Videogame Review: Brawl with DC villains in 'Injustice: Gods Among Us'

Fighting games have seen a resurgence of sorts in recent years, and there’s yet to be any signs of it slowing down thanks to the number of players out their constantly searching for a good challenge. 

 

As a fighting game aficionado myself, I am hard pressed to say that there’s been a good concept that hasn’t been tapped yet. Then again there’s the case of actually having a decent brawler that features the world’s greatest heroes and villains. 

Yes, I’m referring to the other big comic book company that has a man dressed like a nocturnal winged creature of the night. Before getting to that however, a quick recap of the recent fighting game history is in order.

 

A history of violent games

 

A few years ago, Capcom went back to their roots and successfully relaunched the “Street Fighter” series in the 2.5D plane with “Street Fighter IV”. That game, as well as its eventual upgrades, literally brought the fighting game scene back in the market, and Namco Bandai’s “Tekken” series was already going strong with successful tweaks and spin-offs that expanded the 3D fighter’s popularity worldwide.

 

However, the big surprise came when former Midway employees led by Ed Boon collaborated together once more after the company folded to form NetherRealm Studios. They then successfully rebooted the “Mortal Kombat” franchise for the new console generation. The potential and polished nature of that game gave Warner Bros. hope to start something that’s been a long time coming: creating a fighting game featuring characters from DC Comics. 

 

Thus, the idea and foundation for a DC Universe brawler was formed. The end result? “Injustice: Gods Among Us.” 

 

Much like its predecessors “Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe” and the aforementioned MK reboot, “Injustice” is, literally, the epitome of a DC Comics fanboy’s dream come true. 

 

However the heroes and villains in the game are alternate versions of the characters that are beloved by readers. There's even an original tale that makes worlds collide in the process of bringing stories together. 

 

Superman, super tyrant 

 

Rendered completely in three dimensional graphics but set in a two dimensional fighting plane, “Injustice” explores a unique version of the DC Universe, in which that reality’s Superman is driven to become the dominant power and authority of Earth after a tragic incident, establishing an order that has absolute control over humanity’s actions. 

 

Countering his efforts is Batman and his insurgency, working in the shadows and representing mankind’s last stand against the Man Of Steel. With time running out and their chances slipping, Batman discovers a similar alternate universe where Superman did not become a dictator, and summarily plucks a select group of heroes from that time. These individuals may hold the key to victory against Superman’s regime. 

 

With time running out and forces mobilizing fast, two factions go toe-to-toe in a battle that will decide the fate of one world and the leave two universes changed forever.

 

Created by the same people behind MK, “Injustice” is a sharp and fun brawler that’s easy to settle into, provided you’re patient with fighting games. 

 

Heroes and villains in a fun brawler

 

Focusing on one-on-one matches between two characters fighting in one round with two health bars, the player can select among a large cadre of options that feature familiar heroes and villains from the DC Universe. 

 

Among the features are a split between playing story mode, single and multplayer matches, and a mode called “S.T.A.R. Labs” – where a number of challenges and mini-games are presented in various difficulties. Playing through any of the modes will net the player experience points, which can then be used to unlock various rewards and other achievements in the game.

 

As far as balancing issues are concerned, “Injustice” has its fair share of power plays and one-sided battles. Some characters like Superman and Shazam are overpowered to a fault thanks to their power base, while Batman and Green Arrow require a little more tactical diversity and wit to play effectively. 

 

Strategy does play well for players with a little patience, and villains like Lex Luthor and Joker are suited for those who like to play a little dirty with powers that pack a punch. 

 

However, the tide of battle for the game can always change, especially with the numerous interactive environments in the game. Familiar locations such as the Hall of Justice and The Bat Cave will give fans eye candy while providing interactive elements that players can use to damage an opponent, or send them flying to another stage completely.

 

Story mode offers great narrative 

 

Story mode is a unique experience altogether, where the entire plot of “Injustice” plays out like an interactive cinematic fighting game. The campaign is spread out through several chapters, with the player using different characters that fit into the narrative of the story. 

 

It plays like the traditional ladder-based experience found in “Mortal Kombat”, only with quick time events (QTEs) incorporated into the story that directly impacts the one-on-one fights that follow. The plot itself is written by comic book scribes Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti. It's an engaging tale where worlds collide and the line between good and evil is blurred. 

 

Fans of the Justice League animated series will be pleased to know that familiar characters and their counterparts are here in this game, and veteran voice actors like George Newbern and Kevin Conroy are back to reprise their signature roles as Superman and Batman respectively.

 

As a unique new interpretation of a fighting game featuring characters from the DC Universe, “Injustice: Gods Among Us” successfully brings together tried and true fighting game elements while injecting a formula that’s easily beloved and recognizable to comic book fans worldwide. 

 

The experience is not only exhilarating, but an engaging to boot, and the replay value is bolstered even further thanks to the S.T.A.R. Labs challenge mode and the various DLC content being released for the game. 

 

In fact, watch out for DLC characters in the future, and definitely hit this game up as an early Game Of The Year contender for 2013. Bravo WB and NetherRealm Studios! – KDM, GMA News  “Injustice: Gods Among Us” is available for PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U.