X-Men - Mutant Academy (USA, Europe) (GBC)

X-Men - Mutant Academy on the Game Boy Color is a 2D fighting game that plunges players into the world of Marvel's mutants. The game focuses on 1-on-1 battles, where players choose their favorite mutant character and face off against various opponents in diverse arenas. Familiar characters like Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Magneto, and many others are featured, each possessing their own unique skill sets and special moves.

The gameplay in X-Men - Mutant Academy is relatively straightforward yet requires skill. Players use the GBC's buttons to perform basic attacks like punches and kicks, as well as combine them to create combo chains. A highlight of the game is each mutant's special moves, which can be activated by combining directional inputs and attack buttons. For instance, Wolverine can unleash his famous “Berserker Barrage,” or Cyclops with his powerful “Optic Blast.”

The game includes various play modes, most notably the Arcade mode, where players must overcome a series of AI-controlled opponents to complete the chosen character's story. Additionally, there might be a Versus mode that allows two players to link their GBCs for direct head-to-head competition, providing an exciting competitive experience. The game's graphics are 2D with detailed character sprites, faithfully recreating the mutants' appearances on the GBC's small screen. The sound and background music also contribute to the epic atmosphere of the battles. X-Men - Mutant Academy is an excellent choice for fans of fighting games and the X-Men universe on classic handheld platforms.