Its quirkiness makes Deadpool a different kind of video game than most hack-and-slash, sadly that doesn't mean it's better. Made from mediocre gameplay, average visual and clunky camera, not enough witty jokes can cover the repetitive lackluster nature of the game, and there are a lot of witty jokes. That being said, throughout the short time I spent with Deadpool, he did give me more smiles and chuckles from majority of games out there.
The game is silly, and it knows that. There is no tragic story or gritty struggle for Deadpool's motivation, he just has a bone to pick with some bad dudes and does crazy stuffs along the way. It is by these madly create scenes, as if the developer just throws a bunch of random inexplicable unexplainable occurrences, that the game actually works in superbly over-the-top effect. Let this be a warning that it doesn't make any lick of sense. Just have fun, ladies and gents.
It has pretty regular graphic, mostly lengthy office corridors, underground sewer or caves and abandoned city. There's nothing which stand out much on the level design, some areas don similar built almost too often to be not spawned from copy-paste technique. Each level doesn't provide much from its intended style, there's no hidden chambers or secret passage tucked on some corners. Any traversable area is marked by the coins, there's no going pass that area even if your hero can teleport.
Frankly, the setting, aside from open view city of Genosha, is rather monotonous. Details aren't sharp, it is even occasionally murky. Don't wish for environmental special attacks, you won't find it, which is quite a missed opportunity. Change in topography isn't as smooth as action title should have, Deadpool often gets stuck into walls or platform a few inches away from his feet.
To make matter worse, the camera doesn't pan into correct positions as the combat ensues. In some cases where Deadpool is intimately chopping enemy who is too close, or when transitioning between chopping and shooting, the camera is rather late to respond, which leaves the focus awkwardly zoomed in to our regenerating complaining hero. The camera issue repeats itself inconveniently, it may even induce headache if it happens in some platforming section.
As Deadpool aptly names his enemies "clones", the entire army he'll be dealing with consist of uniformed baddies, with addition of mutated ones later in the game. They look very henchman-esque with no distinct traits of their own, even the bloody pulp they turn into when Deadpool smashes them with hammers are still sloppily similar. Their looks are categorized by their attack pattern; melee, gunner, some magical exploding ones, and bigger fatter ones whose heavy guns can be looted after they die.
Our hero himself has got better treatment on design. I like how damage on-screen can be seen in his costume, even if it may be slightly disturbing to see his skeletal frame naked. His movement is fairly good, transition between combos or weapon switch is decently made. Animation of bosses and your fellow heroes are a bit crude, but still serviceable. Note that these bosses only show up briefly, and in the case of your companions, they barely do anything worth noting to be rendered meticulously, in exception for Cable, who can time travel but still constantly puts up with Deadpool's antics.
The game plays like any others that have preceded it, pure generic third person action. A mix of light and heavy attack, a bit shooter and platforming, that's practically the whole game. For its credit, it works adequately, even though there's little complexity or variation to be had. Weapons are available from the start, so players can prioritize what should be upgraded or bought first. While it opens a bit of freedom, but keep in mind there's only several weapons Deadpool can use, and the command input is about the same.
After midway, it'll be mind-numbing how the pattern repeats itself. Sure, the game tries to involve different tactics to beat enemies, however these goons are just too standard and some of Deadpool's momentum attacks or weapons do tons of damage, resulting in spamming only certain attacks since they obviously work wonder. Boss battles are seldom and only offer slight change of button mashing. The good part is there are many mini-games that break the pace. These instances are absurdly fun while they last.
Gameplay merely utilizes tested formulas, it serves its purpose without trying to reinvent any of the mechanics.
As for audio, quite frankly I didn't notice much beside Deadpool's constant banter, I exceptionally like how he praised such great job I did killing enemies, and splatter effects for enemies' deaths. Nolan North does a fine job of voice acting the titular hero, he presents himself with a pint of madness and giggle. The ending song is brilliantly composed, orchestrated and sung, it's nothing sort of inspiring.
I finished the game in about 8 hours or less, a bit short adventure. There's a challenge mode which puts Deadpool through waves of enemies in stages players already cleared. There's not much replayability in the game, and considering the mediocrity of the gameplay and graphic, it may not appeal to everyone. Deadpool is, by all means, a short burst of mindless fun.
Graphic : Setting and character design are bland. Camera is twitchy and could hamper the gameplay. 5,5/10
Sound : The jokes are delivered well, sound effect might be overblown, but otherwise decent. Any sort of musical theme is muffled by the chaos. 6.5/10
Gameplay : Virtually text book third person action. 6/10
Presentation : The best of Deadpool game is the inclusion Deadpool, it creates an excuse to get wild, and while it may not satisfy everyone, it is undeniably a hilarious thrill. 8.5/10
Overall 6.6
