**A few weeks ago I wrote an article on the fighting game and comic book series Injustice: Gods Among Us. Since then, I have played and completed the storyline of Injustice 2, and I thought I would give a few thoughts.**


<center>![Injustice 2.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRSMiiiGPvufQBVMRrNtgfGtYgpLUndNHNEFEUGH29vz6/Injustice%202.png)</center>
> <center>[Injustice 2 image from [BagoGames on flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/bagogames/27442243952) adapted with text]</center>

# <center>Injustice 2</center>
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*Injustice: Gods Among Us* (the first game in the series) told the story of an alternative universe Superman who lost his way and became a tyrannical ruler of Earth. Joker had killed his wife, Lois Lane who was carrying Superman’s child. If you want to play both games in the series, skip to the next paragraph now, because there will be **spoilers**. Alright, here we go. Superman imprisoned by the Insurgence led by Batman, who dares stand up against the dictatorial reign of Superman.

# <center>Story and setting</center>
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<center>![Braniac 1.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUYZ4WdxppMxq22j2Rgoiwebv6hpUkU2TpimoHSKAQD8a/Braniac%201.jpg)</center>
> <center>[Image from  [Red Moth Music on Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/215651676)]</center>

This time around, the story centers on the villain *Braniac*. Braniac wants to absorb all knowledge and destroy those who share his knowledge. He believes that knowledge is only worth something to him, if it is rare.

Superman is of course out of prison. He wants revenge and to take over the Earth once again, but with Braniac getting closer to absorbing the whole world, Superman and Batman are forced to fight a common enemy. They have to choose to work with or against each other.

The story is enjoyable DC comic book action. The Injustice universe is in my opinion rather more compelling than many of the current DC Universe TV shows like Arrow and Flash. Injustice captures the quirky and joke cracking nature of those two characters better than their more serious and somewhat overemotional counter-parts on TV. In other words, Injustice is a comic book game that works as great adaptation of exactly comic books, whereas the TV shows strive for a bit more drama and a bit less comic book style quirkiness.

# <center>Gameplay</center>
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As a fighting game Injustice works great. It is clear from the gameplay, that Netherrealm also are the developers of Mortal Kombat. The combat is hard hitting, and it focuses on simpler combos compared to Tekken for example. The visuals are good especially for a fighting game. Each DC hero/villain character has clearly defined fighting styles that make sense: Batman can use Batarangs, and is animated with moves that looks precise but also evasive at the same time. Superman is more direct in his fighting style, flying slightly above the ground when grabbling people to slam them into the ground. Of course, he also has laser vision and ice cold breath. 

#### <center>Here is a short gameplay video I recorded on PlayStation 4:
https://youtu.be/lDoY8AXcl8Q


Characters have various intros and dialogue during the match, depending on whom they meet in battle. Oftentimes, Harley will crack jokes at others while Batman will give out warnings to step down. If Batman fights another Batman, they will question about who is the right one, before beating one another up.

Whereas Tekken, Street Fighter and many other fighting games have separate left kick, right kick, left punch, right punch (or more) buttons. Injustice have low, medium and high impact hits and then a special attack depending on the character. This special attack is usually a power up ability of sorts, which can be “combo’d” between other attacks. You can also use various objects from the background, to hit your opponent with or in to.

The Super Moves are the most noticeable part of the combat. When your super meter fills up, which it will depending on your damage given and taken, you can activate your Super Move. This will activate an over-the-top cut scene, where characters will perform signature styled moves on the opponent. Batman will send his enemy flying high and then shoot him up with his Batwing flying vehicle. Superman will punch people above the clouds, and keep punching them forward, until he finally smashes them down in the ground. The moves look spectacular, and it is fun to try out every characters Super Move just to see what happens.

I would argue that Injustice 2 is easier for a newbeginner to pick up than say Street Fighter. The fighting is slower paced than other fighters. You are able to things relatively easily that hurt your opponent and look cool while doing it too, and there is a good tutorial for the different characters in the game.

# <center>A few drawback</center>
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I only found a few drawbacks. One thing I am not sold on, is the fact that you can switch out gear and weapons for each character. This gear gives different statistics like higher armor and more damage. I am afraid this creates an unbalance, if you use this feature with some characters but not with others. You cannot use the gear in competitive online play though, so if you are a competitive player, the gear will probably not matter to you.

As with many new games, you can get loot boxes to unlock more gear. I guess every game needs loot boxes nowadays. You can unlock them for free through side objectives. You can pay "real" money for cosmetic items, but not for the game changing items.

You can unlock loot through every game mode, but playing the Multiverse game mode speeds things up.

# <center>Multiverse</center>
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In the Multiverse mode you have to fight a set of opponents from different universes with changed rules. Sometimes you get a helping hand during the fight from different characters. Other times your opponents have an extraordinarily amount of health and are tough to beat, making for a boss like challenge. It is an enjoyable game mode to go through once you have completed the story. New challenges are unlocked for everyone every day, so there is always something to do in the Multiverse.

# <center>Verdict</center>

If you like me enjoy fighting games and love the DC Universe, Injustice 2 is a no-brainer. You do not have to have played the first game, nor do you have to read the comic. Playing the first game however, gives a background story to why Superman and Batman are fighting in the first place. The game is frantic and fun and filled with beloved DC characters.  


*I played Injustice 2 on PlayStation 4*


## Thanks for reading! Have you played Injustice 2 or maybe the first game? What is your favorite DC media crossover? Tell me in the comments below.
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#### <center>- @rawbinhutt</center>