IGN’s review judges the X-Men ’97 Season 2 finale as a mixed conclusion that fails to match the cohesion and impact of the first season. While the episode delivers strong character drama and a substantial mutant-versus-mutant battle, its long-running Apocalypse plot is criticised as underdeveloped and resolved too quickly.

The reviewer says Apocalypse fades from prominence after Episode 4, leaving his motivations and relationship with Candra insufficiently explained before a brief final confrontation. Rogue’s power-boosted arrival swiftly ends the conflict, whereas the fight between the X-Men, X-Force and X-Factor gives Cable and Polaris more emotionally effective material. Nightcrawler’s apparent sacrifice to save his sister Rogue is highlighted as the episode’s most moving moment, though the reviewer questions whether it will be permanent.