The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer

The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer is a 2005 action game that continues the story of the Pixar film, where players take on the roles of Mr. Incredible and Frozone to battle the villainous Underminer and his robot army. Utilizing unique abilities like melee combat and freezing powers, players can engage in cooperative gameplay or have the console control one character, offering a dynamic and engaging experience.

The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer: Review

Introduction

In the shadow of Pixar’s 2004 masterpiece The Incredibles, Rise of the Underminer emerged as a bold, if unconventional, sequel. Released in November 2005, this action-adventure title arrived during an era where licensed games often treaded the line between cash-in and passion project. For fans hungry for more of the Parr family’s exploits, it offered a direct continuation of the film’s climactic ending—pitting Mr. Incredible and Frozone against the newly emerged Underminer. While its canonical status was later retconned by Incredibles 2 (2018), this game remains a fascinating artifact, blending faithful adaptation with gameplay ambition. Its legacy lies in its ability to capture the film’s superhero spirit despite technical constraints, proving that even flawed licensed titles can resonate with dedicated audiences. This review dissects its creation, narrative, mechanics, and enduring impact to argue that Rise of the Underminer is a flawed but commendable chapter in superhero gaming history.

Development History & Context

The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer was a product of its time—a multi-studio, multi-platform endeavor reflecting the industry’s scramble to capitalize on film licenses. Developed by three studios—Heavy Iron Studios (consoles), Beenox (PC/Mac), and Helixe (GBA/DS)—under THQ’s publishing banner, it aimed for a simultaneous release across six platforms, a logistical feat that underscored its commercial priority. Director Gregory Ecklund, alongside lead designer Matt Coohill and writer Mark Andrews (from the original film), envisioned a direct sequel that would bridge the film’s narrative gap. The RenderWare engine facilitated cross-platform consistency but imposed technical limits, evident in repetitive textures and stiff animations.

The gaming landscape of 2005 was dominated by the sixth console generation, with licensed games often dismissed as shallow experiences. Rise of the Underminer sought to defy this perception by emphasizing cooperative play and authentic character dynamics. Notably, it was the first Pixar game to earn an E10+ rating, signaling a shift toward broader accessibility. However, compromises were made: Craig T. Nelson and Samuel L. Jackson were replaced by Richard McGonagle and Philip Lawrence for Mr. Incredible and Frozone, respectively—a cost-cutting move that alienated purists. John Ratzenberger’s reprisal as the Underminer provided a vocal anchor, but the disjointed casting highlighted the tension between authenticity and pragmatism. The game’s development, spanning less than a year, prioritized speed over polish, resulting in a product that felt rushed yet earnestly faithful to its source material.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative picks up precisely where the film ends, with the Underminer’s drill erupting beneath Metroville. This immediate continuity is the game’s greatest strength, immersing players in a high-stakes superhero saga. The story unfolds through linear levels, each escalating the Underminer’s apocalyptic plan: first the Magnomizer (a crust-reversing pollution machine), then the Gilgenbot army, and finally the Corrupterator. Themes of environmental decay and technological hubris resonate deeply, mirroring the film’s critique of societal fear of “the other.” The Underminer’s subterranean utopia—a polluted, inverted world—symbolizes his rejection of surface humanity, while Mr. Incredible and Frozone’s partnership embodies unity against overwhelming odds.

Characterization shines through despite the voice changes. Mr. Incredible’s bravado masks a protective instinct, while Frozone’s cool demeanor offers a stoic counterbalance. Their banter (“To infinity… and beyond? Oh, hang on…”) injects humor, maintaining the film’s tone. Supporting characters like the robotic ally Dug add moral complexity, as his self-sacrifice underscores the game’s theme of heroism as a burden. The narrative’s pacing suffers from its brevity—levels like the Sludge Station and Giant Robot Factory feel rushed—but key moments, such as the Magnomizer’s destruction, deliver cinematic spectacle. Ultimately, the story functions as an “elseworlds” tale: a non-canonical yet emotionally resonant “what if” that honors the film’s core message: “Everyone can be extraordinary.”

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Rise of the Underminer is a beat ’em up/brawler built on character-switching mechanics. Players alternate between Mr. Incredible (melee-focused, strength-based) and Frozone (ice-powers, tactical), requiring synergy to overcome obstacles. Mr. Incredible’s combos and ground pounds offer visceral satisfaction, while Frozone’s ability to freeze enemies or create ice bridges introduces puzzle-solving depth. The two-player co-op mode, a standout feature, amplifies the fun, allowing friends to tackle challenges together. However, the AI companion proves incompetent when playing solo, frequently getting stuck or ignoring threats.

Combat, while initially engaging, devolves into repetition due to limited enemy variety—Grubbots, Sentry-Bots, and Gilgenbots dominate most encounters. Boss fights against the Magnomizer Guardian and Crustodian provide rare variety, using environmental hazards and multi-phase mechanics. Character progression is minimal, with health upgrades and special moves unlockable through level exploration. The UI is clean, but the camera struggles in crowded fights, and platforming sections suffer from imprecise controls. Critically, the game’s length is its undoing: a 5–6 hour campaign, padded by repetitive enemy spawns and sparse bonus content, leaves players wanting more. Despite these flaws, the core loop—smashing robots, switching heroes, and progressing through subterranean lairs—remains enjoyable for its target audience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s art direction is a triumph, translating the film’s stylized 1960s aesthetic into a cohesive, gritty underworld. Levels like the Sludge Station and Underwater Station ooze industrial decay, with toxic sludge, rusted machinery, and oppressive lighting creating a palpable sense of dread. Character designs are faithful to Pixar’s vision, with Mr. Incredible’s bulk and Frozone’s icy sheen rendered in vibrant, cel-shaded detail. The Underminer’s drill-mecha and the Crustodian’s glass-jar head are standout villain designs, blending menace with retro-futurism.

Sound design elevates the experience, with Michael Giacchino and Chris Tilton’s score weaving the film’s iconic themes into new, action-driven arrangements. The crunch of ice, thuds of punches, and whirring of drills provide tactile feedback, while Ratzenberger’s gravelly delivery of the Underminer’s monologues chills the blood. Voice acting, despite casting changes, captures the characters’ essences—McGonagle’s Mr. Incredible channels Nelson’s gruffness, while Lawrence’s Frozone mirrors Jackson’s cool charisma. Ambient sounds, from the echo of caverns to the hum of the Magnomizer, immerse players in the world. This synergy of art and sound creates an atmosphere that feels both authentic to the film and uniquely its own.

Reception & Legacy

The Rise of the Underminer received mixed-to-positive reviews at launch, with critics praising its faithfulness to the source material but criticizing its brevity and repetition. Metacritic scores ranged from 60 (PS2) to 69 (GameCube), with outlets like AceGamez (80%) and Game Chronicles (79%) highlighting its co-op appeal for younger players. PGNx Media noted it was “more enjoyable than the first game,” while 4Players.de lamented its “mickrige Spielzeit” (meager playtime). Commercially, it sold over 2 million copies, a testament to the Incredibles brand power.

Its legacy evolved over time. Initially dismissed as a shallow tie-in, it gained cult status among fans for its earnest heroism and Frozone’s playable debut. The 2018 release of Incredibles 2 rendered its story non-canon, yet this only solidified its place as a “what if” curiosity. Influence-wise, it demonstrated licensed games’ potential for narrative depth, inspiring later Pixar titles like Ratatouille. Its cooperative mechanics predated the superhero co-op boom of the late 2000s, and its E10+ rating paved the way for family-friendly blockbusters. Today, it’s remembered as a flawed but charming footnote—a game that, despite its limitations, captured the joy of being a superhero.

Conclusion

The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer is a study in ambition constrained by time and technology. As a direct sequel, it succeeds in extending the film’s themes and characters, offering a satisfying, if brief, superhero adventure. Its art direction, sound design, and cooperative gameplay are standout achievements, while its narrative provides a compelling “elseworlds” tale. Yet, its repetitive combat, short length, and technical flaws prevent it from reaching greatness.

In retrospect, its legacy is one of passion over polish—a game that prioritized heart over hype. For fans, it remains a beloved return to Metroville; for historians, it exemplifies the mid-2000s licensed game landscape. While Incredibles 2 may have overwritten its story, Rise of the Underminer endures as a testament to the Parr family’s enduring appeal. It is, ultimately, an imperfect but incredible little game—short, sweet, and full of the superhero spirit that made the film iconic. Verdict: A flawed but fondly remembered adventure that captures the essence of heroism, worth revisiting for fans of the Parr family.