You may recall my review of the first Super Hero Squad game, which came out in late 2009. In short, that game was among the worst I've played in the current console generation. Thus, my expectations were very, very low for the sequel. The long glimmer of hope I had was that since Marvel Super Hero Squad The Infinity Gauntlet would be available on the more powerful high-def platforms, some of the problems of its predecessor would be solved. For the most part, this was true; The Infinity Gauntlet is a much better game, but then again, that isn't really saying much at all.
Most of the major Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, and Iron Man are available, though oddly, Captain America is missing from the roster unless a DLC package is purchased. For true comic aficionados, there are some true surprises like Nova and the Black Widow available to play. When played in story mode, characters are preselected, but you can go back as any character in freeplay mode if you so choose. I don't usually like limited character choice, but in The Infinity Gauntlet's case, it's understandable.
This is because each character has a special attribute that allows them to interact with the environment in some special way in order to solve puzzles. Iron Man and Black Widow can operate computers with the Tech skill, while Thor and Nova have the ability to open up Elemental rifts. Heroes have different special attacks, too, ranging from Quicksilver's speedy whirlwind to the Invisible Woman's force bubble slam. While most of these skills are very simplistic, they do help differentiate the characters from one another. Otherwise, each Squad member plays the same, with your standard punches, kicks, and charge attacks.
The storyline and characters in The Infinity Gauntlet are quite entertaining. The banter between characters and the trash talk to enemies is often hilarious, though of course a bit juvenile. As the tale begins, Iron Man and Hulk are picking up some new boots for Thor from a sort of outer space shopping mall. But, there's been a mixup, and they recieve the Infinity Gauntlet, a glove designed to hold the powerful Infinity Stones, instead. Like good little heroes, they decide to return them to their rightful owner, Thanos, who turns out to be a not very nice fellow who wants to rule the universe. The rest of the game involves teams of Squad members searching for the various Infinity Stones. It's simple, light hearted fun, especially for fans of the show.