From Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, DC Entertainment and developed by the award-winning NetherRealm Studios comes Injustice 2. Featuring a massive roster of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains the sequel allows players to build and power up the ultimate version of their favourite DC characters. The game will be available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on May 16, 2017.
In Injustice 2, players will get the chance to power up and build the ultimate version of their favorite iconic DC characters and fight their way across an epic Story Mode, ever-changing Multiverse, and online multiplayer guilds – all while earning rare and valuable gear to fully customize their characters.
Reviewed on Xbox One
I’m a big fan of NetherRealm Studios – I dare to say that Mortal Kombat XL is arguably the greatest fighting game ever made… So, when the time came to build from that award-winning formula when developing the sequel to Injustice: Gods Among Us, they absolutely nailed the combat system by making the battles faster, more intense and incredibly brutal and epic. Level transitions send heroes and villains from all over the DC Comics universe into oncoming trains, into the mouths of underwater beasts – you name it. If you ever wanted to experience a superhero brawl – it does not get any better than Injustice 2.
The Story
This might be the greatest use of Harley Quinn since the original Batman Animated series. It doesn’t hurt that Tara Strong returned to voice the character either — nobody does Harley better than her. Period. Hell – the entire voice cast is astounding, adding Kevin Conroy as Batman (no brainer there), Robert Englund as the freaking Scarecrow (how perfect is having Freddy voice the nightmarish villain??!!), Alan Tudyk as the wise-ass Green Arrow, Khary Payton as Cyborg (there will never be a better Cyborg), Phil Lamarr doing double duty as John Stewart and Aquaman — the list goes on and on. (check it out in full here)
Continuing some time on the alternate Earth from the first game where Superman was imprisoned for his psychotic actions, Injustice 2 shows a fractured DC universe where old heroes are on the run and the Justice League is toast while Batman tries to pick up the pieces. There’s a greater threat on the horizon however, after we see an amazing cinematic intro where it was revealed that Brainiac was responsible for the destruction of Krypton. Of course, he eventually makes his way to Earth as Superman is just waiting for his chance to break free with the help of his cousin Supergirl, his girlfriend Wonder Woman and Black Adam (does anyone like this character?).
The story is dark, much like the current DC film franchise, but it’s very enjoyable and does a wicked job getting every fighter their chance to shine in an over-stuffed action romp. The Flash vs Reverse Flash cinematic throwdown was amazing and something I’d love to see on the bigscreen some day even if it’s half as exciting as they made it in the game. I love the addition to choose your fighter during the story as well – because every group you take out, will give you the chance to pick between a couple characters when the time comes to battle. Plus – Harley Quinn is hilarious – she absolutely steals every single scene she’s a part of.
The Graphics
Amazing. The cut scenes, the fights themselves — this is the best looking DC comics videogame adaptation ever made. The facial animations are damn near photo realistic and I really loved how they made the faces of these heroes and villains unique for a change. From the Joker’s unusual new look, to even Superman (who appears a bit older than we’ve seen him for a while), the characters are all different than we’ve seen them before and it really makes the game feel special and fresh.
The Gameplay
If you’re like me and love Mortal Kombat XL – then you’ll appreciate the combat and controls here in Injustice 2. The clashes are better this go-around and using up your special power meter is more strategic as well, burning it to break combos etc. Overall the fights just flow easier as combos are more seamless and the faster pace of the battles make the match-ups feel more genuine, making for a far superior gaming experience.
The Multiverse
After you’ve finished the story campaign, head to the multiverse for an always changing ladder system where you take your characters into matches with unique settings in order to win “mother boxes” and collect gear to equip and customise your heroes/villains. It is extremely addicting trying to round up all of the various hats, faces, weapons, whatever for every single character (these additions actually improve character stats!)…. The combinations are endless and you can turn Batman into Batman Beyond, or I don’t know – whatever the hell you want, because there is a shitload of gear to discover. I love this addition to the franchise and I’m hoping they integrate this “gear” system into the Mortal Kombat titles as well. This much needed feature makes for a wealth of replay-ability.
The Final Verdict
If you’re a comic geek or just a fan of fighting games in general – buy this. Get the Ultimate Edition too – because the 9 additional fighters coming down the pipe are sure to be awesome. I personally can’t wait for The Red Hood… Injustice 2 truly is one of the greatest videogames based on comic books.
Rating: [star rating=”5″]
For more information about Injustice 2 please visit www.injustice.com. Join the Injustice 2 conversation on Facebook (https://go.wbgames.com/