Essentially, the PS2 version is the "home console port of the PSP game." It lacks the extra alien and visual polish of the HD versions, but it also avoids their performance hiccups. Upon release, critics were lukewarm on Cosmic Destruction across all platforms. The PS2 version received slightly lower review scores (averaging around 55-60% on sites like Metacritic) compared to the HD versions (65-70%). Common criticisms included repetitive combat, short length (roughly 4-5 hours to complete the story), and simplistic puzzles.
Released in October 2010 to tie in with the Ben 10: Ultimate Alien television series, Cosmic Destruction arrived at a fascinating crossroads for gaming. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 were firmly established, yet the PlayStation 2—then nearly a decade old—received its own version of the game. Developed by Griptonite Games (known for their handheld titles) rather than Papaya Studio (who handled the HD versions), the PS2 edition of Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction occupies a unique space: it is effectively an upscaled port of the PSP version, offering a different experience from its high-definition counterparts. Plot: A Race Across the Globe The narrative follows Ben Tennyson as he pursues the villainous magician, Charmcaster, who seeks to collect ancient artifacts known as the "Alpha Rune." This rune would grant her control over the very source of all magical energy. The story takes Ben and his allies—Gwen and Kevin—across real-world locations rendered in the game’s levels, including Tokyo, Paris, Rome, and the swamps of Louisiana. The plot is serviceable and true to the show’s tone, featuring voice acting from the original cast (including Yuri Lowenthal as Ben), which adds a layer of authenticity that young fans will appreciate. Gameplay: Brawling and Transforming At its core, Cosmic Destruction is a 3D beat-’em-up action game. Gameplay is segmented into linear levels where players fight waves of robotic drones, magical constructs, and alien creatures. Ben’s signature mechanic is, of course, the Omnitrix, allowing him to transform into ten different alien forms. ben 10 ultimate alien cosmic destruction ps2