For those that don't know, I have a soft spot for comics, especially DC. I also have a soft spot for fighting games. They have always been a huge part of my gaming history and when a game called Mortal Kombat entered the scene, I was more than intrigued. My days of spouting bouts with my buds on the couch started with Capcom's gem, Street Fighter II, along with its many iterations. However, it was Mortal Kombat that really sealed my love for fighting games. I really wasn't allowed to play the MK series until MK 4, but that doesn't mean I didn't. I guess mom didn't mind the "sweat" on the SNES version, but everything else I had to sneak. Man that was lame.
In the pre-NetherRealm days of 2008, MK vs. DC Universe made an attempt to gain some ground after the previously successful release of SFIV. MK vs. DC Universe wasn't a bad game, I just felt that it lacked some pizazz and polish. It seemed to be trying too hard and I think the game was slightly hampered because of it. Flash forward to 2011. NetherRealm released their new rendition of Mortal Kombat and the crowd went wild. I truly am loving and still playing it to this day. The game captures all the atmosphere and brutality of what truly is and should always be Mortal Kombat. I was very proud to see it taken onto tournament level at EVO. Let's hope the community does the same with Injustice.
During EVO 2012, a rough build of Injustice: Gods Among Us was presented by Ed Boon himself. Seeing the game in action got me all giddy and excited. From what was shown, I could immediately tell the resemblance to the updated 2011 MK. I was also very glad to see that the game was solely focused on the DC Universe. I think having a more focused effort towards one universe is the way to go. I followed the game ever since and here we are at the night of release.
My impressions from the demo are definitely positive. Everything from the menus to the level design is superbly polished. The ebb and flow of each fight is very natural. I enjoy the exchange the fighters display as they interact their own unique way with the interactive backgrounds. Fights will lead you from one place to another as you pummel your poor opponents into a transition. These are nuts to see. The wager system is a neat feature as well, adding a gamble of odds to the mix when activated. Each player will cough up chunks of their meter against the other. Whomever gave the most up wins the wager and gets an edge of combat opportunity or health regen, albeit at the cost of your wager. Super moves are specific to each character and are absolutely over-the-top. A great answer to MK's fatalities. You never know what's going to happen next.
It's this kind of unpredictable outcome each round offers that plays seamlessly into the comic universe of DC. It's just really fun to watch a match unfold.
Playing on both PS3 and Xbox 360, I really don't see much of a difference graphically. Honestly, there shouldn't be. The game is beautiful and runs at a very solid framerate on both. The PS3 seems more crisp and a little brighter overall. The Xbox 360 seemed darker, but shadows were more prevalent. You could argue the adjustments could be made within the game and/or on your television. However, I think it just comes down to preference when choosing systems. I am personally getting it on the PS3 due the near full hard drive of my 360. I don't typically play fighters on control pads unless I have to, so that's not a factor for me. This time, there isn't a Kratos situation either. Everyone is getting everything.
As far as the gameplay goes, it falls between the 2011 rendition of MK and the quicker speed of UMvC3. I find the new direction to be quite refreshing. The button layout will take a little getting use to, as well as adapting to some of the new implemented mechanics and meters. With most new fighting game franchises, this is pretty much expected. It will take a little bit for the community to break everything down and see where the loopholes lie. Overall, the fighting system as a whole seems simple enough to pickup, but has the depth for the people who truly want to master it. I really like what NetherRealm is bringing to the table. Interactive backgrounds, level transitions, the wager system, super moves, robust online progression, S.T.A.R. lab missions; the list goes on and on. Between the secrets, unlocks and dlc, we should be pretty busy for a long time.
Injustice: Gods Among Us is offered in multiple flavors on PS3 and Xbox 360. You have the standard, the collector's and the battle edition. The collector's highlight is 13" statue of Wonder Woman vs. Batman which looks pretty freakin' rad. The battle's highlight touts a fight stick made by PDP. With all of the statues and toys that I own and my need for a stick with a normal button layout, I am going with the battle edition. Tonight couldn't come sooner. I can't wait to dig in and get good, or at least think I am getting good. What are you going with? What system are you going to play Injustice on? Make sure to comment and let me know!
For a superbly deep disassembly and breakdown review of the Injustice fight stick, check out Kaihong's post over on the forums on Shoryuken.com @
Kaihong's Incredible Breakdown of Injustice Fight Stick. I was completely floored and so happy to get an in-depth look at the stick. Thank's Kaihong!
Photo credit:
Gamestop,
Injustice
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