Injustice Gods Among Us

What if the world's greatest heroes became its biggest threat? See what happens when heroes collide in Injustice: Gods Among Us for PlayStation 3. When the Joker commits his most heinous crime and wipes out Metropolis - and everyone Superman loves, including his unborn child - the Man of Steel decides enough is enough and establishes a new world order. Batman and a few others stand opposed to this new regime, and the lines are drawn for epic battles like never seen before in a fighting game. A robust roster of DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Master the god-like powers of each character All-new fighting gameplay from beat 'em up masters NetherRealm Uncontainable battles in iconic environments Minigames and multiplayer modes support your role in the epic story Injustice: Gods Among Us presents...

• Dave Wallace May 28, 2013 PS3

  ****

  Imagine the fighting mechanics of the Mortal Kombat franchise, but with the various ninjas and demons replaced with the colourful comicbook characters of the DC Universe, and you'll come pretty close to approximating NetherRealm Studios' latest offering. 'Injustice' - or 'Injustice: Gods Among Us', to give it its full title - takes characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and the Flash, and drops them into a dark, serious, and dystopian landscape whilst at the same time providing a (fairly thin) motivation for them all to try and pound the snot out of each other. And, as it happens, that turns out to be the recipe for a rather fun beat-em-up in the old-school mould.
  
  After a bit of a false start with the slightly clunky 'Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe' game a few years ago, NetherRealm uses this game to correct a lot of the mistakes made in that earlier title. Notably, this is a game that focuses solely on the heroes and villains of the DC Universe, avoiding the mismatch in tone that occurred when they were paired with the more violent and gruesome MK characters in their previous outing together.
  
  However, that's not to say that 'Injustice' doesn't have a certain amount of edginess and darkness, with a plot that sees Superman become a kind of evil, heartless dictator after a plot by the Joker wipes out most of the inhabitants of Superman's Metropolis hometown (including a certain Lois Lane, as well as Superman's unborn child). In fact, there's a sense that 'Injustice' gets a little bit TOO dark at times, with its action taking place in a world in which two major factions of heroes and villains (one led by Superman, the other by Batman) are attempting to wipe each other out, whilst at the same time attempting to settle the various petty rivalries that exist between certain characters.
  
  Talking of which, there's a pretty wide selection of heroes and villains to choose from here, with around 20 playable characters (including the big guns already mentioned, as well as some slightly more obscure characters like Shazam, Green Arrow and Deathstroke) and the promise of more to be added later as downloadable content (DLC). And in the story mode - which, as with the most recent Mortal Kombat game, lets you switch between characters for a long succession of fights that are built around a single core narrative - you get a chance to test them all out, as well as to see how the grand, epic storyline resolves itself.
  
  The game also looks pretty great, retaining the same 3D-graphics-in-a-2D-play-area approach of the most recent Mortal Kombat, and dressing up the DC characters in some snazzy costumes that modernise their look whilst still leaving them recognisable (even if the Batman costume doesn't quite live up to its Arkham City counterpart). And there's a fair amount of variation in terms of the battle stages too, covering quite a few famous DC locations like the Batcave or Superman's Fortress of Solitude.
  
  Along with the core story mode, there are other play options such as the S.T.A.R.Labs challenge mode, or the traditional one-on-one two-player bouts that for me are the lifeblood of beat-em-up games like this one. With so many characters, it'll be a long time before you get used to them all and master them, and the balance between their different abilities is handled pretty well (with in-story reasons for how relatively underpowered characters like, say, the Joker can compete with powerhouses like Superman).
  
  Occasionally there's a sense that some characters are a little overpowered compared to others - and some seem to have virtually-unbeatable special moves that are very difficult to defend against, meaning that your opponent can just pummel you over and over with the same manoeuvre should they so chose - but by and large, the characters are reasonably evenly-matched.
  
  With a honed and polished game engine that feels very similar to the most recent Mortal Kombat game, and lots of little geeky touches that will delight anyone who's familiar with DC Comics storylines of the past, this is a very fun fighting game that makes up for in over-the-top action and spectacle what it lacks in originality and ambition. You've probably seen most of what 'Injustice' has to offer before - but the inclusion of so many well-known DC characters gives it a certain freshness, and the plot is pretty involving.
  
  (Just one word of warning: this game is a little too 'dark' for small kids, so if you have any young DC fans in your household then something like Lego Batman 2 is probably a better bet.)
  

• Paul Martin May 24, 2013 360

  ****

  Introduction
  After so many years of arguably the most simplistic gaming idea of all time, 1 v 1 fighting games still appear in the gaming market today. Studios worldwide have managed to generate many cult classics in process such as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter, Tekken and Dead or Alive, only to name a few. NetherRealm Studios, creators of the most recent Mortal Kombat outing (the 9th to be exact) attempted to direct the DC Universe into a new(ish), bold direction. After the massive flop that was Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, I held my reservations when first reading of the announcement yet could not contain my excitement being a massive DC fan. Using their experience from Mortal Kombat (9), which was well received among fighting genre fans. The studio managed to create a cult following of high expectations for the next game, Injustice Gods Among Us, a fighting game set in the DC Universe only. With skeptical eyes, bold promises and a new universe with a renowned global following, the expectations of a game may have never been higher from NetherRealm Studios. Did they manage to remain victorious among its loyal fighting fans and stay true to comic book mob or did they receive a vicious beating in the process, let's find out.
  
  Story
  
  The game is set in the DC Universe. The opening cinematic shows a ruined Metropolis after The Joker has detonated a nuclear bomb in the centre of the city, killing millions in the process. The camera pans to a news report on a TV monitor explaining the devastation, as it pans out the monitor is in a police station, with officers running in blind panic attempting to deal with the chaos in the aftermath of the event. The Jokers laugh then echoing in a distance, pans towards in an interrogation room with Batman and The Joker inside. The Joker explains in his own sadistic way the reasons he had to unleash the carnage on such a global scale. The wall explodes, and Superman enters, angry, devastated his beloved Metropolis has been ruined he questions The Joker about the explosion and the death of Lois Lane, his beloved. The Joker has tricked the Man of Steel into thinking Lois was Doomsday (a powerful Kryptonian creation, who is arguably just as powerful as Superman) using a formula of Kryptonite and Scarecrows fear gas. Superman accidently kills his beloved, and his unborn child in the process. The Joker attempts to get a rise from the Man of Steel, showing no sympathy for his actions urging Superman to do the unthinkable, and he does. Superman kills The Joker as the screen goes black.
  
  WOW, if that didn't get your attention, then what would?! This is the opening cinematic before the game even reaches the "press start" screen. The story is set in an alternate DC timeline. The world is in chaos, and a Superman that has been deeply affected and motivated from the above event has attempted to rid the world of all crime. Living in fear, the Man of Steel becomes the ultimate dictator with only Batman brave enough to fight against his former best friend.
  
  As you begin the story mode, a new cut scene is shown, in a different DC universe timeline, the one we all know and love. Superheroes are fighting Super villains, as normal and Joker is setting the nuclear bomb for detonation in a race against time to stop him. The heroes are racing towards him before a bright light appears and suddenly our versions of our beloved characters are somehow transported into the alternate reality. Driven by their courage, bravery and the quest for answer, unknown to them they join the fight in an attempt to end the savagery the alternate Superman has committed.
  
  Overall the story is epic, and although slightly complicated I was gripped. The above is all shown within perhaps the first 10 minutes of turning the game on should you select story mode. It's pretty gripping to watch and I described it in full detail in the attempt to show you the amount of detail and thought NetherRealm have put into the game. They really have done the comic book fans a service, creating a rich, new and unique story where anything can happen. Superheroes have been killed, and that is almost unthinkable to us, the readers but it allows creative freedom for the Studio by stepping into an alternate timeline, allowing anything to happen.
  
  I loved the story, as a massive DC fan I enjoyed it thoroughly, and would highly recommend it to anyone who may have doubts that it would be rushed, or not engaging.
  
  Gameplay
  As expected from a fighting genre, the gameplay is 1 v 1, in 2D style fighting bout. The game is obviously 3D graphic wise, but unlike some previous fighting games you are restricted to the classic style of the fighting genre and no side stepping is available.
  The character roster is rich, with 26 fan favourites. All those you would expect have been included are, perhaps arguably Martian Manhunter or Brainiac being the only major missing characters for me personally, yet it is still possible they will be downloadable at a later date, albeit at a further cost. The variety is a major bonus though, with most characters having different fighting styles from a brute like Bane or Doomsday, to a fast agile character like Catwoman or Green Arrow. The balance seems to be nailed on, with no character being overpowered to the degree you see people online being them to seek an advantage. Perhaps if I had to choose one character that could relate to that description it would be Deathstroke. It seems as though his rifle shots can be deadly, and nearly impossible to block at range. Still he is beatable, and it's not to the degree that perhaps you would expect on say Fifa 12, where all online players select the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid for better players (Messi, Ronaldo) to get an advantage. I know that is a dramatic leap in terms of genre for comparison, but it is the best example I can think of.
  
  Combat is fluid, unique, and addictive. This has been the most addictive fighting game I have played to date. All characters have unique special moves, combos and even standard attacks look and feel different. It is pretty special when you activate a special move i.e. Superman uppercutting his foe into space, following them at super speed, passing them in process, then to only knock them back into earths atmosphere into the ground. It is fun to watch, each characters have their own special move which is unique, and it is simple to use. The days of long button input to access the games full potential seem to have disappeared. Back in the day it would have be "up, down, a, b, left, a, down, up" or to some extent to access a certain special moves or sequence, and I am glad they got rid of that allowing all players to enjoy the game. These special moves are used by simply pressing both triggers simultaneously. Yet for those die hard combo experts you can still link moves, which is all about timing and precision. The game has something for everyone in terms of hardcore or casual fighting gamers.
  
  The story is about 7-9 hours long, depending on the difficulty you play on. The hardest setting a decent challenge for those looking for one (too hard for me). Yet the balance of say normal is still challenging enough for the newbies to the fighting genre. The mode is similar to what you would expect, you play as a certain character throughout the story, and each fight leads to a cut scene leading to another fight, rinse and repeat. Then you change character ever so often until the very end of the story. It was a perfect size, not too long to get repetitive or boring, or too short to say you feel you have been robbed paying for the game. The game does have a small variance of mini games, in the mold of Street Fighter, where characters have to press certain button sequences during a cut scene or have destroy something in an allotted amount of time. It's a solid story, and fun to play.
  The game then includes further modes, whether it is standard vs. mode, or battle which is the same model of the Mortal Kombat ladder, in the eventual outcome of fighting the final boss at the end of the ladder you climb. Yet the Battle mode has loads of variances, such as infinite lives, or 1 life only, even small things such as your character loses health of the course of a fight. It is challenging and will have hardcore fighting fans entertained for hours. The game also comes with S.T.A.R Labs mode, which is a small variance of story/battle mode mixed. Each character has small challenges to complete to progress, and you get objectives during each challenge. Its good fun, addictive and again offers plenty of gameplay.
  
  The game has 15 iconic stages to choose from to fight in. From Batmans Cave and Superman Fortress of Solitude to Gotham City streets, or Arkham Aylsum. Each level has its own unique intractable environment i.e. the ability to throw a dumpster, or perhaps a television should they be lying around. They also have several layers, so if you were to select Wayne Manor for example, you would start at the front entrance outside the building, then knock the opposing player (unrealistically albeit awesomely) through a wall, onto the roof grazing roof tiles and onto the roof of the manor. Then you would do it again, throwing them through the floor of the roof, down into the building, into dining/kitchen area. It is pretty fun stuff, and each level has its own unique layer and cut scene.
  
  Online is fun to play, although it would be tough for newcomers due to the high standard some players maintain and produce. Yet it is fun, and you learn new tactics and combos just by watching. Offering several modes, and with no lag, it is probably the most fun I have had on a fighting game online to date. King of Hill is pretty unique; allowing you to watch 2 online players in a cinema like mode, but bet experience on those you think will win, or do certain things before the other player.
  
  My only improvement would have been to add a tag mode. Were each player could select 2, perhaps even 3 characters allowing you to tag them in and out during the match. Much like the IOS game of the Injustice, it would have been fun and unique, adding another layer to the game, whilst allowing some matches to last longer and add more strategy in the process. It's a small issue, but still it seems odd it was included given the IOS app does.
  
  Overall the game is solid, the amount of time it will take to complete is really good value for money. The story is arguably worth a purchase alone, but with all the other modes it certainly worth a look in. With only perhaps tag mode missing, which is odd, it still doesn't distract from a rich game with a lot to offer. NetherRealm Studios have managed to recreate the magic of Mortal Kombat (9) and implement it into the DC Universe, taking away some of the violence in process. It's a welcome change, which feels fresh and plays smoothly in process. Kudos to the studio for a job well done.
  
  Graphics
  
  The games graphics are worthy for the DC Universe. In a world were characters have been portrayed differently for centuries on page or other formats they all have the base principals of what makes the character that character. Injustice is no different, the artistic view has brilliant, and I could not argue with what is near perfect when the characters have adapted a different futuristic look, yet still looking like they should. Making things fresh, but cannot see why any comic fan would have a reason to complain.
  Stages within the game are beautifully crafted; the amount of detail and precision to recreate renowned locations is such a high standard. They have stayed true to the gritty streets of Gotham, to the ice look cave of the Fortress of Solitude and the shadowed, damp Bat Cave. No one could argue justice has been served in terms of the commitment from the NetherRealm Studios art team.
  
  The biggest let down of the graphics, despite being so small, making it hardly being worthy of note is the cut scenes, where some characters mouths don't look right with the audio, and perhaps bigger scale (city wide) views lack the polish in the background. It is hardly noticeable but still enough to perhaps be improved considering the high standard shown elsewhere. It really is just small polishing that was required, yet perhaps the studio did not have the time.
  
  Overall no complaints, the negatives are so small they are hardly worthy of mentioning, the game itself could have used more polish to rid the negative, but given the character models and environment standard, it is easy to forgive and forget.
  
  Audio
  
  Audio, the game features renowned voices for the characters. I.e. Kevin Conroy as Batman as always is superb. All characters have familiar voices from other media I.e. cartoons, or previous games. Those that haven't are still voiced their in-game counterparts well. My biggest negative would be, although they may have tried, would be to get Mark Hamill to reprise his role ask The Joker. As well as The Joker has been voiced in game, they will never replace Mark Hamill, his Arkham City and Asylum Joker was perfection. Yet that said, the standard again is still high, and that is more a personal negative. As stated The Joker in game is voiced well, just I know it could have been even better.
  
  Musical side of things, I felt we could have used more of the renowned tunes in the DC archive. John Williams Superman theme anyone?! It would have been a spine tingling moment for any fan boy if they added the smaller themes at certain moments. Yet that is being critical to what is already decent soundtrack. I just feel the lack of some themes dampened the experience when certain characters entered the frame. Arguably the biggest disappointment about the game considering the detail that was given to please DC fans elsewhere, yet music can sometimes represent the character best in the DC world.
  
  Overall the Audio is good, it could have been better with missed opportunities, I feel most DC fans would agree with me, although this is more a personal preference for my beloved heroes. Still it is good, and not enough to detract you from what was a good experience overall on my play through.
  
  Conclusion
  
  The game is a DC fans wet dream. Albeit not the most popular genre, still it is accessible enough for newcomers to pick up the game and enjoy it. Some hardcore fans of the fighting genre may not agree, yet I feel NetherRealm built the game ground up for the DC fans, not the fighting ones. They used the experience from a very well received Mortal Kombat, took what they knew best and twisted into a new beast. The game is massive, put simply you could spend hours and hours and still have not unlocked and complete all modes. If you do, then you still have to test yourself online for the biggest challenge. It offers fun, addictive and fluid gameplay. It's not perfect, but it does most things right, with only a handful of missed opportunities. The biggest negative is the musical score, but can be forgiven for the high standard produced elsewhere. The games roster is massive, and all characters feel and look unique, enough to play as each character several times. Overall if you are a DC fan you will love it, and will have fun playing through the game. If you are a fighting fan then you will love it also, but it is not as in depth as previous fighting games I have played. It is good enough to last for a hardcore fighting fan, but easy enough to pick up and enjoy for a newbie, which I believe should please everyone. Overall, it would be an INJUSTICE not to pick the game up if you qualify in the above sentiments. Loved it, and recommend it. 8/10
  
  
  

• Injustice: Gods Among Us - E3 Trailer WIIU360PS3 | 01:49 Play Trailer
• Injustice: Gods Among Us - Gamescom Trailer WIIU360PS3 | 01:17 Play Trailer