The super heroes known as the Ex-Mutants are in many ways the opposite of Marvel Comic's X-Men. The X-Men are mutants trying to fit in and protect a society that is sometimes prejudicial and cruel, while the Ex-Mutants are former mutants trying to help restore the human race that has become nothing but mutants. The X-Men are a part of American popular culture, while the Ex-Mutants are largely forgotten. Just like the Malibu Comics super heroes on which Ex-Mutants is based, this game is better than average, but ultimately forgettable. There are several things to recommend about this game. The controls are responsive; your character goes exactly where and when you want him or her to go, and the weapons discharge if you just barely touch the controller button. Compare this to a game like Last Action Hero, where you feel like you1re running and jumping in mud. The assortment of mutants looks cool and are fun to kill, and the levels are varied and interesting enough to keep your attention. But the generic action just won1t stick to your long-term memory cells. There are simply too many similar games on the market, and there1s really no overriding characteristic in the game play or graphics department to distinguish this one from the others.

One area of Ex-Mutants that is different than most other games is the music. The designers were definitely trying for something original, but it comes off as annoying and shallow. The sound effects are good, though, especially the voices.

When you lose a man, Ackroyd pops up on the screen and makes a scathing (written) remark, something like "My mutant grandmother could do better." While this will annoy some, others will find it humorous. Either way, it is at least an attempt to infuse some personality into this game. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide

The graphics aren't too bad, but they are kind of fuzzy. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide

The sound effects are varied and of high quality while the music will get on your nerves. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide

This action game features many common themes, but it is fun. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide

With so many similar games out there, this one could get lost in the bunch. ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide