Summer is rapidly approaching, bringing with it a selection of compelling fighting games. Anticipated releases include Bandai Namco’s Tekken 7 and Capcom’s long-awaited Ultra Street Fighter II (a Switch exclusive). Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is also set to release Injustice 2, pitting DC’s heroes against each other in a Battle Royale. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, known for the Mortal Kombat series, will Injustice 2 offer more than just visual enhancements? Read on to find out.
Superman confronts the DC Universe in Injustice 2.
The narrative of Injustice 2 builds upon the events of Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Superman, after being poisoned with a hallucinogen by the Joker, experiences a devastating hallucination, leading him to murder Lois Lane and destroy Metropolis. Following this tragedy, Superman exacts lethal revenge on the Joker, initiating a conflict against those he deems villains and criminals. Segments of the DC universe align with him (including figures like Scarecrow), while Batman leads the opposition, supported by allies such as Arrow and Harley Quinn. As you can see, Injustice 2 presents a complex and interwoven rendition of the DC universe.
Injustice 2 is a fighting game where players select a hero, an arena, and an opponent, engaging in duels to achieve victory. The game incorporates a wide array of buttons and combinations (utilizing all eight buttons on the PS4 and Xbox One controllers), interactive environments with special moves that enable traversal between areas, unique character-specific finishers, and Clash sequences. During a Clash, the two characters engage, potentially gaining energy or inflicting increased damage. Players must manage their special meter, strategically deciding whether to concede a loss to utilize a powerful combo later.
The graphics in Injustice 2 are generally impressive. The game offers support for HDR and 4K upscaling on Xbox One S and PS4 Pro. NetherRealm has successfully implemented a mature, chrome-like aesthetic for both characters and backgrounds. While the facial details in cutscenes may not fully meet contemporary expectations, the game maintains an aesthetically pleasing presentation. The animations are elaborate, incorporating a specific “hardness” and jerkiness in tempo and attacks reminiscent of Mortal Kombat. Button mashing will prove ineffective against skilled opponents, and the tutorial mode requires precision and timing.
The audio design is commendable, although the script and voice acting might lean towards melodrama. This is consistent with the source material, as the game is based on a comic book. Cheesy one-liners and exaggerated moral lessons are prevalent, often delivered with self-awareness (Batman’s reluctance to kill contrasted with his willingness to inflict potentially debilitating injuries, as noted by Robin).
The controls are responsive, though Injustice 2 presents a relatively steep learning curve. Strategic thinking is essential; repeating the same combinations is ineffective beyond the easiest difficulty levels. Mastering attack sequences and precise timing requires dedicated practice. While character-specific special abilities are visually impressive initially, their repetitiveness can become noticeable during extended play.
Injustice 2 offers a substantial amount of content. In addition to the single-player story mode, an online mode allows players to configure AI-controlled characters to compete against other AI opponents, earning “Mother Boxes” with loot based on the outcome. The game features 33 DC Comics characters from the outset, with an additional six unlockable characters. All characters can be leveled up and equipped with improved gear. This extensive content is best acquired through gameplay rather than microtransactions, as the latter can be costly. Purchasing all available content via microtransactions, as in Mortal Kombat X, can result in significant expense. The complete edition with bonus characters unlocked on PSN is priced at a considerable amount. However, players can unlock the content through gameplay, albeit over an extended period. Playing the story mode multiple times with different characters is recommended, as it offers varied endings and bonuses.
Wonder Woman, coinciding with her theatrical release, is a playable character in Injustice 2.
Injustice 2 is a content-rich game with strong technical execution. Ultimately, its appeal depends on individual preferences within the fighting game genre. While games like Street Fighter and Tekken may offer a more accessible entry point, Injustice 2 necessitates a greater investment in learning its mechanics. For players willing to dedicate the time and effort, Injustice 2 provides an engaging and console-exclusive fighting game with extensive content. NetherRealm successfully delivers an engaging DC Universe experience that complements Warner Bros.’ cinematic adaptations.
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