Analyzing the Roster of Injustice: Gods Among Us

So it seems like the full roster for upcoming fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us has been revealed (at least up until the date of this article) and let me just say that I am a little less than thrilled with it. I kind of expected NetherRealm Studios and DC to offer a bit more in terms of playable characters than what is presented in the game. Some of the characters announced are no brainers – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, you know they had to be in the game. Others, like Nightwing and Hawkgirl left me scratching my head, but seem like they would fit in well with the game. Then you have a couple of characters in the game, like Cyborg and Solomon Grundy who I believe don’t fit in well with the rest of the roster. The full release of the game may prove me wrong, and believe you me, I really hope they do, but as for my initial feelings on the announced roster, I certainly have some doubts.

I also have some questions as to why other characters in the DC Universe have been left out as well. Why not include some other lesser known but popular characters have a chance to shine in a game such as this? This would have been a great game to use to introduce some other DC characters to the gaming community. I believe that there is a missed opportunity here to really show some variety in DC’s character stable that I believe would have gone well with the tone of the game. Maybe they will be introduced via DLC later, maybe not; I just hope that somewhere down the line this will be addressed, because I know I am not the only one wondering why certain characters were not used.

With that being said, I want to kind of discuss each character of the announced, to-date roster, why or why not I like them as a fit for the game, and what characters I would have loved to have been included in the game.

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So now, let me discuss the roster that has been presented for the game:

 

Aquaman

If you know me, you know that I absolutely hate the character of Aquaman. Even now, after the revamp of the character in the New 52 line up at DC and everything that Geoff Johns has done to revitalize the character, I still look at him as nothing but a B-Lister in terms of DC characters. Even still, I have to admit that with that armor he is wearing in the game, he does look pretty bad ass. And his attitude is something that I wish would be more prevalent in the main DC Universe. So the way the character is being used in the game is quite surprising – and very much to my liking. This is the Aquaman I have been waiting to see for years. It still doesn’t change my opinion of the character, but it makes me a bit more interested in him now. The man rules more than 70 percent of the Earth yet acts like a second banana, but not in the reveal trailer where it appears he may have finally grown a pair.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

Ares

Ares is a character that completely caught me by surprise as being added to the game roster. Honestly, I never thought that Ares was much of a major baddie for Wonder Woman and mattered very little outside of a few crossover events. So to see him added here caught me off guard – but that is not a bad thing. I wanted DC and NetherRealm to do something that would change up from what they normally do. I want to see some lesser known characters or characters who receive little exposure in some of their mass media offerings. So while I may not be a fan of Ares, I applaud the use of a character maybe not a lot of people expected to see in a game. As to how the character will play and how his story will intertwine with the rest of the characters in the game, we’ll have to wait until release day, but I don’t mind having to do so.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Bane

I am sick, sick, sick of Bane. No, it has nothing to do with The Dark Knight Rises. I just have never been a fan of the character past the initial Knightfall storyline from 20 years ago. It seemed that DC really had nothing else planned for Bane past that story and have kind of done nothing to make the character any more interesting. While he certainly looks menacing and powerful, that still does nothing for me in terms of how I feel for the character. To me, he is simply in the game for pure muscle, kind of like Zangief is in the Street Fighter series, for those players looking to use some kind of hulking fighter to dish out maximum damage as quickly as possible. Unless I see something different at game’s release, my initial impression of the character being added to the roster is that NetherRealm needed some known muscle man and this is who they found after more exposure from his appearance in a movie.

Final Character Assessment: D

 

 

Batman

Needless to say, Batman is one of those characters that needs to be included in almost any kind of game involving the DC Universe at large. That being said, in this Elseworlds-like story of the game, Batman has to be Superman’s greatest threat. Even as a basic human with extraordinary powers or meta-human abilities, Batman is still one of the most brilliant and resourceful minds in the world, and any dedicated man can accomplish anything. Batman believes that, Superman knows that about him, and it sets them both up as rivals in the game. With his ability to lead that matches Superman’s, he can muster an army just as impressive as Superman’s, if maybe a bit on the fringe side. Nevertheless, this is something I have wanted to see in a DC game and I am glad that it is coming in a game where a direct confrontation between Batman and Superman in a high probability.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

 

Black Adam

Even before they had announced Black Adam as a playable character, even before we had seen glimpses of the character in trailers and preview images,  I wanted Black Adam to be added to the game. I don’t know the role he will play in the game and whether he will support Superman’s regime, fight for Batman’s cause, or side with Luthor, I am just happy that he was ultimately announced as a playable character. With his powers rooted in magic, he is more than a match for Superman, and with his strength and speed, he is just as much a problem for Batman as the Man of Steel. Really though, I just want to see how his rivalry with Captain Marvel will play out in the game. Being able to really live out this rivalry in a fully fleshed out fighting game between major DC characters, even if it is in an Elseworlds type story, is something that I have wanted for a long time.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

 

Captain Marvel

Here is a character that I am not sure how they fit into the scenario of the game. Billy Batson was chosen to be Captain Marvel because he was pure at heart and the qualities needed to be Captain Marvel require him to be an all-around, if somewhat annoying, good guy. Yet, as it appears in the trailers, unless I am missing something, Captain Marvel appears to be on Superman’s despotic regime – something that seems to go against what being Captain Marvel would entail. I mean, unless he has gone the way of Black Adam or is completely corrupting the Wizard and the Rock of Eternity, I don’t see how a good natured Captain Marvel would turn bad. Well, unless they explain it like in Kingdom Come and he is being mind-controlled, but I don’t think that is what is happening here. At any rate, while he seems like a good, strong guy fit for the game, I question the direction they are using him in and feel he would be better suited for Batman’s side of the fight.

Final Character Assessment: C

 

 

Catwoman

While it may be hard to picture Catwoman going toe-to-toe with Superman, Wonder Woman or Flash, I can see why she was included in the roster. Her huge popularity among fans would certainly help sell a few more copies. Also, like Bane, why not take advantage of her visibility after being featured in The Dark Knight Rises. Still, beneath that all, Catwoman does have this underlying viciousness that could help carry her in a fight. If following true to her most penned origin, as a child raised on the roughest streets of Gotham and later as a street walker in the worst neighborhoods, she would have had to develop a strong sense of self-defense should she ever get caught in a tough spot. That being said, she would not have the luxury of holding back, so any kind of fighting that she picked up would have one goal in mind – her survival.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Cyborg

I may like the Cyborg character, but I am not completely sold on his inclusion in the game. Yeah, he has some cool tricks and gadgets, and he possesses a scientific mind to back up that muscle of his, but I just can’t quite see what makes him fit in with the game. I know he is becoming ever more popular, and he has a loyal base of fans from several animated series and features and even as a role in the Justice League, but I still don’t see it. Add to that aspect that I am not really thrilled about the redesign of the character for the game. Where the design for Cyborg looks cool and impressive in the animated series and comic books, this looks like some bad render for a version of RoboCop. His powers seem impressive, and his fighting style is pretty awesome, I’ll give the character that, but overall I am just not sold on his being in the game. This spot totally could have gone to another character.

Final Character Assessment: D

 

 

Deathstroke

I am going to admit total bias here because Deathstroke is absolutely one of my favorite comic book characters of all time. Ever since his first appearance back in New Teen Titans #2 in 1980, I have been a fan of his. As the killer for hire with enhanced senses and abilities, Deathstroke has singlehandedly been a major thorn in the side of the Teen Titans and has even gone toe-to-toe with the Justice League on his own. Now, any character that can take on the Justice League on their own deserves to be in a fighting game that has them facing off against the characters one-on-one. Also, I am digging the redesign of his costume to make it more of a body-armor type design than just some chainmail and spandex. Of all the character redesigns for the game, off all the inclusions to the game, this one has me the most excited. Slade Wilson has finally been called up; now let’s watch him kick some ass.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

 

Doomsday

This was another one-time use character that initially had a huge role in DC history but then continued use relegated him to fodder stature. As the being responsible for killing Superman 20 years ago during the Death of Superman story, Doomsday was a feared and reviled villain in DC. Though seemingly killed at the same time, Doomsday would again be featured in several other stories, often times not nearly as powerful as his first encounter with Superman, making him less and less of a threat. Even during the Superman/Batman comic book series, an army of cloned Doomsdays were wiped out with one huge blast of Superman’s heat vision. Wait, what? An army taken out by one blast when one killed Superman years earlier? How much of a threat could he really be? Even the redesign of the character looks pretty awful. He looks more like a cross between the original Doomsday and that god-awful Godzilla lizard from the American movie. If that is the best that NetherRealm could come up with, please leave him out.

Final Character Assessment: F

 

 

Flash

Man, I am digging the Flash’s armored look in the game. He looks totally bad ass in that outfit. I don’t know how practical it is for him to move at his top speed, but it certainly gives him a kick ass new look and feel. I have always loved the character, but he hasn’t always been my favorite. In this game, though, I think he’ll work out just fine. Watching the initial trailer that introduced the Flash, I was impressed with how they integrated his speed techniques for a fighting game; something that I felt NetherRealm did not understand the first time around in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. While I enjoyed playing as Flash in that game, I can’t wait to see how the improvements made for this game handle in my hands. Another reason I am looking forward to the Flash being included in this game is because when my sons and I play super heroes, one of them is Batman, one of them is Superman and I play as Flash. So now we will get to play them in a game, and that sounds really cool with me.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Green Arrow

Ugh, what is it about Green Arrow that he seems to be everywhere now. Where at first I liked him because he was a fringe character in the DC Universe, now it seems like we are being saturated with the Emerald Archer’s presence. I still really like the Green Arrow character, it just seems like I want to see a bit less of him because the more I see, the less special he seems. That being said, I know from previous DC stories that he can be a real pain in Superman’s side, and looking at him from the standpoint of The Dark Knight Returns story, can be a great ally to Batman and a big threat to Superman. So I can see how he is being incorporated in that manner. But I don’t really see him going mano-a-mano with some of the other big guns in the game. Even for as much as I hate their inclusion in the game, either Doomsday or Bane could wipe the floor with GA.

Final Character Assessment: C

 

 

Green Lantern

While I hate that they are using a similar costume design that appeared in that horrendous Green Lantern film, I am always happy to see GL in a game. As my favorite DC character, I am really stoked to see him in the game. But what I really want to see is his power ring really kicking ass. It is supposed to be the most powerful weapon in the universe, according to the Guardians, so why not let the ring do some really wicked damage – especially in a game whose world is turned unto itself. Let the player cut loose with the ring and really show what kind of power is being contained by the ring, and its bearer. Show that will power can stand up to anything, even fear. If the game can do that, I would be more than impressed. If not, he goes back to taking orders from either Superman or Batman and again fails to show his true potential. Let the GL character go almost Parallax in the game.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Harley Quinn

Oh man, oh man; I am really conflicted about this character being in the game. On the one hand, I love the Harley Quinn character. She was a breath of fresh air when she was introduced in Batman: The Animated Series and later into the mainstream DC Universe and has been a fun character to follow, even in the New 52 continuity. On the other hand, she really looks and feels out of place in the game. I don’t see how a joker (no pun intended) like Harley can keep up with some of the other characters in the game. It just seems that if she does, it was forced by the development team. I know she is in the game because of her huge popularity, but it just doesn’t seem right. I like the fighting style she will have in the game, and I LOVE the character redesign of her costume (have you checked out Jessica Nigri in that cosplay?), but that doesn’t sell me on her being in the game.

Final Character Assessment: C

 

 

Hawkgirl

First off, let me say that I am happy that the character here is Hawkgirl and not Hawkman. In my opinion, Hawkgirl has always had a better character than Hawkman. Her character has always been more developed and fleshed out where as Hawkman’s has kind of been stale for years. That being said, I am kind of surprised that she was included in the roster of the game. It is a welcome surprise and I am sure that there are many fans out there that are happy with her inclusion in the game. I hope that they flesh her characteristics in the game the way she was portrayed in the Justice League animated series where she was always a hardened warrior. If they make her in that sense, and give her a fighting style representative of her warrior background, it will be a treat to play as her character in the game.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Joker

The Joker is always quite the enigma. While he may not seem like it, behind the lame jokes and comical façade, there is the mischievous mind of a homicidal killer and a ruthless streak unlike any other. The Joker has long been a pain in the side of Batman, with neither man gaining a clear edge over the other, and has sometimes managed to handle more powerful enemies, like Superman, when given the chance. Check out the Emperor Joker story of 2000 to see what I mean. So he has the ability to really take it to the heroes when he wants to. Problem is, he is so distracted by focusing solely on Batman that he rarely displays that side of himself, or rather, how little he is written as being that capable. But when the Joker is at his best, he is a formidable opponent for any of the DC heroes to handle. So while his small, slender figure may seem perplexing to some people, the diabolical mind he possesses make him a great fit for this game.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

 

Killer Frost

Seeing Killer Frost included into the game as a playable character is a dream come true for me. Though I am not sure how she will turn out in the game, to be quite honest. But this is something that I like seeing from DC and NetherRealm – using a lesser known character to bring some attention to them and expose them to bigger audiences. I may not be a big Firestorm fan, but I was a huge fan of one of his most dangerous nemesis since I was first introduce to the character in the 1980s. But I must stress that even though I am happy that she is included in the roster for the game, I must ask myself just she will fit into the overall story. I know she will fit in with the gameplay – after all, this is NetherRealm here and a game by these guys that doesn’t feature an ice-powered character would just be odd, but I want to see how she plays in the story, especially is Firestorm is not featured in the game.

Final Character Assessment: C

 

 

Lex Luthor

To have a game with Superman seemingly being the “bad guy,” it is only natural that you would also feature his arch nemesis, Lex Luthor, in a role where he believes he is the “good guy” to contrast him. But how can Lex possibly compete with Superman and the other meta-humans in the DC Universe? Well, unless you have been living under a rock for the past four decades, than you would know that with his massive intellect, Luthor has devised a battle armored suit that he wears when battling any of DC heroes. Clad in that same suit in this game, and looking pretty much like Bruce Willis when it comes to facial features, Luthor is ready to do battle with Superman, Batman and everyone else who stands in his way. While his full motives may not be clear as of yet, you can be sure that with a suit to rival Superman’s strength and brains to match the Batman, Luthor will be a formidable opponent.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Nightwing

I love the Dick Grayson character, especially since he ditched the Robin gig and struck out on his own as Nightwing. Well, except for that whole disco outfit phase. (Really DC?) And while he does not possess the strength and cunning of some other fighters in the game, I believe that the character has enough knowledge and fighting experience to hold his own against just about any other character in the game. Does that mean he can easily take down Superman? Well, that really depends. But I do believe that even for a moment, Dick can throw down with even the baddest of opponents and luck out with a win. His gadgets and move set make him look like he could hold his own, but still something bugs me about him being in the game. I am still a bit on the fence with Nightwing being included, but I am willing to give the character the benefit of the doubt.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Raven

I was actually quite surprised to hear that Raven would be on the playable roster for the game. Here is a character that I have loved for several years now because of the complexity of her character and because of how underutilized she is in the comic book series. With her powers and training, she should prove a pretty adequate match for many of the heavies in the game. Also, because she is a magic based power user, she is set up as a great equalizer against Superman should she be on Batman’s faction in the game. Now, as she appears in the game, in that initial trailer, I love the update to her look and costume. It almost has a dark, witches touch to it. Also, the way her powers are presented, especially when she gives in to her darker half, look really wicked (no pun intended). But I am not a fan of the voice she has in the game. Sorry to say this, but her voice in the game reminds me of the Buffalo Bill character from the Silence of the Lambs movie during the Goodbye Horses segment. Kind of creepy.

Final Character Assessment: B

 

 

Sinestro

Here is a powerhouse that definitely needed to be in this game. Sinestro may be slim and trim, but his yellow power ring which operates on his ability to instill fear in the hearts of his opponents definitely makes his one of the heavy hitters on the roster. Add in that amazing suit design that NetherRealm has come up with and you have yourself one bad looking Yellow Lantern ready to do battle. Like GL, Sinestro should be able to cut loose with his ring, and I am definitely interested on seeing how they match up against each other in the game, but I am definitely sold on Sinestro being a part of the game’s line up. This is another step in making Sinestro a top tier baddie in the DC Universe and continues the evolution of the character since the Sinestro Corps War during pre-New 52 DC continuity.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

 

Solomon Grundy

Now here is a character that I really don’t care for but I am totally loving his design for the game. Solomon Grundy is one of those throw away characters who looks totally fierce and menacing yet never has been utilized properly by the writers. He has this great mystique about his origin. A wealthy merchant named Cyrus Gold who is murdered and whose body is thrown into a swamp near Gotham. Years later, Gold is reanimated, a zombie-like being, with no memory of his past life, and takes the name Solomon Grundy when mistaken called that by a homeless man who witnessed his rebirth. Since then, he has had numerous encounters with the Green Lanterns, Superman and Batman – and almost always easily dispatched despite his amazing strength and ability to regenerate all wounds. He looks even more menacing in this game, but I feel is just there for fodder.

Final Character Assessment: D

 

 

Superman

So Superman is the supposed main bad guy in the story as it is presented thus far. I like it. I love it when roles are mixed around a bit. That is why alternative stories like DC’s Elseworlds really call out to me. I like seeing some different take on characters, if only just for a while. So having Superman lead an army of meta-humans that subjugate the Earth’s population in the name of safety and security, I love it. It reminds me of some old episodes of the Superman: The Animated Series (Brave New Metropolis), Justice League animated series (A Better World, Divided We Fall) and, to a certain degree, the Kingdom Come story. While the Superman in the game has more in with the Justice League’s Justice Lords Superman, his motivations are more like that of the Kingdom Come and Superman: TAS Superman, all three versions which I enjoyed immensely. So having Superman as the master villain this time around; yeah, I am totally sold on that notion.

Final Character Assessment: A

 

 

Wonder Woman

As the final member of DC’s Troika, or Big Three, you simply had to have Wonder Woman in the game. While I am not quite sure what role she may ultimately play in the game, I am betting that she will either be a high ranking member of Superman’s forces or, quite possibly, an independent character fight for herself. As a powerhouse character, she certainly has the strength and resolve to easily duke it out with Superman and has the fighting skill and determination to match moves with Batman – and that is what makes her a very interesting character. Whatever the case may be with her character I am really happy that the people at NetherRealm included her in the game. She may not get the respect she deserves, but she certainly has earned it over the years, even if some fans only know her for her costume, which thankfully has also been redesigned with a more practical aesthetic for the game.

Final Character Assessment: A

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So now that I have talked a bit about the characters that have been confirmed for the roster (to date), I want to talk about some characters that I wish would have been included into the roster of playable characters. Hopefully, down the line, a few of these characters can be made available via DLC or some manner, but for now they remain, what I believe to be a wasted chance by both DC and NetherRealm to use some awesome but underutilized characters of DC’s character stable:

Beast Boy

Since we seem to have a number of Teen Titans related characters in the game, here is one that is both a fan favorite and that players would love to play due to his shape shifting powers. I don’t know if NetherRealm and its people would know how to implement his animal-shape changing powers into the game, or whether he would be just as bad ass as other characters and have his powers receive some kind of boost, but being able to give a gorilla punch or gore your opponent with a rhinoceros’ horn does have some visual appeal, especially the way he is being portrayed in New 52 continuity.

Inclusion Probability: Medium

 

Black Canary

Here is a great opportunity that I feel NetherRealm and DC let slip through their fingers. Black Canary is one of the best fighters in the DC Universe. She can easily handle herself in a fight against any opponent, and if her fighting skills were not enough, her Canary Cry is more than powerful enough to bring any character to their knees. As the trainer of new Justice League recruits and one time leader of the JLA, Canary is more than capable of being one of the heavy hitters in the DC Universe, even if she isn’t a powerhouse by definition of the word.

Inclusion Probability: Medium

 

Darkseid

This is something I have wanted to see in a DC video game for a long time, and I believe that with this game, they might actually get it right. Simply put, I don’t count Darkseid being in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. The game sucked, Darkseid was completely misused, and the whole concept behind his merging with Shao Khan was ridiculous. This time around, have Darkseid come in, try to usurp Superman’s rule, and then battle all sides as he tries to subjugate the Earth. But with the ruthlessness that is being presented in the game, everyone would have an equal chance to beat the lord of Apokolips.

Inclusion Probability: Medium

 

Doctor Fate

I still believe that game needs some more magic users to fill out the roster – and having Doctor Fate in the game would be a great addition. As the wielder of the power of Nabu, Doctor Fate would prove a formidable challenge for characters on either side of the Regime.  He could easily oppose Superman, dealing damage that only a magic based character could do, and he could take on Batman through various incantations. Also, looking at the redesign for all the other characters in the game, imagine just how bad ass NetherRealm could make Doctor Fate to look.

Inclusion Probability: Low

 

Icon

As a way of introducing new fans to Icon, who has already made an appearance in the New 52, NetherRealm, but mainly DC, should have included Icon into the playable roster for the game. As a Superman level character, Icon was stranded on Earth as a child when the ship his family was on exploded and jettisoned the infant child to 1839 America in the deep-south. Growing up and performing small acts due to his enhanced abilities but soon became a super hero. With powers that rival that of Superman, he could have been a great rival for the Man of Steel in the game.

Inclusion Probability: Non-Existent

 

Lobo

This Czarnian intergalactic bounty hunter has gone toe-to toe with Superman before, sometimes even getting the better of the Big Blue Boy Scout. A ruthless and fearless fighter, he has the personality traits that would have mixed in well with the story of the game. You could have even had him challenging Superman for the right to rule the world just to see who was the toughest. I know, lame plot device, but with Lobo, it actually could work. After all, he would do anything to prove that he is The Main Man.

Inclusion Probability: Low

 

Power Girl

Not just simply the Power Girl that fans have grown to love over the years, add in elements from the Galatea character from the Justice League Animated series (which was clearly based on PG) to make her even more ruthless and cunning, and you would have a great companion and follower to Superman and his regime in the game. Also, while I dig the original Power Girl duds from the past several decades, I would use her new suit from the New 52 continuity which looks a lot more impressive, intimidating and respectable than the suit that looked like a swimsuit with a breast keyhole.

Inclusion Probability: Low

 

Starfire

Yes, she is a sexy character whose lustful personality and looks have made her a favorite with male readers for years. But forget all that. Beneath the sexy body and orange hued skin lies the heart of a Tamaranian warrior whose ability to harness energy from the sun give her the powers of flight, energy projection and superhuman strength, dexterity and endurance. More than just a pretty face, Starfire has the capabilities to make a difference on any battlefield she may find herself on.

Inclusion Probability: Low

 

Zatanna

Superman is vulnerable to magic. It is one of his most consistent, and better known, weaknesses. So why isn’t there a magic based character in the game who can level the playing field with him? I would even have accepted Dr. Fate being in the game. But given the choice, I would rather go with the magician Zatanna. She has a seep seeded relationship with nearly every character on the roster and would prove a fun and capable character to play as. I see this as another missed opportunity by DC and NetherRealm to have some fun with popular, lesser known characters.

Inclusion Probability: High

 

Zealot

Another chance to showcase one of DC’s newest character acquisitions, Zealot, formerly of Jim Lee’s Wildstorm Universe, was recently introduced into mainstream DC continuity during the New 52 storyline. As with Icon beforehand, and considering this game is a huge Elseworlds type story, including character from outside known DC continuity would have made for a wonderful addition to the game. Zealot herself would have been a great choice as she is an ageless female warrior on par with Wonder Woman in terms of ability and strength.

Inclusion Probability: Non-Existent

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Why have these characters have been left out? Why were they not considered for a spot on the roster? Why were the characters that are in the game chosen for the game given that spot? I don’t know. I wish I did, I wish I could say that I was in that room, but I wasn’t. As it is I am really just playing Monday Morning Quarterback here attempting to figure out the process for the selection of characters. I have no real answers, but this is how I feel about the roster of playable characters. How do you feel about the announced roster for the game? I invite you all, I am asking you all, please let me and the rest of us here at Pop Cults know what you feel about the roster for Injustice: Gods Among Us and what characters you are excited about being able to play as and which characters you wish would have been included in game. Comments are always welcome, and I am really interested in knowing what you feel about this.