Warner Games and Netherworld continue their alternative take on the DC Comics’ universe with Injustice 2.

Build from the ground up for the new gen consoles, Injustice 2 features some breathtaking visuals and inspired redesigns for DC’s ironic characters.

The DC Universe of Injustice is messed up. Following the imprisonment of Superman, with Batman having toppled his totalitarian solution to the human races warlike nature, Wonder Woman and Black Adam plot revenge. Meanwhile another group, The Society, a group of DC villains led by Gorilla Grodd, threatens the status quo. The arrival of Super-Girl and the appearance of Braniac, further charge the situation. Will Batman require the help of the Man of steel, once more?

The Multiverse-hopping of the previous game is abandoned with Injustice 2’s single-player campaign being set entirely on the alternative Injustice Earth. This gives the game the freedom to do as it pleases with the DC characters without upsetting fans with continuity issues.

The single-player campaign has the production values of a computer-animated movie but sometimes it does seem forget that it is a game. That being said, it’s an awfully good story, making for a great interactive experience. The cut scenes are outstanding, perfectly framing bouts of combat between a host of different characters. Not only does the campaign offer plenty of variety, it also gives you a good taster of many different characters so you can start to pick you favourites.

The ability to modify characters’ looks allows you to create unique versions of your favourite characters. As you play you unlock new gear that offer both cosmetic and ability upgrades. The inclusion of micro-transactions and day-one DLC characters is not so welcome. Purchasing Source Crystals with real money allows you to buy Mother Boxes containing random gear items for your characters.

Gameplay-wise Injustice 2 feels a lot like its predecessor, which isn’t a bad thing as the game does stray from the generic formula of fighting games. I particularly like how, instead of a series of rounds, the bouts are one fight, which each opponent having two health bars, one presumably a shield and the other their squishy body.

The animated super-moves are entertaining, but brutal unblockable strike that can switch the battle around. Your character’s super-move only becomes unlocked once you have filled the gauge at the bottom of the screen. The bar is filled by unleashing a barrage of attacks on your opponent. But you can also gamble some of this latent power for a meter burn move, unleashing a furious attack earlier on.

Certainly, by the end of the single-player campaign you are going to be familiar enough with all the characters in the game to know your favourites and have a good handle how each of them plays.

With the campaign out of the way, InJustice 2 keeps on giving, with solo play extended via single fights and the mini-campaigns offered by The Multiverse. The Multiverse features a series of fights available for a limited about of time. They not only offer a great challenge but also another way to gain gear for your characters.

Multiplayer features your usual online bouts that can be played as single verses fights or as an online tournament. An interesting addition is the AI Battle Simulator, whereby you select a team of AI-controlled characters to do battle with another player’s characters.

Injustice 2 isn’t just a great DC Comics fighting game, it’s also a great fighting game in its own right. The ability to customise your characters is a great addition to the game, giving you an extra incentive to win as much as you can in order to unlock the best gear and increase your stats. Of course, to wear all the very best gear you are going to need to get your characters up to the right level, which means more fighting.

Each character, although established in the comics, has been tweaked enough to make their fighting style both unique and entertaining. The visuals are outstanding and the who package is finely polished.

Comic book fans and fans of fighting games really ought to give this one a go.

The post Injustice 2 (Xbox One) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment recently announced Injustice 2, the super-powered sequel to the hit game Injustice: Gods Among Us.  The newest game in development from the award-winning NetherRealm Studios features a massive roster of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains and allows players to build and power up the ultimate version of their favourite DC characters.  Injustice 2 will be available for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2017. 

“In Injustice 2, we are introducing new features that will change the way fans play fighting games,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios.  “We’re always interested in pushing the genre forward and allowing players to customise and level-up their favourite DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains is a significant leap.”

“Expanding the DC Universe in games continues to be one of our top priorities, and Injustice 2 showcases amazing gameplay and an original story to bring the characters to life for players,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “NetherRealm Studios is offering fans an experience of customising and battling with DC’s iconic characters in an entirely new way.”

Injustice 2 offers the latest DC fighting game experience that expands on the previous title’s larger-than-life showdowns.  Every battle defines you in a game where players personalise iconic DC characters with unique and powerful gear earned throughout the game.  For the first time gamers can take control of how their characters look, fight and develop across a variety of game modes.

Injustice 2 continues the epic cinematic story introduced in Injustice: Gods Among Us as Batman and his allies work towards putting the pieces of society back together while struggling against those who want to restore Superman’s regime.  In the midst of the chaos, a new threat appears that will put Earth’s existence at risk.  Players can play from the biggest DC roster ever offered in a fighting game, from classic fan favourites such as Batman, Superman, Supergirl and Aquaman, to astonishing new villains like Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd.  Battles will take place across arenas that have evolved in scale and span across iconic locations such as Metropolis, Gotham City and Atlantis.

To celebrate the announcement of Injustice 2, fans who have downloaded the hugely successful Injustice: Gods Among Us mobile game can unlock the Injustice 2 versions of Superman and Aquaman through the in-game Challenge Modes.  Released in 2013 and developed from the ground up by NetherRealm Studios, the Injustice: Gods Among Us mobile game is available as a free download on the App Store and Google Play.

Stay with us for more info coming soon!

The post Even More Injustice! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.