The game that Marvel comic books probably wanted to forget ever existed.
THE GOOD
-Good controls
THE BAD
-You don't get to play as Iron Man or Vision
-Poor music
-Uninspiring level design
-Dull gameplay
OVERVIEW
The NES version of Captain America and the Avengers is completely different then the arcade or ported versions (SNES and GEN). Instead of the multiplayer beat-em up type game, this version is designed for one player and is more of a 2D platformer. So, here's the deal, Red Skull threatens the world with his other super villains. The catch is that Red Skull has captured Iron Man and Vision so it is up to Captain America and Hawkeye to save the day.
GAMEPLAY
Captain America and the Avengers was a nice idea on paper but the execution is all off. This 2D platformer has some role playing elements too. You play as Captain America and Hawkeye as you travel around the United States of America fighting bad guys. Along with enemies, each level consists of oval containers which contain power stones. The more stones your characters obtain the stronger their attacks become. The controls for Captain America and the Avengers are easy to master and different for each superhero. Captain America has a stronger attack then Hawkeye but his range is limited. You'll have to use each Avenger's strengths to your advantage.
Unfortunately, there are many things that make this game boring. The bad level design is really disappointing, especially for the mini bosses because the background is just a plain gray color. Each level has a few enemies to dispatch, platforming elements and tons of containers. You end up spending more time attacking containers then you do anything else which makes things boring. Also for some reason, Hawkeye is a lot weaker then Cap so until you level him up, he ends up being a useless fighter.
GRAPHICS & SOUND
The visuals are nothing to write home about but work for this game. Like I said before, the level design is uneventful.
The music and sound effects are grating in Captain America and the Avengers. They're so bad that you'll probably end up playing with the mute button turned on.
CONCLUSION
This Avengers game uses a different formula then the arcade which could have been a good thing but this version just plain sucks. Stan Lee and the other Marvel comic book writers would be ashamed of this game. I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone. Sorry Captain America and the Avengers but this one's a bust.