Game review: X-Men: Destiny

Playing a videogame shouldn't feel like a chore, but after smashing what seemed the billionth generic bad guy in X-Men: Destiny, I have to admit doing the vacuuming started looking like a much more interesting option.

But as a professional game reviewer, and someone who didn't want to start any dangerous housework precedents, I sat through and churned my way to the end.

I should've just done the vacuuming.

Which is a shame, as the set-up, story and characters are all entertaining - it's just gameplay that's the digital equivalent of churning butter that badly lets it down.

The game starts with you taking control of one of three young mutants, whose superpowers are just starting to show up.

The "Destiny" part of the title alludes to the fact that - in addition to harnessing and refining your powers - your character also has to choose whether to hang with the good guys (the X-Men) or roll with the not-so nice Brotherhood of Mutants.

The creators have done a great job in fleshing out these characters, each with its own unique back story, powers and point of view.

Graphically, it's solid, but there's nothing in it that you won't have seen done better elsewhere.

Though the occasional boss battle does liven things up, they're just too few and far between to maintain any long-term interest.

X-Fanatics will love the story and tolerate the gameplay, but most others should just consider it a one-night button-mashing rental.

X-Men: Destiny

Publisher: Activision

Platforms: Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360

Stars: 2/5