Squad Up and Get Ready to Wreak Havoc: A Hands-On Look at Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
As we usher in the new year, the gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Rocksteady, the acclaimed developers of the Arkhamverse, make a triumphant return with "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League." Set to launch on February 2 for PS5, this third-person action shooter promises a fresh addition to the beloved Arkhamverse. Recently, I had the privilege of diving into the heart of the game, experiencing character tutorials, co-op missions, and a climactic boss battle against none other than The Fastest Man Alive. Join me as we explore the thrills and hijinks that await in this upcoming blockbuster.
Traversing the World of Antiheroes:
The hands-on experience kicked off with tutorials showcasing each character's unique traversal and combat mechanics. From King Shark's athletic movements to Harley Quinn and Deadshot's nimble slides, the game seamlessly intertwines movement and combat. According to Rocksteady Advanced Combat Designer Noel Chamberlain, "It’s not traversal and combat; they’re both intertwined…everything is seamless." Mastering the intricacies of each character's movement becomes crucial, offering a dynamic and engaging experience.
Move with Meaning:
The game introduces a variety of traversal mechanics, such as King Shark's Apex Pounce and Harley Quinn's Grapnel Gun cooldowns. Deadshot's jetpack adds another layer of complexity, requiring players to slide strategically to maintain speed. Captain Boomerang's Speed Force Gauntlet offers a unique twist, demanding precision in aiming and launch angles. The game's deliberate complexity ensures that players can continually improve their skills and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering the mechanics.
Feel Good While Doin' Bad:
'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League' excels in gameplay mechanics and captivates with its story cinematics and charismatic cast. The Squad's rag-tag charisma is evident in the witty banter, creating a light-hearted and sarcastic tone throughout the narrative. The game allows players to express their flair and attitude through silly actions during downtime, embracing the uniqueness of the Suicide Squad.
Open-World Metropolis:
Venturing into the open-world Metropolis, players are treated to sprawling landscapes and detailed cityscapes. The City of Tomorrow becomes a traversal playground, allowing DC fans to discover easter eggs scattered throughout, from Zatana ads to Clark Kent's desk at the Daily Planet. The open-world setting adds depth to the game, creating an immersive experience that complements the captivating narrative.
Squad Up in Co-op:
Co-op missions further highlight the importance of team dynamics, presenting challenges that underscore the need for cohesion. The vast open world of Metropolis adds an element of urgency as players rush to complete mission objectives. Stragglers risk brain bomb detonations, courtesy of Task Force X leader Amanda Waller, emphasizing the importance of staying together in battle.
Taking on The Flash:
The hands-on experience culminated in a climactic showdown against The Flash, corrupted by Brainiac's influence. The battle, set in a space-themed amusement park, adds verticality to the arena, requiring players to use buildings as vantage points strategically. Deflecting Flash's attacks through Critical Counters and charging Speed Force protection adds a layer of strategy to the intense confrontation.
As 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League' prepares to launch on February 2 for PS5, the hands-on experience leaves a lasting impression. The game seamlessly blends traversal and combat, offering a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. With a charismatic cast, an open-world Metropolis to explore, and co-op missions emphasizing teamwork, this title promises to be a must-play for fans of action shooters and the Arkhamverse. Get ready to Squad up and unleash chaos on the mean streets of Metropolis!
For more on Suicide Squad, check our friend Caboose's thoughts on the game.