Since its premiere on Cartoon Network in 2005, Ben 10 has been a beloved animated series, drawing in fans with its action-packed storyline, alien transformations, and a strong protagonist. Riding on its massive success, Ben 10: Protector of Earth was released in 2007 across multiple platforms including PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable (PSP), Nintendo DS, and Nintendo Wii. The game offered fans the chance to step into Ben Tennyson’s shoes and save the Earth from sinister alien forces. But how well does this title hold up, and is it worth revisiting today?
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every aspect of Ben 10: Protector of Earth — from gameplay and storyline to graphics, sound, and overall performance.
Overview
- Title: Ben 10: Protector of Earth
- Developer: High Voltage Software (Console), 1st Playable Productions (DS)
- Publisher: D3 Publisher
- Released: October 2007
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Wii
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Beat 'em up
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer (some platforms)
Storyline: A True Ben 10 Experience
The game’s story is closely tied to the first season of the TV series, yet it’s original enough to keep fans guessing. The plot begins with Ben waking up to find that all the Omnitrix’s DNA samples have been mysteriously wiped out, leaving him with access to only a few aliens. This sets the stage for the player to gradually unlock more transformations as the game progresses.
Ben, alongside his cousin Gwen and their Grandpa Max, sets off on a journey to uncover the culprit behind this attack on the Omnitrix. Along the way, they face a range of familiar enemies including Forever Knights, Vilgax, Dr. Animo, and more. The progression is linear, guiding players through diverse environments from forests and cities to alien bases and volcanic craters.
While the story won’t surprise older gamers, it does an excellent job capturing the essence of the show. The dialogue is light-hearted with witty banter, and many beloved characters from the series make appearances.
Verdict on Story: 8/10
It’s simple but faithful to the source material, making it ideal for fans.
Gameplay Mechanics: Classic Beat ‘em Up with a Twist
At its core, Ben 10: Protector of Earth is a beat ‘em up action game with light puzzle-solving and platforming elements. The player controls Ben and uses the Omnitrix to transform into various alien forms, each with unique abilities and attack styles.
Alien Transformations
Initially, Ben only has access to Four Arms and Heatblast, but as the story unfolds, he unlocks more aliens, including:
- XLR8 – Speed-based attacks and traversal.
- Wildvine – Ranged vine-based attacks and environmental interaction.
- Cannonbolt – High-damage rolling attacks and defense.
Each alien has its own set of combos, special attacks, and utility skills. For example, Heatblast can shoot fireballs from a distance, while Four Arms is excellent for crowd control and brute strength.
The Omnitrix has a cooldown mechanism to prevent overuse. If the energy runs out, players must revert to Ben and recharge. This system adds a layer of strategy — players must choose the right alien at the right moment.
Combat
Combat is straightforward and button-mashing-friendly but not without its depth. Each alien offers different combo chains, light and heavy attacks, aerial strikes, and special moves. There’s also a super attack meter that fills during combat, allowing players to unleash devastating abilities.
Boss fights are a highlight, each presenting a unique challenge. You’ll need to exploit each enemy’s pattern and sometimes switch aliens mid-fight for effective counters. Battles with villains like Kevin 11, Hex, and Vilgax bring variety and excitement.
Platforming and Puzzle Solving
While the game is primarily combat-focused, it mixes in light platforming and puzzles. Some levels require players to activate switches, jump across platforms, or use specific alien abilities to progress (e.g., XLR8 to dash over crumbling bridges).
These segments are never too difficult but provide a welcome break from the constant fighting.
Verdict on Gameplay: 8.5/10
The gameplay is smooth, fun, and true to the Ben 10 universe. While not revolutionary, it’s well-executed and satisfying.
Graphics and Visual Style
For a game released in 2007, Ben 10: Protector of Earth holds up reasonably well in the graphics department, especially on the PS2 and Wii versions.
Art Design
The game uses a cel-shaded art style that closely mirrors the cartoon’s aesthetic. Characters are easily recognizable, and the aliens are animated with flair and personality. The environments, though not overly detailed, are colorful and diverse — from desert highways and military bases to alien lairs and lush forests.
Animations
Animations are surprisingly smooth. Each alien has distinct movement patterns and attacks. Heatblast’s fire effects, XLR8’s motion blur when running, and Cannonbolt’s rolling animations show attention to detail. Enemy models are less varied, with repeated enemy types across different levels, but it doesn’t hinder the fun.
Platform Differences
- PS2/Wii: The best-looking versions, with full 3D graphics and smoother animations.
- PSP: Slightly lower resolution but still solid.
- DS: A completely different experience, with 2D sprites and simplified mechanics, targeting a younger audience.
Verdict on Graphics: 7.5/10
Not groundbreaking but competent, with vibrant visuals that capture the show's feel.
Sound and Music
Sound design plays a crucial role in immersive storytelling, and this game gets a lot right.
Voice Acting
While not all original voice actors return, the voice cast does a commendable job capturing the characters’ personalities. Ben is sarcastic and brave, Gwen is intelligent and snarky, and Grandpa Max provides steady guidance. Villains are menacing enough without being too scary for younger players.
Music
The soundtrack is upbeat and fits the tone of the game well. Each level has its own background music that ranges from techno and sci-fi to orchestral and tribal. While no single track stands out as iconic, the music never feels out of place.
Sound Effects
Alien powers come with distinct and satisfying sound effects — fire blasts sizzle, punches land with weight, and energy surges when you transform. These effects contribute heavily to the game’s overall excitement.
Verdict on Sound: 8/10
Strong voice work and impactful sound design elevate the experience.
Length and Replayability
The game isn’t particularly long — it can be completed in 5–7 hours, depending on your skill level and whether you aim to collect all secrets.
Unlockables and Extras
- Collectibles: Players can collect Sumo Slammer cards hidden throughout the levels, unlocking concept art and upgrades.
- Upgrades: By collecting in-game currency, players can unlock new combos and abilities for each alien.
- Multiplayer (Wii/PS2): Some versions feature co-op mode, allowing two players to tackle missions together, adding to replay value.
However, there’s minimal incentive to replay the game once it’s completed unless you're a completionist or a hardcore Ben 10 fan.
Verdict on Replayability: 6.5/10
Fun the first time through, but not much to come back to.
Controls and Performance
Controls are responsive and intuitive, especially on console versions. Transforming between aliens is quick with a radial menu (or shoulder buttons), and combos are easy to learn.
Console Controls (PS2/Wii/PSP):
- Light attack, heavy attack, jump, Omnitrix menu, and super move
- Each alien handles a bit differently, but nothing feels too complex
The performance is generally stable, with minimal frame drops or bugs. On the Wii, motion controls are used for some abilities, which adds a slight learning curve but feels engaging once mastered.
Verdict on Controls: 8/10
Well-designed for all ages, smooth and responsive gameplay experience.
Audience and Accessibility
Ben 10: Protector of Earth is clearly targeted at younger gamers and fans of the cartoon series. But that doesn’t mean older players can’t enjoy it. Its solid combat mechanics and faithful adaptation of the source material make it enjoyable even for nostalgic adults.
The game’s difficulty is moderate, with a forgiving checkpoint system and no overly frustrating mechanics. It’s accessible enough for kids but layered enough to keep older players engaged.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Faithful recreation of the Ben 10 universe
- Satisfying combat with multiple playable aliens
- Solid boss fights and enemy variety
- Vibrant visuals and smooth animations
- Fun for all ages
Cons:
- Short campaign (5–7 hours)
- Limited replay value
- Repetitive enemy types in some levels
- DS version is vastly inferior to others
Final Verdict: 8/10 – A Solid Tribute to the Franchise
Ben 10: Protector of Earth is a surprisingly competent licensed game that captures the spirit of the beloved TV show while offering enjoyable gameplay, diverse alien transformations, and an engaging storyline. It might not revolutionize the action-adventure genre, but it delivers a polished, entertaining experience — especially for younger audiences or longtime Ben 10 fans.
Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer revisiting childhood favorites or introducing the younger generation to Ben 10’s world, Protector of Earth stands out as one of the better cartoon-based games of its era.
Should You Play It Today?
If you’re looking to revisit the game today in 2025, the answer is: Yes — with the right expectations.
- For Fans: Absolutely. It’s one of the best Ben 10 games ever made.
- For New Players: Worth trying if you enjoy lighthearted action games.
- For Hardcore Gamers: Not a must-play, but a fun and nostalgic detour.
You can still find the game on retro marketplaces or emulate it on platforms like PCSX2 or Dolphin Emulator with enhanced graphics, breathing new life into this 2007 classic.
Final Score Breakdown:
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Story | 8 |
| Gameplay | 8.5 |
| Graphics | 7.5 |
| Sound & Music | 8 |
| Replayability | 6.5 |
| Controls | 8 |
| Overall Score | 8 / 10 |
If you're a Ben 10 fan or simply enjoy action-packed beat ‘em ups with some superhero flair, Ben 10: Protector of Earth is worth your time.
Let us know your memories or thoughts on the game in the comments below!
