Dynamite or Kryptonite?

Name: Injustice 2
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Released: 16, May (US) 19, May (EU)
Platforms:  PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Reviewed on: PlayStation 4

NetherRealm is back with the sequel to 2013 Injustice: Gods Among Us

with Injustice 2. Once more our favorite heroes and villains are clashing against each other, but with Injustice sometimes our favorite heroes are the villains and vice versa. The DC universe is known for a big roster of interesting characters, has NetherRealm done them justice?

Graphics

Let’s start off with the graphics, and I know that’s not why you play a fighting game. But It’s  worth a mention at least. They are using Unreal Engine 3, which is the same they used in Injustice and Mortal Kombat X. Graphics has had a major update since Injustice: God Among Us, it has better details, better lightning and it runs alot smoother. And that’s pretty important in a fighting game framerate, the game flows so beautiful and I never noticed any drop in frames.

Character design has been a hit or miss on some of them. Facial details looks really good, but some of them just don’t look like we expect them to. This may just be nitpicking from a huge DC fan.

The stages looks really good, with allot of details in the background and with their own story.

Story

NetherRealm brings back story mode in the sequel and it picks up after Injustice: Gods Among Us. Five years after Superman’s defeat, Batman and his collaborators attempt to piece the world back together. However, a new faction, the Society, composed of villains spearheaded by Gorilla Grodd, emerges and plans for world domination. With several of his allies either victims of or collaborators with Superman’s failed regime, Batman is forced to create a new team to combat the Society

I really like this kind of story mode, it really immerse you in a story and with the cutscenes it felt like watching a movie. Old friends turned enemies and relations that is getting tested and must stand together to survive and save the world.

In some of the chapters you can chose between two fighters that you want to use and this changes the story. You will also get some choices to which side you want to play as. This gives you reasons to play through the story once more to unlock all endings.

Gameplay

Here it is, the most important aspect of a fighting game. And luckily NetherRealm has improved the things that worked and made it better, And fixed things that didn’t. It feels more tight and accurate. Combos are easier to perform, and it feels great to mix your attacks to try to punish your opponent the most. And to take away an entire lifebar after a 15 hit combo feels awesome. So in the fighting part the game succeeds.

New in Injustice 2 is the gear system, this is the upgrading system in the game but also the customization. Throughout the game you will win “loot” through Bronze, Silver, Gold , Platinum and Diamond boxes which contains items for the characters. Item works as cosmetic changes but also to change and improve stats. Items are level locked so you can’t use all items until you get to level 20. And that’s one of the few complains I have. Since you have to level up your character to use gear, you have to use each and everyone which takes a long time. Or after you level up on character to level 20 you can use source crystals to level others. But source crystals is something you get a small amount when your account level raises. So then you have the option to buy it for real money. And micro-transactions in a full game is never a good thing, we have paid a lot for it, and don’t want to pay money to not have to grind through it.

But there is not a lack of things to do in Injustice 2

You got Story Mode, Single Fight, VS Mode, Training and the newest mode Multiverse. This is the strongest mode of Injustice 2, and probably where you will spend the most time.

You fight against opponents from other universes, with different rules and with optional tasks to perform for extra bonuses. You unlock items and gain XP, this is where you play to level up characters if you don’t want to play online. It works like Towers in Mortal Kombat, and is a great addition to the game. This is also where the Gear system shines, you have to set up your loadout for different situations. Say you meet a really powerful Superman, then if you have kryptonite parts for Batman you can use that to easier defeat him.

Verdict

Injustice 2 is a complete fighting package, that offers everything you need. Once more NetherRealm Studios have a game to compete against other fighters, and is a great example how to make fighting games of our favorite Superheroes. Micro-transactions is not something we want, but it’s just option if you don’t want to grind to level up. But if you feel this generation consoles have lack of good fighting games this is a great one.

9/10

• Good story
• Great fighting mechanic
• Variation in modes
• Solid list of characters (with more coming later)

• Micro-transactions