Injustice 2 is a 2017 fighting video game developed by NetherRealm Studios, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and released for the Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.  Set as the sequel to 2013’s Injustice: Gods Among Us, the story follows Batman and his insurgency’s attempt to restore society after the fall of Superman’s regime; however, the arrivals of the newly formed supervillain group “The Society” and the alien Brainiac forces Batman to consider freeing the imprisoned Superman to help combat the threats.

Positives:

• Terrific graphics
• Terrific performances
• Extensive campaign
• Tons of unlockable content
• Great character customization
• Challenging gameplay
• Compelling story
• Good soundtrack

Negatives:

• Repetitive cinematics
• Unnecessary micro-transactions

Campaign:  Like its predecessor, Injustice 2 features a story mode that is split into several chapters swapped between various characters.  Also, there are several points in the campaign where players are given choices to pick between two characters.  Missed the mini-games incorporated into the main story like in the first game.  Would’ve helped make it more interactive. The story follows Batman and his insurgency’s attempt to restore society after the fall of Superman’s regime; however, the arrivals of the newly formed supervillain group “The Society” and the alien Brainiac forces Batman to consider freeing the imprisoned Superman to help combat the threats.  Great story with a lot of great moments as well as characters with a lot of personality.  Especially with the moral dilemmas of Batman, Superman, and Supergirl.  There are some characters who are questionable like Scarecrow, Joker, and Swamp Thing. (4 out of 5)

Gameplay:  Similar to 2011’s Injustice: Gods Among Us gameplay, Injustice 2 is a fighting game where players controls characters with different fighting styles and special attacks, engaging in one-on-one combat to deplete their opponent’s life gauge. The combat system, which consists of a light, medium, and heavy attacks, as well as a button for special abilities, allows for innovative combos.  Players can interact with their environment whether its launching or triggering certain objects or triggering stage transitions.

A new feature of the game is the Gear System, where game progression and completing objectives earn players costume pieces and equipment that can be used to customize characters’ appearances and modify their abilities and stats (strength, defense, health, and ability)  Collecting experience points allows players to level up their characters and their stats.  Loot crates, known as “Mother Boxes”, using in-game currency are earned at the end of a fight.  Also, there are five separate gear loadouts for each character, allowing players to switch between their setups which again, emphasizes the character customization. (4 out of 5)

Graphics:  Thumbs up to the awesome cinematics, which as great improvement to its predecessors.  The level of detail to the different emotions (especially with Supergirl and Superman) is great.  Even when it comes to the cinematics, which are engaging, particularly with the character interactions and the action.  Love the active level designs, which look great as well as the transition animations. Many of the character designs look exceptional.  Really didn’t like the Black Adam nor Damian Waynes’s character design.  (5 out of 5)

Score:  The cast is talented and the voice performances are solid.  George Newbern is fantastic as Superman, as well as Laura Bailey (Supergirl), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn), Susan Eisenberg (Wonder Woman), Jeffrey Combs (Brainiac)…just everyone gives a great performance.  The music composition just feels completely epic.  The sound effects are just solid: punches feel impactful, attacks feel unique, the environment feels vibrant. (4 out of 5)

Replay Value:  The game has a lot of content outside of the main story mode to keep players invested.  If you’re anything like me, the character customization is more than enough to invest time in.  Unlocking loot gear, leveling up characters, and modifying characters for different loadouts for battle is something truly great.  For those who enjoy the online multiplayer, it is highly competitive (especially with the option to disable the gear upgrades and modifications).  There is also the offline multiplayer for the more local players.  But the most standout feature is the new “Multiverse” mode which allows players to travel through series of parallel worlds within the DC Universe and battle against opponents with various handicaps, stipulations, and goals.  Also, there is the option of players joining “guilds” which can have up to 50 players.  Guild members can collaborate to complete daily and weekly cooperative objectives to earn and share gear exclusive to that guild.  There are tons of great content to unlock such as character skins, gear, and info.  The DLC features more characters such as Starfire, Darkseid, Sub-Zero, and Black Manta.  There should’ve been more unlockable characters in-game rather than with DLC.  And lastly the the game features multiple endings.  (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Injustice 2 is a great sequel to an otherwise great game.  The micro-transactions are bothersome as well as some repetitive in-game cinematics but the game excels at everything else.  The game features great graphics, great soundtrack, awesome voice performances, fun combat system, great content, and a great customization system.  Injustice 2 gets 4 out of 5.  DC Comics lands another fantastic video game.