14 DAY TRIAL // Mortal Kombat is a series reborn, but the development team at NetherRealm has chosen not to cash in on its success and is keen to show that traditional superheroes can power a true fighting game with their new Injustice – Gods Among Us.
The game might be in alpha state at the moment and there are just six characters revealed (the selection screen seems to have space for about 30) and 2 full stages (the screens suggest that more than 10 will be offered on launch).
But the actual action, as demonstrated via a fight between Superman and the Flash and one between Batman and Solomon Grundy, is already impressive.
The developers understand that superheroes are all about special powers and moves and is focused on giving them changes to show them off.
From the four characters that were demoed, Flash was the most impressive, literally running around the world a few times in order to gather the momentum for his ultimate attack, while Superman punched his enemy into space and then followed him up to slam him back.
The two are considered to be Power characters while the likes of Batman and Grundy are Gadget types and will rely more on combination moves and their equipment, from batarangs to included cleavers, in order to win a fight.
There’s also a lot of interaction with the environment, with each character able to use cars, generators and other elements in various ways. The team is aiming for variety, with each fight background giving players at least two different areas to battle in.
My only concern at the moment is whether the developers can make all the characters competitive for the final release without stretching the lore of the DC comics universe beyond breaking point.
NetherRealm is only willing to say that Injustice is being prepared for a 2013 launch.