Injustice: Gods Among Us Review

Injustice: Gods Among Us, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, burst onto the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2013. Following the success of *Mortal Kombat 9*, NetherRealm turned its attention to the iconic characters of DC Comics, delivering a robust and engaging fighting game that combined brutal combat with a compelling cinematic story. This Injustice PS3 review explores its unique features and why it remains a classic fighting game.

Gameplay: Interactive Stages and Character Traits

At its core, Injustice: Gods Among Us offers a fast-paced, 2D-plane fighting experience that builds upon NetherRealm’s established formula. The character roster is a dream come true for DC fans, featuring a diverse lineup of heroes and villains like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, The Joker, and Lex Luthor, each with unique fighting styles and special moves.

Key innovations set Injustice apart. “Interactive environments” allow players to use elements of the stage (like throwing cars or smashing opponents through walls) for strategic advantage, adding a dynamic layer to combat. Each character possesses a unique “Character Trait,” a special ability that can be activated to alter their playstyle (e.g., Superman temporarily buffs his strength, Batman summons bats). The “Clash” system introduces a mini-game where players wager meter to regain health or deal damage, adding a dramatic risk-reward element. Powerful “Super Moves” deliver cinematic, over-the-top attacks. The PS3 version performs admirably, delivering a smooth framerate crucial for competitive play.

• Dynamic and interactive environments
• Unique “Character Traits” for each fighter
• Strategic “Clash” system for meter management
• Over-the-top “Super Moves”
• Diverse roster of iconic DC heroes and villains

Story Mode: A Universe Divided

The Story Mode of Injustice is a major highlight, setting a new standard for narrative in fighting games. It tells a captivating tale set in an alternate universe where Superman, driven to madness by tragedy, establishes a tyrannical One Earth Regime. Batman leads a rebellion to restore freedom, eventually bringing heroes from the “prime” DC universe into the conflict.

The cinematic story is well-written, with impressive cutscenes, compelling character interactions, and excellent voice acting that keeps players invested from start to finish. It’s a genuinely engaging plot that makes sense within the context of a fighting game.

Other Content: S.T.A.R. Labs and Replayability

Beyond the Story Mode, Injustice offers a wealth of content. The “S.T.A.R. Labs” missions provide unique, character-specific challenges that often involve mini-games or specific combat scenarios, adding immense replayability. Traditional Arcade Battle modes, Versus, and a robust online multiplayer (with various modes) ensure endless hours of combat.

Graphics and Sound: DC’s Visual Punch

Visually, Injustice: Gods Among Us on the PS3 is impressive. The graphics are detailed, with well-rendered character models and vibrant, destructible stages that feel authentic to the DC Universe. The special effects for powers and Super Moves are flashy and impactful, making every hit feel powerful.

The sound design is excellent, with satisfying impact sounds, iconic character grunts and shouts, and a dramatic orchestral score that perfectly complements the intense action. The voice acting, featuring many seasoned DC voice actors, is top-notch, bringing the beloved characters to life.

Legacy: A Superhero Fighting Game Benchmark

Injustice: Gods Among Us was a critical and commercial success, proving that NetherRealm’s formula could extend beyond Mortal Kombat. It became a benchmark for superhero fighting games and influenced subsequent titles in the genre, including its own acclaimed sequel. It remains a definitive classic fighting game of the PS3 era.

Is Injustice: Gods Among Us on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For fans of fighting games and the DC Comics universe, Injustice: Gods Among Us on PS3 is still a highly recommended play. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling cinematic story, and wealth of content offer countless hours of brutal and engaging combat. It’s a true gaming masterpiece and a shining example of how to bring beloved comic book characters to the fighting arena on the PlayStation 3.