Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League Review - A Heroic Attempt Surrounded By Kryptonite
- Visuals present a beautifully devastated Metropolis and meticulously crafted character models
- Top-tier voice acting
- Mandatory online play
- Repetitive gameplay
- Narrative pacing and franchise continuity issues
A PS5 review code for "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" was provided to SVG for this review. The game is available now for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Remember those awe-inspiring first glimpses of "Anthem," where a team of mech suit-wearing soldiers freefall and jetpack their way through a gorgeous futuristic landscape en route to their mission? That same feeling came when watching the pre-release footage for "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League." The action-adventure game from Rocksteady Studios, set in the DC Universe, was looking poised to be an epic dark ride with its twisted take on beloved superheroes and supervillains.
But we'd been here before. And as the old adage says, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." So, has "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" really learned from the mistakes of games past, or is it just another disappointing attempt with the added risk of souring a beloved franchise?
"Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" takes the line between villainy and heroism, blurring it with every bullet fired and every building leaped. Here, you're thrust into the shoes—or rather, the blood-stained boots—of DC's most endearingly deranged anti-heroes. But before you get too comfy, know this: the game is an unapologetic whirlwind of chaos that demands your attention, for better or for worse.
An Explosive Ballet of Bullets
The gameplay in "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" is a frenzied dance of destruction. Imagine yourself zip-lining across the skyline of a besieged Metropolis, dodging laser beams, and returning fire with gusto. The game's firefights are high-octane and relentless, with an emphasis on movement and aggression that feels refreshing yet overwhelming. Whether you're teleporting with Boomerang or jetpacking with Deadshot, the action rarely pauses for breath, making every encounter a test of your reflexes and thirst for mayhem.
However, this chaotic approach is a double-edged sword. The repetitiveness of the gameplay can set in quickly. Also, teamwork, while touted, often devolves into a spectacle of solo players doing their best impression of a one-person army in the same way that Sora did throughout the "Kingdom Hearts" franchise. On top of that, the controls can be clunky and unresponsive at times, resulting in frustrating deaths and missed opportunities. It has its thrilling moments, but it also feels like a missed opportunity for more nuanced team dynamics.
Graphically, "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" is a stunner. The Unreal Engine 5 flexes its muscles here, rendering a beautifully devastated Metropolis with such detail that it's easy to get distracted by the scenery—provided you have a moment's respite from the action. Character models are meticulously crafted, bringing the squad to life with an impressive fidelity that's as close to stepping into a comic book as it gets.
Heroes or Villains? The Story Walks a Tightrope
The narrative setup in "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" is intriguing, flipping the script on the typical superhero tale by casting the Justice League as the antagonists. This twist injects a fresh dose of unpredictability into the game, bolstered by top-tier voice acting from industry legends like Kevin Conroy and Tara Strong. Their performances breathe life into the chaos, ensuring that the story, while treading familiar ground, remains engaging.
Audio-wise, the game hits all the right notes, from the cacophony of urban warfare to the more nuanced sounds of character interactions. The voice acting stands out as a highlight, capturing the essence of each character and elevating the game's cinematic feel.
Yet, the game's pacing stumbles, caught in a tug-of-war between adrenaline-pumping action and slower, cinematic moments that can feel jarring. The narrative's integration within the Arkhamverse also raises eyebrows, with continuity issues that might leave series veterans scratching their heads.
The decision to tether "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" exclusively to online play is, frankly, baffling. This choice not only alienates players looking for a solo experience but also leaves everyone at the mercy of server stability. And yes, the servers have had their moments of issues, further tarnishing the game's shine and the overall experience.
Weighing the Bang Against the Bucks
At its heart, the game is a paradox. On one hand, the visuals, combat, and voice acting are nothing short of spectacular, setting a new bar for superhero games. On the other, the narrative pacing, continuity issues, and mandatory online play create friction that slows the game's momentum.
For the asking price—a hefty $70, with the Digital Deluxe Edition reaching even higher—players might rightfully expect a more polished experience. The lack of an offline mode is a glaring oversight, making it hard to endorse the game as a must-buy at full price. Maybe a sale price down the line could make it easier to overlook these issues, but even then, you likely have other titles on your wishlist that will come with better value for your money.
"Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" is a game of contrasts. It's both a visual and auditory masterpiece that captures the essence of its titular anti-heroes with flair and fervor. The gameplay, while exhilarating, sometimes feels like it's on autopilot, with the player's role reduced to keeping the chaos meter pinned to the max. The narrative, though engaging, is hampered by pacing issues and a disjointed connection to the broader Arkhamverse.
In essence, the game is a wild ride that's equal parts exhilarating and exasperating. It still arguably shows Rocksteady's ambition, but it's also a reminder that even the best can stumble when trying to walk the tightrope between innovation and tradition.
Scoring "Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League" a 5 out of 10 feels like acknowledging its achievements while also recognizing its failures. It's a game that could have been a genre-defining moment but instead serves as a cautionary tale of ambition clashing with execution. Here's hoping the squad gets another shot, preferably with a clearer vision and a steadier hand at the helm.