Paradox Studios' third X-Men fighting game finds the evil Bastion creating a weapon to destroy all mutants. In order to protect their unique and misunderstood species, Professor X and his team must combine forces with their archrivals in the Brotherhood. The storyline is broken into several segments, allowing players to choose a different playable character from the roster of good and evil mutants initially available.

Like similar fighting game offerings, each of the characters in X-Men: Next Dimension possess heavy and light variations of punch and kick moves that can be chained together to form multi-hit combination attacks. Complementing the special attacks are four super moves that can be executed once the requisite amount of energy has been stored. Reversals, throws, and midair juggles can also be performed in battle. The encounters take place in such familiar locales as the Savage Lands and the Danger Room, with each environment consisting of multiple interactive tiers.

In addition to the main Story, the game features Arcade, Survival, Practice, and Versus modes. Lastly, an Assets section contains the computer-animated sequences unlocked during Story mode, all of which can be viewed separately along with hidden characters, extra costumes, and other secrets. The lineup of 24 characters includes such notables as Cyclops, Juggernaut, Storm, Phoenix, Wolverine, Beast, and Mystique. Patrick Stewart provides the voice of Professor X as well as the narration in Story mode.