits, I’d at least hold your horses for a price drop and with Christmas a little over a week away, patience may be your virtue.