E3 2016: Injustice 2 Footage Analysis

With Injustice 2 coming in 2017, more additional in-game footage has been shown at E3. There are not only fresh ideas within this DC fighter but also some common similarities with the original Injustice title.

What is immediately apparent are the new characters like Supergirl, Gorilla Grodd and Atrocitus. Supergirl thankfully looks different from Superman having different variations on their super powers. Gorilla Grodd is looking more like a grapple character where Atrocitus is seen like a very intimidating powerhouse. Each character flows extremely well making the combat look very fluid.  All these new characters look like great additions within the roster. It will be interesting how these characters will integrate with the story.

Mechanically, there’s some new rolling moves implemented within the fights. One roll is in mid-air whilst another is seen as a roll forward. For some characters, these moves will make them so more mobile helping them get out of tricky situations. However, these mobility options may not be free of charge to use as, when performed, small flashes appear. This may be attributed to a super meter, meaning that these movement options may cost a bar of meter to perform. This is not uncommon for a resource to be spent on mobility as in Mortal Kombat X, to back dash or run costs stamina meter.

The clash system may have made a return as both fighters are getting up close and personal. This time, the camera gets extremely close between the two combatants. In the previous title, once a clash occurred, the two fighters would be pushed back then collide in the middle of the screen. This new camera angle makes the clash far more intense, showing the might of these characters. The mechanics of the clash could be changed as well. In the previous title, a player could bet their own meter in order to restore health or cause damage to the opponent. This was annoying at times but players grew to adapt to this gameplay mechanic by performing combos that can’t be clashed.

For Aquaman and Batman, they stay true to their original Injustice incarnates. Special moves like Aquaman’s ‘from the deep’ move and Batman’s counter are apparent. Some of their original combo strings have also made there way to the sequel. Whether they will have the exact same repertoire of moves and combo strings in the final version is another question. I personally like that Aquaman is rocking some arm tattoos, a nod to the Khal Drogo lead Aquaman film.

Previously, more fighters have been teased within the initial trailer and an Injustice 2 t-shirt, showing multiple iconic weapons and logos. Such logos hint at; Captain Cold, Dr Fate and Harley Quinn amongst others.

Injustice 2  is shaping up like another great fighting game made by NetherRealm studios and Warner Bros. and is set for 2017 release, for PS4 and Xbox One.